Alberta Parks Day encourages people to discover nature

Saturday is Parks Day in Alberta, marking 92 year of the province’s parks system.

The day is used ask an opportunity to appreciate and discover nature around us, with people encouraged to get outdoors.

“Protecting over 27,600 square kilometres of the province, more than four times the size of Prince Edward Island, the extensive system of almost 500 provincial parks and protected areas ranges from conservation-focused to recreation-focused parks,” the Alberta Parks website reads, adding the province’s outdoor spaces “hold some of the most diverse, unique, and breathtaking landscapes in the world.”

As part of Saturday’s festivities, several events are being held across the province. You can find more details on the Alberta Parks website.

“Canada’s Parks Day is a time to celebrate our country’s outdoor spaces. Here in Alberta, we are fortunate to be home to some of the most incredible landscapes in the world – from the mountains to the badlands to the Prairies and the boreal forest. Our province is diverse, wild and filled with natural beauty,” said Alberta Minister of Environment and Parks Whitney Issik.

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“Our parks and public lands are some of our greatest treasures, and I hope that every Albertan and visitor to our province will find time to enjoy the great outdoors on this special day,” she added.

If you’re looking to venture out, you can head over to Kananaskis where you won’t need a conservation pass on Saturday.

The provincial government has previously announced as part of this year’s budget an investment of around $130 million into parks and recreation areas to bolster conservation efforts and sustainable recreation.