Camping in Alberta

The Canadian Rockies are a no-brainer, but Alberta also offers badlands, Indigenous history, and dinosaur fossils.

98% (2405 reviews)
  1. Alberta
98% (2405 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Alberta

Top-rated campgrounds

Homegrown Campground & Cabins

1. Homegrown Campground & Cabins

96%
(196)
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Slave Lake, AB
Homegrown Campground and Cabins is nestled on the north shore of Lesser Slave Lake and I offer cozy camping areas with private lakefront views of Dog Island. I currently have 4 camp sites, two of which have decks, and another site with one tiny cabin. Please read: The property is also a Bison farm and I have two dogs, Luna and Pyro, who are the campground security managers. They love people and other furry friends! Please note that this campground/farm are my dogs home, and they may wonder over at some point and say hello. Please do not feed them, and use good judgment if you are traveling with dogs of your own. Aggressive dogs will not be tolerated. If my dogs overstay their welcome, or if you simply aren't a dog person, please let me know and I can come retrieve them. Potable water is available, directions to it will be made available after checking in. Also, if any of the sites, garabge bin or outhouse needs attention, PLEASE let me know. I ask that you don't leave bags of garbage on the ground after checking out since birds, dogs, or bears will take that as an ivite to make a mess looking for a snack. I do have a full time job that prevents me from being around 100% of the time, so with your help, we can ensure a clean and safe campground for everyone to enjoy. There is a metal dumpster at the end of the road that can be used if needed. Points of interest nearby include: Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, Devonshire Beach. 5-10 minutes away. You can't say you've been to Slave Lake with out saying you've been to Devonshire. Endless amounts of clean white "squeaky" sand and shallow waters perfect for summer beach days. You will never find a rock on the beach or in the water. The southern end of the park consists of sand ridges and blowout dunes, behind which are a series of marshes and wetlands. Marten Mountain View Point (Lily Lake Trail). 15 minutes away. By far the best view of the lake that you will ever get! At 1020 meters, Marten Mountain is the highest point of land for hundreds of square kilometers. From the Marten Mountain Viewpoint, you can take in a truly breathtaking view of Lesser Slave Lake and its forested slopes. The view point is also the trail head to get to Lily Lake, a medium difficulty 4 km round trip. The cozy lake is stocked with trout and is an excellent afternoon adventure. Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation. 5 minutes away. It is one of Canada's northernmost bird observatories and is one of the only boreal forest bird observatories in the world. Nice walking trails and a great information center with stunning architecture. Gilwood Golf Course. 2 minutes away. Neighboring the property is an 18 hole golf course with a clubhouse and restaurant. Activities nearby include fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, swimming, and so much more! Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$30
 / night
Fire pit available at all sites

2. Cattle Ranch in the Foothills

99%
(267)
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · AB
We are a working cattle ranch, about a 10 minute drive on a gravel road off of HiWay #1. You’re surrounded by wildlife and outdoor activities just as you step out of the door. We offer lots of privacy. Each site has its own road off the main road so no one else will be driving past your camp. During most of your stay, you will think there’s no one on the ranch but you! We’re close to a golf course, about 40 minutes to Canmore, one hour to Banff, and 40 minutes to Downtown Calgary. Perfect for day trips for activities other than camping. Our cows are tame and curious, but not house pets - just be aware. Our sites are not fenced from the cows, so you will have all the sights, smells, and sounds that are associated with cows if they come to visit you. If they bug you too much, message me and I will come over to move them out. I also have a shovel at each site to help clean up cow deposits! We are not a commercial nor Parks campground, nor do we strive to be. If you are looking for site with garbage service, running water, etc., you won’t find it here. If you are looking for an off-grid site with a few niceties, tons of privacy, off leash for your pups, and free firewood, you will be happy staying at our ranch!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$40
 / night
Rough Diamond Ranch Alberta

