We're committed to an inclusion strategy to increase opportunities and to invite the full participation of all Albertans in parks. This is one of the priority action items in the Plan for Parks. The Nature as a Second Language initiative aims to increase environmental and recreational literacy among Alberta's newest residents.

Alberta Parks Publications Available in Multiple Languages

1. Our 45-page guidebook "Introduction to Alberta's Provincial Parks" includes information such as campfire safety tips and checklists on what to bring camping.
2. The regulations brochures explain what is and is not permitted in Alberta's provincial parks and recreation areas.

Other Resources for Newcomers

There is lots of information for newcomers on this website:

• Visit Our Parks
• Parks regulations
• Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations
• Bear Smart
• Living with Coyotes
• Living with Cougars

Park Events for Newcomers

Everyone is welcome at all interpretive programs in Alberta's parks. There are also special events in parks.

• Canada's Parks Day - third Saturday in July
• Family Fishing Weekends - no fishing license required one designated weekend in February and one in July

Check our events listing for activities and events happening near you that are specifically designed to help newcomers experience the outdoors.

Nature as a Second Language Ambassador Tours

Do you work or volunteer for a settlement services agency? Are you a leader in your community? Join us on a full‐day tour of Kananaskis Country - a 4,000 square kilometer, multi-use recreation area west of Calgary. The tour takes you to various sites in the Rocky Mountains and foothills within 90 minutes of Calgary. Learn how to help your clients and community members connect with nature and outdoor recreation. We will tailor the topics based on your input.

Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. and end by 5:00 p.m. Space is limited to 10 participants per trip. Tours are free - just bring your lunch and appropriate clothing.

Canoo

Alberta Environment & Parks is proud to work with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. Canadians in their first year of citizenship are able to enjoy admissions and camping benefits at provincial parks through the Canoo App. 

Thanks to our Partners

We work with many partners to help new Canadians participate in Alberta's provincial parks.

• Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
• Catholic Social Services - Immigration and Settlement Services
• Central Alberta Refugee Effort (CARE)
• City of Calgary Cultural Diversity Centre
• Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association (ECALA)
• Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA)
• Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
• Institute for Canadian Citizenship
• Mountain Equipment Co-op
• Norquest College - Youth in Transition Program
• Parks Canada

Reports on Nature as a Second Language

• Learning a Language, Learning the Land - Newcomers, Parks & Language Learning (2011)

This research project explored how barriers can be removed for immigrant newcomers. It also looked at how inclusion strategies can be built that create accessibility for newcomers, especially those in Canada for less than 5 years.

• Nature as a Second Language: Toward the Inclusion of New Canadians in Alberta's Provincial Parks (2009)

This outreach program in Kananaskis Country aimed to introduce new Canadians to provincial parks and the opportunities available in them. The developmental program evaluation provided recommendations for program improvement and suggested a direction for an inclusion strategy for the Parks Division.