Kananaskis Country

Alberta Parks

Key Messages & Important Info

A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley.

    Key Messages

    Please review and ensure everyone understands the following information before your visit.

    • Our vision: Alberta’s parks inspire people to discover, value, protect, and enjoy the natural world and the benefits it provides for current and future generations.

    • Alberta Parks acknowledges that Kananaskis Country and the Ghost Area is part of the traditional territory of Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising Siksika, Piikani and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda First Nation. This land is also home to Metis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

    • Alberta’s parks and protected areas belong to all Albertans and contain many different natural landscapes that are home to numerous plant and animal species, as well as, significant cultural and historic resources. The province’s network of parks and protected areas helps to ensure that Alberta’s natural and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.

    • There are a wide variety of visitors and users of our parks. Everyone must respect and share the park and its facilities and resources.  

    • Stay on designated trails while moving through the park and participating in group activities. Staying on designated trails reduces impact to the natural habitats of the park. Please share the trail with other users.

    • Feeding wildlife is prohibited. The park’s ecosystems provide all the food and habitat wildlife require for their basic needs. Feeding wildlife can cause wildlife to associate humans with food. Quietly observe wildlife from a safe and comfortable distance so as not to disturb them or put them or you at risk.

    • Everything in the park – living and non-living is protected. Students are welcome to share their discoveries, but must remember to leave everything as they found it. Do not remove anything natural from the park.

    • Litter must be placed in garbage cans or packed out.

    • Use only designated fire pits. The collecting and burning of park vegetation is not permitted. You must ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving them.

    Important Information

    1. All school groups must comply with all applicable Alberta Park Regulations and Provincial Acts including the Provincial Parks Act.

    2. Schools must have safety plans that reflect their School Board Policies, Guidelines and Procedures for off-site activities that outline acceptable activities, instructor qualifications, emergency contacts, communications, and other pertinent information required to ensure the safety of students. Alberta Parks endorses and strongly encourages adherence to the ASBIE Off-site Guidelines and Procedures Manual to promote safe teacher-led field trips.

    3. Teachers know and follow all trail/group size limits and activity restrictions for the area they plan on visiting.

    4. Check Weather conditions, Trail Reports and Advisories prior to departing on your trip to ensure there are no area or activity closures or restrictions that have been put in place for the area you plan on visiting.

    5. While traveling in bear country be knowledgeable of “Bear Aware” techniques and wildlife safety measures. Ensure you carry bear spray and know how to use it. Sightings of Bear, Cougar or problem wildlife must be reported to Kananaskis Emergency Services at 403-591-7755.

    6. Emergency Services. In the event of an emergency, dial 911. Tell the operator you have an emergency in Kananaskis Country. Alternatively, call Kananaskis Emergency Services directly at 403-591-7767.

    7. This registration form does not give school groups exclusive use of any area or facility. General public access and use must not be hindered or interfered with by the group.

    Questions about School Group Registration?

    Alberta Environment & Parks
    [email protected]

    For general inquires contact the Alberta Parks Information Line at: 1-866-427-3582

Updated: Mar 28, 2025