National Parks in Alberta (Managed by Parks Canada)

These parks are among Canada's most protected natural landscapes.

• Banff National Park (Established 1887): Canada's first national park, featuring iconic spots like Lake Louise and Banff townsite.

• **Jasper National Park:** The largest Rocky Mountain park, connected to Banff via the scenic Icefields Parkway.

• **Waterton Lakes National Park:** Located on the Montana border where prairie meets mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• **Elk Island National Park:** A protected park known for bison conservation, located near Edmonton.

• **Wood Buffalo National Park:** Canada’s largest national park, protecting vast herds of wood bison and the Peace-Athabasca Delta.

  

  Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada (Shutterstock)

Prominent Provincial Parks in Alberta

These parks are managed by the province and offer a variety of recreational activities.

• **Dinosaur Provincial Park (UNESCO Site):** Located in the badlands, famous for fossil discoveries.
• **Cypress Hills Provincial Park:** Known for its high elevation, lakes, and dark sky viewing.
• **Peter Lougheed Provincial Park:** Located in Kananaskis Country, popular for hiking and camping.
• **Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park:** A premier hub for cross-country skiing and mountain biking.
• **Castle Provincial Park:** Located in the Crowsnest Pass area, known for its biodiversity.
• **Fish Creek Provincial Park:** One of Canada's largest urban provincial parks, located in Calgary.

Bow Valley Provincial Park

Key Planning Information

• Reservations: Camping and accommodation bookings for National Parks can be made through **Parks Canada,** with booking windows often opening early in the year.