By Liam Verster

temporary camping suspension

Alberta Parks suspends camping reservations through May long weekend

Apr 17, 2020 | 11:25 AM

Alberta Parks has suspended camping reservations up to, and including, May 19, and will be issuing refunds to those who have paid.

The suspension was put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in an effort to reduce the risk of an outbreak. The suspension may be extended past the May 19 date, if the coronavirus situation worsens.

The suspension brings Alberta in line with other jurisdictions including British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Parks Canada, which have also suspended camping reservations.

The County of Grande Prairie has also cancelled all reservations at its campgrounds through the end of May.

Alberta Parks has temporarily closed its online reservation system, and will begin notifying customers of the booking cancellations via email. All fees paid will be refunded, though the refunds may occur in multiple transactions, and could take up to two weeks to process.

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Vehicle access has also been suspended in Provincial Parks and Provincial Recreation Areas due to the coronavirus, and fires are not permitted in provincial parks or protected areas.

In the meantime, dispersed random camping on public land is still permitted, though further restrictions may be put in place if the COVID-19 pandemic worsens. Campers are reminded that fire and off-highway vehicle bans are in effect in the Forest Protection Area.

Campers are also asked to follow all directions of the chief medical officer of health to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus, including physical distancing and no mass gatherings.