3. Rough Diamond Ranch Alberta

96%
(98)
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Calgary, AB
Quiet, majestic back to nature spot! This is a place to get away from a busy life. With close proximity to Winchell Lake, this land is ideal for fishing, hiking or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery. We have 4 campsites available for tent or RV/trailer campers. If you're bringing an RV, we have two power outlets and water available. You will be parking on a field and the site requires levelling. Electricity and firewood are both available for purchase (see extras below). Please add this to your reservation at the time of booking. Campfires are permitted, pets are welcome. Potable water, picnic table, and outhouse are all available. We have cows, goats, chickens, horses and dogs on the property that generally love people. :) I have only one dog and typically allow dogs to run off leash. We do have to be careful that it doesn't turn to a dog gang as this happened once and they took down one of my goats. The goats Hon and Chewy are okay but it took months for poor Hon to heal. I also worry about the chickens so please keep and eye on your dogs! Lots of treed areas for private camping, horseback riding hiking and walking! Bird watching is big around here as we are on a bird migratory path. We are just above Winchell Lake and less than 10 km from Water Valley Golf Course and Saloon. Please recognize that you are visiting a Ranch not a campsite. We are sharing our piece of heaven with you and you are helping to support our animals and their heaven. Chickens are "True" Free Range and hand fed every morning. Eggs are $10 a dozen to pay for their feed. :) Every spring the rain tends to cause ruts and washes out some of the road on the way to the back forty where the meadow is. We gather rocks on the property to fill the ditches but the early part of the year the roads can be bumpy. Please ask the conditions of the road when you book if you have concerns. Thanks!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$35
 / night
Fox & Hound Farmstay

4. Fox & Hound Farmstay

100%
(1)
1 site · RV · Duffield, AB
Looking for a quiet retreat away from the city? Welcome to our serene, private campsite nestled on our 36-acre homestead—just minutes from local amenities and popular summer activities, yet worlds away in peacefulness. Park your RV / Camper in a beautiful, wooded area surrounded by nature and farmers fields. While we don’t offer the full-service perks of a traditional RV park, what we do offer is something more rare: space to breathe, relax, and reconnect. Whether you’re here to unwind under the trees, explore the open green space, or gather around the cozy campfire, this is your happy place. ✔️ Pet & horse friendly ✔️ Nearby Amenities – Distillery, Golfing, Boating, Hiking, Tubing , Fishing, Parks & Recreation Areas, Equestrian trails ✔️ 40 minutes west of Edmonton 🚫 No Services | No outhouse (no sewer, water, or power hookups) 🚐 RV dump stations nearby ✔️ Generator rental available Optional Breakfast Basket – $15 Add a taste of the homestead to your stay! Enjoy a handmade breakfast basket featuring fresh sourdough bread, six farm eggs, and a jar of our homemade jam. Please let us know when booking or 3 days in advance. Other Things to Note: Our Pets: We have horses, 3 dogs and 2 cats on site. Please let us know if you are not comfortable around dogs and we will ensure that we keep them away from the camp site. Our cats are mousers and roam our property during the day. Please do not feed our pets without our consent. Quiet Hours: Please keep noise to a minimum between 11pm and 6am Fire Safety: Only use the designated fire pit for campfires. Please be aware of the fire hazard level for Parkland County and follow the guidelines. Ensure your fire is extinguished before bed or leaving it. Wildlife Awareness: We have many furry animals that like to visit our homestead (especially deer, moose, fox, coyotes, rabbits and bears). Please do not feed the wildlife or leave food or garbage out. Respect Boundaries: Our property is fenced with barbed wire fencing that is sharp. Please keep away from the fences and stay within our property (not on our neighbors fields). Leave No Trace: Please leave the campsite as you found it. This includes picking up all garbage, taking your belongings and leaving nature undisturbed.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
CA$25
 / night
Collinswood Retreat

