Get ready to long weekend

“Whatever it is Albertans choose to do this long weekend, our province has a wealth of unique experiences that support our economy, including camping in our provincial parks. Wherever the destination, government hopes people will have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable May long weekend.”

Below are a few tips and information to support a safe and enjoyable long weekend.

Camping

• We all share a responsibility to be courteous campers, which ensures campgrounds are enjoyable and safe for everybody.
• General etiquette rules are:
  • Avoid excessive noise so that everyone can enjoy the peace and tranquility of parks.
  • Quiet hours are between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• Still looking for a campsite or a picnic area? Check out AlbertaParks.ca.

Liquor in provincial parks

• The previous liquor ban in select provincial parks is lifted; however, rules and regulations around campground quiet hours, excessive noise and appropriate behaviour continue to be in place and will be enforced.
• Liquor consumption is restricted to registered campsites only.

Fire bans

• At this time, a fire ban is in effect throughout most of northern Alberta, prohibiting campfires, unauthorized burning and restricting the use of off-highway vehicles on public lands.
• Fire bans outside of Alberta provincial parks are posted on AlbertaFireBans.ca Download the Fire Bans app before you head out.
• Provincial parks-related fire bans, restrictions and associated advisories are posted on AlbertaParks.ca Fire Bans.

Safety on the road

• More collisions and fatalities take place on Alberta’s roads on long weekends than other weekends. To help travellers get home safely, traffic enforcement measures will be ramped up this May long weekend.
• Alberta sheriffs will be working in integrated traffic units with RCMP to patrol provincial highways to target impaired drivers, aggressive and careless drivers, distracted drivers and speeders.
• Drive for the conditions of the road (check 511 Alberta for latest highway conditions).

Fish and wildlife

• Increased enforcement on our highways, waterways, public lands and in our parks will help responsible Albertans enjoy the long weekend safely.
• In addition to protecting fish and wildlife and managing human/wildlife conflicts, fish and wildlife officers will be protecting the landscape and waterbodies, including monitoring random camping, boating and off-highway vehicle use.
• Ensure you know the fishing regulations and the hunting regulations.

Bear safety

• Albertans can do their part to avoid human-bear conflict. Be bear and cougar smart. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• When travelling in bear country, keep dogs on a leash, travel in groups and make noise whenever possible.

Impaired driving

• Arrive alive! Any form of impaired driving is unacceptable and dangerous, and puts everyone on Alberta roads at risk.
• Impaired driving from alcohol, drugs, fatigue or distraction injures or kills thousands of Albertans every year.

Museum and historic sites

• Alberta’s historic sites, museums and archives are open for the summer with new programs and experiences.
• People can purchase an Experience Alberta’s History Annual Pass and get unlimited access to all provincial historic sites and museums for one year from date of purchase.

Recreation on public land

• Conditions on the May long weekend are typically very wet due to spring rains, melting snow and frost, making the land more susceptible to significant damage from recreational activities.
• Be aware of regulations around motorized recreation and non-motorized recreation on trails and in waterways. Wheeled and tracked vehicles are not permitted to be operated or parked on the bed, shore and/or in the water of Alberta’s streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands.
• Damage or loss to public land (i.e., dumping of garbage, abandoned vehicles, sign removal, gate removal) needs to be reported to the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
• Camping is limited to a 14-day stay on public land.
• Respect the land and know the rules and regulations around random camping on public lands.