Richard Froese
South Peace News
Alberta Parks reports another busy year in 2024 to the delight of the parks minister and local MLA.
More that two million visitors enjoyed an overnight stay in reserved camping spaces in 2024, says a government news release dated Jan. 3.
Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen is delighted that Alberta Parks recorded another banner season.
“I’m incredibly proud of our provincial parks system which continues to support outdoor recreation, conservation goals and good-paying jobs for Albertans,” says Loewen, MLA for Central Peace – Notley.
“Our parks remain accessible while providing so many people with the opportunity to experience our beautiful backyard.”
More that 228,000 camping reservations were processed in 2024, with about 2.3 million visitors enjoying overnight camping.
Visitors to Alberta’s provincial parks continue to report high satisfaction rates of 87 per cent, due in large part to the hard work and dedication of Alberta Parks staff, Loewen says.
Last year, information officers, interpreters and park rangers recorded more than 670,000 interactions with visitors, ensuring safe, enjoyable and enriching experiences in Alberta’s provincial parks and recreation sites.
As demand rises for diverse recreation opportunities and improved accessibility, the Alberta government continues to invest in the province’s outdoor spaces.
Progress continues on creating additional campsites while enhancing those that already exist.
“We continue to actively seek out opportunities to create new exciting visitor experiences,” Loewen says.
Last year, visitors were able to explore the newly-established Kleskun Hills Provincial Park east of Grande Prairie and La Biche River Provincial Recreation Area, about 70 km northwest of Lac La Biche.
In 2024, the government also launched the Plan for Parks public engagement for the enjoyment of Albertans.
The plan will guide recreation and conservation priorities for the next 10 years, ensuring Alberta’s provincial parks and recreation areas benefit for generations to come.
The next phase of engagement will take place in 2025.
Alberta’s provincial parks contribute an estimated $1 billion annually to the provincial gross domestic product, provide $400 million in labour income and support almost 9,000 jobs in Alberta.
Alberta is home to more than 470 provincial parks and recreation areas with more than 250 campgrounds.