5. Collinswood Retreat

98%
(211)
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Red Deer, AB
Collin’s Wood is a very special place indeed. The land was bought by my grandfather years ago when he moved to Canada from England and wanted to chase his log cabin dream. Our main cabin my family built from trees on the land, entirely by hand. We have photos of the trees being cut and the bark being peeled off. Since then, we’ve made many changes out there, we now have a guest cabin that used to be a Teacheridge (back when teachers would live in a one room building beside the school), eventually it was turned into a cafe and now it sits on our land as a guest cabin. This place is so magical. With a quarter section of land I grew up running through the forest with my friends and learning about what the land has to offer. My parents have spent every spare weekend out there making this paradise into what it is today. All the buildings were created by my family through labour and love. We’ve hosted weddings, and family reunions. We hope you appreciate how special this place is. Come see for yourself!
Pets
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CA$32
 / night
Elk Island Getaway

7. Elk Island Getaway

97%
(119)
12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Ardrossan, AB
Welcome to Elk Island Getaway! Elk Island Getaway is located 20 minutes east of Edmonton and 7 minutes from HWY 16 main entrance of Elk Island Park, Alberta. We are also right by Elk Island Park, in addition to being an important refuge for bison, elk and more than 250 bird species, it is a great place for all your hiking, picnicking, biking, canoeing and kayaking needs. When you enter Elk Island National Park you will know immediately that you have entered an oasis of calm. For years people have come to the picturesque park to escape the city life, explore the outdoors and connect with nature. Come and experience the dark sky preserve in our area that features an amazing opportunity to star gaze and to view the Northern Lights. We have 8 campsites available for tent, van, small motorhome, and small trailers. Some sites accommodate large trailers. Our group site is sites 7 and 8 please inquire if interested in this option. We offer firewood upon *availability* for sale at an additional cost of $20 per bundle of Tamarack wood. Please note that supply may be limited at times, so we recommend placing your order early to ensure availability. Pets welcome on leash and owners are responsible for clean-up. This is a camper-maintained campground. Please take your trash with you at the end of your stay. Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled food. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. There is a toilet available for campers to use but no other amenities. Our sites offer picnic tables and firepits. Mowed paths to walk We follow Provincial and County Fire Regulations Boreal Harvest Farms is right next door with a honeyberry U pick available during part of the year. Starts July 8th open to pick for an additional fee! www.borealharvest.com We look forward to hosting you.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$35
 / night
The Mariposa Glamping/Camping

9. The Mariposa Glamping/Camping

96%
(28)
10 sites · RVs, Tents · AB
Discover Serenity Near Payne Lake Provincial Park Escape to our peaceful, pet-friendly glamping and campground, just steps away from the natural beauty of Payne Lake Provincial Park. Whether you bring your own tent or RV, or rent one of our cozy options, you’ll find yourself surrounded by nature’s tranquility. Enjoy fishing, for rainbow trout, swimming, or launching your boat or other water craft right from the park. Located only 14 km from the Waterton Park boundary and a short 20-minute drive to the Waterton Park townsite, our campground offers the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility. For those looking to explore further, we are also just 25 minutes from Cardston, home to the historic Remington Carriage Museum, the Cardston Carriage House Theatre, and the beautiful temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Relax around the fire pit, savor meals at the provided picnic tables, and immerse yourself in the quiet, private setting. Please note, we currently do not offer hook-ups or potable water, so come prepared to enjoy a true off-grid experience. We are located only a 15 minute drive from the Waterton Lake National Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$25
 / night
The Point At Alborak

