Alberta seniors will soon have access to reduced camping fees in provincial parks. Starting May 1, the provincial government is offering a 25 percent discount on camping fees for residents 65 and older.
The discount will apply to 142 front-country campgrounds, including about 6,400 individual, equestrian and walk-in tenting campsites. Other options, such as group, seasonal, comfort and backcountry camping, are not included.
The government says the initiative aims to make outdoor recreation more affordable for seniors and encourage them to explore Alberta’s natural landscapes.
"We live in the most beautiful place on earth, and initiatives like these will make it easier than ever for Albertans, especially seniors, to explore and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes Alberta has to offer," Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said in a statement.
"By making our parks more accessible and affordable, we are enhancing the quality of life for seniors, promoting their health and well-being, and helping them discover the hidden gems of our province," he said.
Dale Nally, minister of Service Alberta and red tape reduction, added the discount will empower seniors to connect with nature.
"This new discount ensures that seniors can more easily discover the parks that make Alberta so extraordinary. By reducing costs and improving access, we’re empowering seniors to connect with nature and explore the diverse beauty of our province," he said.
To qualify for the discount, seniors must hold a camping permit, provide valid identification, and stay on-site. Reservations for May 1 arrivals open on Jan. 31 and can be made online, by phone, or through self-registration at first-come, first-served campgrounds.
The Alberta Parks system includes about 14,000 campsites, 9,000 of which are available for reservation and 5,000 designated as first-come, first-served. In 2024, more than 228,000 camping reservations were made, and seniors accounted for about 16 percent of bookings.
Larry Mathieson, president and CEO of Unison, said the initiative gives seniors a better chance to experience Alberta’s natural spaces.
"Seniors appreciate every opportunity to enjoy and recreate in parks more affordably. By providing these discounts on select campsites, more seniors can take advantage of hidden gem campgrounds across Alberta, promoting their health and well-being," Mathieson said.
Gerry Haracsi, executive vice president of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association Alberta, noted that the program is beneficial for senior RV owners who want to explore less crowded campgrounds.
The discount applies to about 6,400 campsites at 142 campgrounds across Alberta. A full list of participating sites is available online.
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