New trail designations – Provincial trails
Know before you go. Review the regulations for recreation on provincial trails before heading out.
Public Lands Camping Pass required
A Public Lands Camping Pass is required to random camp on public land along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
Overview
Alberta’s public land offers many unique opportunities for recreation including rustic camping and thousands of kilometers of trails that can be explored on foot, horseback, OHV and more.
For more information on the rules and what you need to know before you head out to recreate on public land, download a copy of the new Alberta’s Guide to Outdoor Recreation on Provincial Crown Land and Recreation on Public land - Know Before You Go.
Know before you go
Plan ahead to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Plan your route –
- Travel only on trails open for your activity.
- Be aware of closures. Check the Public land closures and advisories pages for current area closures.
- Check for fire advisories and bans.
- Choose routes with the hardest, most durable surface.
- Know the location of designated crossings. Avoid waterways and shorelines.
- Do not create new trails.
- Be aware of other land use in the area you are visiting –
- Cutlines are not necessarily approved trails.
- Steer clear of pipelines.
- Know if you are travelling on a provincial trail on public land –
- Follow and obey department publications, signs, notices and any instructions provided by Government of Alberta staff.
- Follow trail designations and permitted activities.
- Motorized users (except snow vehicle users) must stay on the trail tread.
- Leave nothing behind. All waste including garbage, recycling, compost and human waste should be taken home or to a dump station for proper disposal.
- Discharge of a firearm (that is, recreational target shooting) is not allowed within 400 m of a provincial trail, unless hunting as defined under the Wildlife Act.
- All vehicles, motorized or human powered (including bicycles, motor vehicles, camping units) must not be left unattended on the tread of a provincial trail.
- Parking your motor vehicle, off-highway vehicle or camping unit overnight in provincial trail area can only occur in areas designated for that purpose.
- Keep a respectful distance from wildlife. Never feed or approach wildlife.
- Some provincial trails may require pets to be leashed, or prohibit pets. Keep your pet under control and remember that chasing wildlife is illegal.
- Leave nothing behind. All waste including garbage, recycling, compost and human waste should be taken home or to a dump station for proper disposal.
- Leave all gates and fences as you find them – open or closed.
- Stay off private and leased land unless permitted. Contact leaseholder prior to travel on leased land.
- Call 310-LAND (5263) for assistance.
- Search for participating leaseholders using the Leased Land Contact Information - Mapping Tool
- Check weather and avoid wet, sensitive and alpine areas whenever possible.
- Be respectful. Do not disturb artifact, fossils, livestock, property or wildlife.
Be lawful
Familiarize yourself with provincial legislation and regulations related to public land use. Non-compliance with the regulations may result in a fine.
- Forest and Prairie Protection Act – The Forest and Prairie Protection Act prescribes the provisions for "warming fires" on public lands.
- Public Lands Administration Regulation – The Public Lands Administration Regulation governs the public’s use of all Public Land Use Zones, Provincial Recreation Areas, Public Land Recreation Areas, and Provincial Trails.
- Off-Highway Vehicle Regulation – The Off-Highway Vehicle Regulation prescribes the operational requirements for Off-Highway Vehicles in Alberta.
- Recreational Access Regulation – The Recreational Access Regulations clarify the rules for recreational and exploration access on agricultural dispositions issued under the Public Lands Act, including grazing leases and farm development leases.
- Traffic Safety Act (Part 6) – The Traffic Safety Act establishes the legislative requirements for Off-Highway Vehicles in Alberta.
- Trails Act – Provides guidance and structure for trail use in Alberta’s growing recreation and tourism sector. The Trails Act allows for better trail experiences for Albertans by ensuring high quality, well managed and safe designated trails. See Sustainable trail management for more details.
Additional legislation
The legislation and regulations above are most relevant to recreation on public lands, however, you may also wish to become familiar with the following:
- Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act
- Fisheries (Alberta) Act
- Fisheries (Ministerial) Regulation
- Forests Act
- General Fisheries (Alberta) Regulation
- Timber Management Regulation
- Public Lands Act
- Wildlife Act
Additional information
Leave No Trace Canada provides information on minimizing your impact while enjoying the outdoors.
Report illegal activity – call 310-LAND – Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report public safety incidents, illegal activity and enforcement concerns on public land and in provincial parks.
Resources
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