10. The Point At Alborak

99%
(98)
4 sites · RVs · County Of Bighorn, AB
Experience a tranquil remote retreat in the foothills of the Rockies at The Point at Alborak, Offering stunning views of sweeping valleys and mountains. Our secluded, remote getaway features four full hook-ups with 20-amp and 30-amp power, sewer, and water connections. Because it is well water we do not ensure it is potable water. Bring your own drinking water. The Point at Alborak RV site features a shared flat gravel space enclosed by fencing and cattleguard to ensure vehicle safety. Situated 7 Kms off Highway 1 via a gravel road near our Equine facility, the Point at Alborak provides glimpses of wildlife, including deer, moose, bear, and elk. Our 17 mares coming up for water are always a big hit with campers. Right outside your door, enjoy hiking and mountain biking adventures. We are located just 10 minutes down gravel road off Hwy 1, we serve as the halfway point between Banff and Calgary and are only minutes away from the Livingstone Golf Course. Please be aware that we operate as a working cattle ranch and equestrian centre. We kindly request due care and caution around livestock, and exercise caution when near electric fencing. For the safety of all, please keep dogs on a leash when livestock is present. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our surroundings while respecting the coexistence of our working ranch and your peaceful retreat.
Pets
Campfires
from 
CA$55
 / night
Hidden Springs Retreat & Guesthouse

11. Hidden Springs Retreat & Guesthouse

100%
(50)
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Wetaskiwin County 10, AB
A place of restorative peace and relaxation. Located on 160 acres of rolling parkland east of Winfield, Alberta, Hidden Springs is a place to stay, play, and connect.Whether you’re seeking quiet time by yourself, or space to reconnect with friends and family, the Guesthouse is furnished to make you feel at home. Get cozy in front of the wood stove, spread a personal project out across the dining room table, settle into a puzzle or game, read on the deck, spend a day cooking, or watch the weather roll in across the valley.The Guesthouse is made up of two self-contained suites (upper and lower) connected by exterior stairs. The upper suite features a full kitchen (including stove, fridge, microwave and water cooler), a spacious living room, wood stove, and a large deck overlooking the valley. This suite sleeps up to four guests, with a queen bed in the bedroom and a queen-sized sofa bed in the common space.The lower suite can accommodate up to six people, with two queen-size beds and an additional pullout. It features a kitchenette (including sink, small fridge, microwave, and water cooler.) Its small brick patio offers a serene view of the pond below.WiFi is free and available throughout the guesthouse.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
CA$35
 / night
Aspen Grove

13. Aspen Grove

97%
(208)
3 sites · Tents · Red Deer, AB
This property is one of the last remaining natural areas around Sylvan lake. Our family has spent over 120 years as stewards of the land and are excited to share what we have protected. Enjoy Private Tent Camping in a Pristine Aspen Forest with a fire pit and picnic table. All within 500 feet of Sylvan Lake. This is the perfect place to disconnect yourself from the city! Your fee includes free access to 120 acres of forest, excellent wildlife viewing and unlimited deadfall to use as firewood, if you don't mind some manual labour. My kids cut and split firewood if you would like some waiting at your site when you arrive. We have seasoned and split bundles for $10 and you can pre-purchase them when you complete your checkout. It's like a lemonade stand for them...just more work. ;) A professionally maintained porta-potty is on-site for your comfort. We are pet-friendly! If you enjoy the water, this is an ideal location for Kayaking, Paddleboarding or just lounging on an air mattress. With its picturesque scenery and shallow shoreline, Sylvan Lake is a great place to spend some time. Sylvan Lake's laid back nature and small-town charm are warm and inviting and have all the amenities that you could ask for. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
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CA$27
 / night
Onespot Crossing Campgrounds

14. Onespot Crossing Campgrounds

84%
(66)
46 sites · RVs, Tents · Calgary, AB
Learn more about this land:OPEN ALL YEAR!Our campsite is the perfect city escape. We’re 40 minutes away from downtown Calgary but completely surrounded by nature.With over 50 acres, we offer very large, open, and spacious campsites to accommodate all. If you want a group gathering or a quiet secluded weekend, we are here to accommodate everyone and are very flexible with our customers' needs - feel free to message me with any questions. Picnic tables and firepits are provided in all of our unserviced natural sites. There is a toilet available.Onespot Campground is all-natural and has no power or water campground. Generators are permitted. Trailers need to fill water and dump trailer before arriving (we have no water and no dump site yet).Close to West Bragg Creek Provincial for hiking and mountain biking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.We are a family-friendly and pet-friendly campground. To ensure that we respect all guests, we have an 11 pm curfew. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$40
 / night
Camping with Mountain Views

