Visitor guidelines

There are a number of outdoor activities that require a permit. Check with the Visitor Centre and Campground Receptions prior to engaging in non-traditional, unusual or commercial activities.

You cannot take-off or land an aircraft in a national park without a Restricted Activity Permit from Parks Canada, with some exceptions as listed in the National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations. All aircraft must comply with the Canadian Aviation Regulations and National Parks of Canada Aircraft Access Regulations.

Consuming alcohol is only allowed at registered campsites, private residences or on licensed premises. Alcohol is not allowed at day use areas, cook shelters, or on trails. During certain periods of the year, specific campgrounds may have temporary alcohol bans in effect. These will be identified through notices posted online and at the campgrounds.

Area closures and restrictions are sometimes needed to protect natural or cultural resources or for visitor safety reasons. Closures are enforceable by law. Closure notices will be posted at the trailheads, access points, park offices, and information centres. Information on closures is also available on our Important Bulletins page.

Use of motorize boats (gas or electric) is not allowed on any waterbody in Grasslands National Park.

Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds only. The permit holder for the campsite is responsible for the site, including cleanliness, noise levels, and actions of visitors. Camping (including sleeping in a vehicle) is not allowed in roadside pullouts, trailheads, and day-use areas.

You can be a good neighbour by respecting the following conditions:

Campground permit conditions

• Campsites – Camping is only allowed in designated campsites.
• Washing dishes – Use a personal basin for washing dishes on your campsite (not the bathrooms or water taps).
• Washing laundry – Please use your own tub and dump water down the outdoor sink or toilets.
• Driving – Respect the posted speed limits and remain alert while driving in the campground.
• Accessing facilities – Please use roadways and pathways to access campground facilities (cook shelters, bathrooms, etc.) and your own campsite. Cutting through a neighbouring campsite will disturb other campers and may cause damage to fragile vegetation.
• Recycling – Put recyclable materials in the designated receptacles.
• Garbage – Help keep the park clean by disposing non-recyclable items into marked garbage receptacles.
• Pack in, Pack out – All backcountry campsites have "Pack In, Pack Out," rules. All garbage (food wrappers, beverage containers, etc.) brought into the site must be carried out.
• Vehicles – Vehicles staying overnight must be registered to a campsite. Campsite reservations include parking for 1 vehicle only. This vehicle can be parked on the campsite.
• Generators – Generators are permitted daily between 8 am to 9:30 am and 5 pm to 7 pm only.

Noise and park enjoyment

You are not allowed to interfere with others’ quiet enjoyment of the park during any part of the day or night. This includes loud music and shouting in campgrounds or in day use areas.

Quiet hours

• Quiet hours are enforced in all campgrounds.
• Quiet hours are in effect from 11 pm to 7 am year-round.
• Only campsite occupants are allowed on a site after 11 pm.

Please remember, even quiet conversations can carry through the area.

Cannabis is legalized and strictly regulated in Canada. It is your responsibility to understand federal, provincial, and municipal regulations for cannabis use.

Cannabis use at Parks Canada Places

Commercial filming activities have special considerations. All commercial activity is subject to business licencing and permits. Contact the Visitor Centre for details on whether your activity requires a permit.

All Parks Canada places are ‘no drone zones’ for recreational use.

If you do not possess a permit or special permission to fly your drone in a Parks Canada place, please leave your drone at home. Learn more about our drone usage rules.

Fires are only allowed in designated fire pits provided. Random fires are not allowed in National Parks.

Please keep campfires safe for both visitors and the environment by following these rules:

• Campfire permit – obtain campfire permit from Visitor Centre or Campground Office.
• Keep fires small – To reduce their impact on the environment, fires must be contained within the designated fire pits provided and be kept to a reasonable size.
• Use firewood provided – Transporting wood from elsewhere may spread invasive insects and disease. Do not burn garbage or collect deadfall from the surrounding forest for burning.
• Never leave a fire unattended – Fires must be attended at all times.
• BBQs and camp stoves – Barbeques and camp stoves are permitted on camp site gravel pads or designated areas at kitchen shelter.

Backcountry camping – Fires are not permitted in the back country.

In general, firearms and hunting are not allowed in National Parks. Firearms may be transported through National Parks in accordance with the National Parks Wildlife Regulations and the Firearms Act.

Use of, selling, or purchasing fireworks, or any other type of explosive, is not permitted within a National Park.

Fishing is not permitted in Grasslands National Park.

Never litter.

Good times in the great outdoors are safer and more rewarding when you Leave No Trace of your visit. A good rule is to leave “no trace on the place” and “no trace on others’ space”.

Leaving food out in a campsite can attract wildlife. Wildlife is also attracted to non-food items that smell like food including garbage, dishes, pots, coolers and even toiletries.

All food must be stored in wildlife proof containers or in vehicles. Garbage must be disposed of in designated receptacles. In the backcountry, all food and garbage must be packed out.

It is illegal to collect plants, mushrooms, berries, animals, animal parts (including antlers), fossils, driftwood, rocks, signs, or any other historic or natural object.

If something significant is found, leave the item in place and report findings to the nearest Parks Canada office. Please leave these natural items for others to enjoy.

Vehicles must remain on hardened surfaces, paved and gravel roads. The use of ATVs, snowmobiles, dirt bikes, or other off-road vehicles is not allowed. Scooters are considered motor vehicles for these purposes and are not allowed on trails or areas closed to motor vehicle traffic.

Pedal assist electric bicycles (e-bikes) are allowed on designated bike trails at select national parks.

What does pedal assist mean?

• Power assistance is only provided when the bicycle is being pedalled.
• When pedalling stops, the power assistance also stops.

What other specifications does the bike need?

• The motor can generate a maximum of 500W.
• Power assistance stops when the bicycle attains a speed of 32 km/h on level ground.

Please park only in designated areas and areas where you do not pose a risk to others. If a parking lot is full, find the next closest lot and walk to your destination.

• At all times, pets must be kept on a leash or in suitable confinement.
• Don’t leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, on your campsite, or anywhere else, during your visit to Grasslands National Park. Wildlife, weather, and an unfamiliar environment can be scary or dangerous for your pet.
• Don’t allow your pet to chase any wild animal - it’s illegal and dangerous.
• Pets are not allowed in some areas. Look for notices at trailheads and info centres to find out where these restrictions are.
• Remember to clean up after a pet.
• Service animals are welcome, in the company of their handlers. Please keep service animals on a leash or harness during each visit.

Be aware of provincial smoking and vaping regulations regarding distances from buildings, playgrounds, and other facilities.

Cannabis is legalized and strictly regulated in Canada. It is your responsibility to understand federal, provincial, and municipal regulations for cannabis use.

Cannabis use at Parks Canada Places

• You are not allowed to entice, pet or attempt to pet, harass, or feed wild animals in National Parks.
• Bring your binoculars or a telephoto lens to capture that once-in-a-lifetime photo of a wild animal in its natural environment.
• Be respectful when photographing wildlife. Animal behaviour is unpredictable.
• Obstructing traffic is an offence and a hazard to other motorists. Only pull over in designated pullouts for viewing wildlife.