The goal of the Push to Nature initiative is to increase opportunities and invite the full participation of all Albertans in parks. Many Albertans face some sort of barrier to active living. Every Albertan will be affected by disability in their life due to injury, aging or as a caregiver to a loved one. Push to Open Nature aims to increase environmental and recreational opportunities for people of all abilities.

Accessible Camping

• Accessible campsites are identified on Shop.AlbertaParks.ca. Select "Accessibility Needs" in the filter and choose "Accessible sites only" or check our list of Accessible campsites.
• Accessibility is also indicated by an icon on campground pages.

Accessible Experiences

Blindsquare

To support visitors in connecting with nature, we have partnered with CNIB Frontier Accessibility and Trans Canada Trail (TCT) to provide a more inclusive trail experience. BlindSquare is an accessible navigation system that is downloaded to your mobile phone.  The self-voicing app uses physical beacons and GPS data to communicate detailed points of interest and provide directions for, travel in both indoor and outdoor environments.

This exciting project is rolling out in select parks and can direct and notify users of the various site features, scenery, interpretive signage and trail surface changes. Learn how to use the app on the BlindSquare website. Download the BlindSquare Event app for free on Apple IOS.

• Fish Creek Provincial Park (Stream Changes Trail):
  The Stream Changes Trail is getting even better!  Alberta Parks has partnered with Trans Canada Trail (TCT) to include the Stream Change Trail with TCT national network.  In addition, people with vision loss can use the BlindSquare app, for auditory cues that guide visitors along the 1 km stream changes trail and to other areas such as; the Visitor Centre, the entrance to Annie's Cafe and the entrance to Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant.
• Lois Hole Provincial Park (John E. Poole Boardwalk):
  This 1km accessible trail loop guides those with vision loss along the John E. Poole interpretive boardwalk and trail with auditory cues accessed through the BlindSquare app. The app guides users through an interpretive experience, describing many of the unique species that call the ecosystem of the Big Lake Wetlands home, making this educational experience accessible, safe and enjoyable for all.

The Cecile Buhl One-Kilometre Experience in Alberta Parks:

The Cecile Buhl One-Kilometre Experience is meant to connect park users with facilities that offer visitors with disabilities visitors a chance to experience some of Alberta’s parks. The experience itself varies, based on the appeal and constraints of each locale. The One-Kilometre Experience is not necessarily a continuous loop of trail but incorporates at least one accessible washroom and accessible parking. Accessibility audits were performed in summer 2016 to support facilities being designed and constructed to consider everyone’s needs. Construction based on the outcome of the audits will be completed from 2017-2020.

For nearly a decade, Cecile Buhl volunteered her time as a Push-to-Open Nature Ambassador, and contributed her life experiences to some of the audits completed throughout Alberta’s parks. Sadly, Cecile passed away in November 2016. To honor her selfless contribution, Alberta Parks has named the One-Kilometre Experience in Cecile’s memory. A trail in Fish Creek Provincial Park is being named to recognize Cecile’s passion for life, and her willingness to take risks, try new things, and lead the way for Alberta Parks' approach to offering accessible opportunities throughout the province.

Golf Cart Tours

• Fish Creek Provincial Park  
  To reserve, please visit Friends of Fish Creek website 
• Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
  To reserve, please visit Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation website
• Peaceful Valley Provincial Recreation Area
  To reserve, please visit Peaceful Valley Day Lodge webpage

Accessible Facilities

Nature has no building codes. We must work to ensure that people of all abilities can participate in nature-based experiences and outdoor recreation. We are trying to remove barriers in new and existing facilities, as well as in programs and daily operations.

• Canmore Nordic Centre 
• Park facilities such as shower buildings are now built for accessibility.
• Peaceful Valley Day Lodge 
• Sikome Lake 
• Visitor centres at Cypress Hills, Dinosaur and Writing-on-Stone provincial parks and the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation in Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park are accessible buildings.
• William Watson Lodge

Adaptive Nature Challenges

The use of adaptive equipment such as Park Explorers, TrailRiders, sit-skis and outrigger kayaks provides access without impacting wilderness. We develop and support programs that modify the user, not the environment. Adaptive nature challenges require tremendous teamwork and enthusiasm from committed volunteers and participants.

Help Us Improve

Report accessibility problems you encounter in a provincial park. Submit ideas for places and experiences that should be made more accessible. We'd also love to hear about exceptional places or people in Alberta's parks that provide truly inclusive experiences. Please send your feedback, stories and photos to pushtoopen@gov.ab.ca.

Partner with us. If your organization wants to help push to open nature, we can do it together. Email pushtoopen@gov.ab.ca.