19. Camping with Mountain Views

97%
(73)
1 site · RV, Tent · AB
With amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, this west facing spot allows for some beautiful sunsets. Sightings of deer and moose are very typical along with many birds including hawks, eagles and even a chance to see some sand hill cranes. Just up the hill is the Pine Ridge lookout which provide views towards Waterton Park and the legendary Chief Mountain.Learn more about this land:This camping spot has amazing mountain views about 15 minutes from Waterton Lakes National Park.  The prairies of Alberta meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains in Waterton Lakes National Park. Clear lakes, thundering waterfalls, rainbow-coloured streams, colourful rocks and mountain vistas await hikers and sightseers. With an exceptional diversity of wildlife and wildflowers and a cozy little waterfront town to serve as a home base, Waterton packs a big natural punch into a relatively small and accessible area.Currently, this is a simple, basic spot to camp and enjoy the views.There are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife (moose, deer, birds). No amenities as of now, but we are looking to add more soon.  Due to fire restrictions currently in place, only propane-type devices can be used at this time.Pets are welcome.
Pets
from 
CA$39
 / night
Wondering who the Blue Heeler is? That's our Emma! She wont leave your side while you stay her and absolutely loves children!

20. Hobby Farm in Glenevis

98%
(29)
14 sites · RVs, Tents · Glenevis, AB
Learn more about this land: We are a young family just starting out, we have 40 acres within walking distance to the lake with a nice little forest (currently we are working on an easy access through the trees but if you enjoy foraging this might fit perfectly!)  We are very open to helping set up activities or anything you may need. We have grown up in the area and know it very well and hope you enjoy your time! The campsites are fairly private, but still close to all of the amenities that we offer. We have recently added a 10 minute nature walk through the trees, this will include locations to sit and rest, as well as the ability to get some shade while soaking in all sounds and beauty of your surroundings. Lac Ste. Anne is only a 15-minute drive from our property where you can enjoy swimming, hiking, biking, and so much more! Please be mindful we are a farm, our animals are friendly but we ask that you respect the fences. Children are asked to stay on the cut grass unless accompanied by an adult (we have a pond and other various safety hazards).  -Please clean up after yourselves - pack in, pack out! - Campfires are permitted within local regulations - Picnic table provided - Pit toilet available -Electrical and water hookup available -Both wifi and cell reception on the property
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$15
 / night

Camper favorites in Alberta

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Stories from the community

Star Hosts in Alberta

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Dog-friendly getaways

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Alberta guide

Overview

The glacier-topped peaks, aqua lakes, and scenic campgrounds of the Canadian Rockies draw most of Alberta’s visitors, who come to explore Banff and Jasper national parks. And beyond those parks, this western province is worth visiting to hike through the Canadian Badlands’ unusual rock formations; delve into the region’s indigenous heritage; road trip along the Cowboy Trail; or visit Dinosaur Provincial Park. Alberta’s largest cities are Calgary, a 90-minute drive from Banff, and Edmonton, four hours from Jasper.

Canadian Rockies

Alberta’s most popular region includes Banff and Jasper national parks, drawing visitors from around the world to Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, and other scenic spots. The town of Canmore, 20 minutes’ drive from Banff’s south entrance, is a good place to get supplies. Waterton Lakes National Park borders Montana’s Glacier National Park south of Calgary and across the border in the U.S.

Southern Alberta & the Canadian Badlands

The gateway to the Rockies, Calgary is also a short drive from the Canadian Badlands, where you can explore unusual hoodoos and rocky canyons. The region around Drumheller and Dinosaur Provincial Park, where Canada’s early dinosaurs were unearthed, has plenty to interest paleontology fans.

Central Alberta

The center of the province includes Alberta’s Cowboy Trail, where cattle ranches are still active and you can trace the area’s cowboy past. Visit Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site to learn about Alberta’s heritage as a fur trading hub, as well as its indigenous First Nations and Métis cultures.

