Helping seniors explore Alberta’s hidden gems
Alberta’s government is delivering on its promise to introduce a camping fee discount for seniors.
Alberta’s government is making it easier than ever for seniors to explore and enjoy the stunning landscapes that provincial parks have to offer. Starting May 1, Alberta seniors aged 65 and older will enjoy a 25 per cent discount on camping fees at select campgrounds, opening the door to more high-quality and low-cost outdoor adventures and opportunities to foster a deeper connection with nature.
Senior camping at the Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area. Photo courtesy Travel Alberta
“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. 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.” — Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks
“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.” — Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
“I’m pleased to see our government continue to follow through on our promise to introduce a seniors discount. This will make it easier for seniors to enjoy Alberta’s beautiful landscapes.” — Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
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. 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.
“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.” — Larry Mathieson, president and CEO, Unison
“For seniors who own RVs this discount will be a great way to access less popular campgrounds more affordably. Senior RV owners can now easily find the perfect spot to camp and explore more of what Alberta parks have to offer, whether they are out camping, hiking or exploring the road.” — Gerry Haracsi, executive vice-president, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association Alberta
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 will open on January 31.
Quick facts
Seniors can access the discount online at shop.albertaparks.ca, by phone or through self-registration at applicable first-come, first-served campgrounds.
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.
Alberta’s government is responsible for about 14,000 campsites across the province within the Alberta Parks system, 9,000 of which can be reserved and 5,000 that are first-come, first-served.
Around 6,400 campsites and 142 front country campgrounds will be eligible for the seniors discount.
In 2024, there were more than 228,000 camping reservations in Alberta Parks.
Seniors purchase about 16 per cent of reservable camping nights in the system.