Alberta's provincial parks and recreation areas now closed to vehicles

All provincial recreation areas and provincial parks in Alberta have closed to vehicles as of Friday, March 27.

The measure is part of the ministerial orders in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, which continues to impact Canada and the rest of the world.

“We understand the need to get outdoors, but now is not the time to visit our provincial parks and recreation areas without abiding by common-sense public health and safety measures,” said Minister of Environment and Parks Jason Nixon in a release from the Province of Alberta.

“We are asking all Albertans to assist us by complying with the public access restriction and to stay home during this critical time.”

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“If you have plans to travel to a provincial park or provincial recreation area, please rethink your plans. We all need to do our part to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable Albertans, including ensuring protective gear is available for the service providers that need it most.”

Parking lots, staging areas for hiking and biking, and other recreation areas are closed to the public until further notice.

The minister impressed the need to maintain physical distancing whenever Albertans do go out, and to be courteous in your walking visits to parks by ensuring to pick up your garbage, and leaving the area as you found it.

Horseback use, forestry access, First Nations and Metis harvester access, and off-highway vehicles are still permitted within the legal guidelines.

The government has advised citizens to stick close to home, and to cancel any planned trips to provincial parks if they have to drive there.