Northern Alberta

Edmonton is the jumping-off point for both Jasper National Park and the province’s vast north, where remote Wood Buffalo National Park extends into the Northwest Territories. But you don’t have to go far to delve into the wild—just outside Edmonton, more than 1,000 bison roam the protected prairies of Elk Island National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Alberta, Canada, you generally need a permit or reservation to camp in provincial parks, national parks, and some other public lands. For provincial parks, you can reserve a campsite online through the Alberta Parks website. For national parks, such as Banff and Jasper, you will need to make reservations through the Parks Canada Reservation System. Some public lands and Crown lands may also require permits, so it's essential to check the specific regulations for the area you plan to camp in.

When camping in the Edmonton area, you can find a variety of campgrounds and parks, such as Elk Island National Park and William A. Sweny Campground, where you will need to make reservations or obtain permits as required.

Random camping, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed in Alberta on public lands, including Crown land and provincial forests, with some rules and guidelines to follow:

  1. Choose a site at least 1 km away from any designated or established campground, recreation area, or private land.
  2. Stay at least 100 meters away from any lakes, rivers, or streams to protect water quality and wildlife habitats.
  3. Only camp for a maximum of 14 days in the same location.
  4. Leave no trace; pack out all garbage and waste, and leave the site as you found it.
  5. Do not cut down trees or damage vegetation.
  6. Campfires are allowed in fire-safe containers or in rock fire rings. Check for fire bans and restrictions in the area before starting a fire.
  7. Use existing trails and roads to minimize damage to the environment.
  8. Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance from them.
  9. Obey any posted signs and regulations.

It is important to note that random camping is not allowed in Alberta's provincial parks, national parks, or ecological reserves.

Yes, you can definitely camp in a tent in Alberta, Canada. The province offers a wide variety of camping opportunities, from well-maintained campgrounds in national and provincial parks to more remote backcountry sites. Some popular camping destinations in Alberta include Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Elk Island National Park, as well as many provincial parks and recreation areas. Keep in mind that camping in designated campgrounds and obtaining the necessary permits is essential to protect the environment and abide by local regulations. Also, be prepared for varying weather conditions depending on the season and location.

While some camping options in Alberta do require fees, there are also free camping sites available. These free sites are typically referred to as "random camping" or "dispersed camping" and are often located on Crown land or Public Land Use Zones (PLUZ). These sites usually do not have any amenities or facilities, so campers need to be self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. Keep in mind that regulations and restrictions may apply, so it's essential to research the area you plan to camp in before heading out.

Yes, random camping, also known as dispersed or backcountry camping, is allowed in Alberta on Crown land, which is public land managed by the government. It is important to note that random camping is not permitted in all areas, and you should always check local regulations and restrictions before setting up camp. Some popular locations for random camping in Alberta include the Kananaskis Country, the Bighorn Backcountry, and the Ghost Public Land Use Zone. When random camping, it is essential to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment and wildlife.

To get a campsite in Alberta, you can follow these steps:

  1. Decide on the type of campground you want to stay at. Alberta offers a variety of campgrounds, including provincial parks, national parks, private campgrounds, and recreation areas.
  2. Research campgrounds in the area you want to visit. You can use websites like Alberta Parks and Parks Canada to find information about public campgrounds, or visit private campground websites for more options.
  3. Once you've selected a campground, check if reservations are required. Many campgrounds in Alberta accept reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For public campgrounds, you can make reservations through Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca or Parks Canada's reservation system. For private campgrounds, contact the campground directly to make a reservation.
  4. Before your trip, make sure you have the appropriate camping permits and passes. For example, you may need a National Park Pass if you're camping in a national park or a Provincial Park Pass for a provincial park. You can purchase these passes online or at park gates.
  5. Arrive at the campground, set up your campsite, and enjoy your stay in Alberta's beautiful outdoors!