Senior camping at the Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area. Photo courtesy Travel Alberta.
The province last week announced a 25 per cent camping fee discount for seniors.
The discount will be available at 142 front-country campgrounds across Alberta, including about 6,400 campsites for individual, equestrian, and walk-in tenting, along with other popular camping experiences.
“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 news release.
“By making our parks more accessible and affordable, we are enhancing quality of life for seniors, promoting their health and well-being, and helping them discover the hidden gems of our province.”
Seniors will have access to these sites that offer stunning, quieter experiences in less-crowded settings, allowing them to explore new areas without the pressure of fully booked campsites.
Other types of camping such as group, comfort, seasonal and backcountry are not eligible for the discount.
“This new discount ensures that seniors can more easily discover the parks that make Alberta so extraordinary,” said Dale Nally, minister of Service Alberta and red tape reduction. “By reducing costs and improving access, we’re empowering seniors to connect with nature and explore the diverse beauty of our province.”
A list of campgrounds offering the discount is available at albertaparks.ca.
Seniors can take advantage of this discount by booking through shop.albertaparks.ca, by phone or at first-come, first-served campgrounds.
Bookings for May 1 arrivals open Jan. 31.
To receive the discount, eligible seniors must be the camping permit holder, have valid identification and be part of the camping party for the entire stay.
In 2024, there were more than 228,000 camping reservations in Alberta Parks.
Seniors buy about 16 per cent of reservable camping nights in the system.
