Calgary 
This incredible off-the-beaten-path provincial park offers visitors some incredible scenery and fantastic hiking opportunities.
Credit: Alberta Parks
The area of Big Knife Provincial Park is convenient for many in Alberta. The Provincial Park and campground sit on the banks of a wide opening of the Battle River about half-way between Edmonton and Calgary. This makes it a short drive from Red Deer, and smaller central towns.
As you get closer to the park from the west, you’ll notice the flat prairies beginning to morph into small, bright green hills.
Once you reach Battle River, it is a clear start to the badlands, and you can even hike to some small nearby hoodoos. There are several trails to explore which take you to scenic creek beds and river views.
Both the day-use and first-come-first-serve camping areas sit on small estuaries of the Battle River which winds its way through the hills, and creates several areas to explore.
The slow-moving and low-lying waters of the Battle River make it excellent for canoeing or kayaking at a relaxing pace, especially for beginners. But powerboating is permitted, and the launch can be found a short drive from the sites.
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There are two major hiking trails within the campground you can explore, too, each of which could fill an afternoon.
The 6-km return Highlands Trail brings you up to viewpoints over the river valley, while the shorter River Flats 4.5-km return trail brings you through Big Knife Creek to the Battle River shores and a set of small hoodoos.
There are plenty of activities beside the campground to keep young ones entertained like horseshoe games, a volleyball court, a playground, and the beds of Big Knife Creek.
Other amenities you can look forward to on your camping trip to Big Knife Provincial Park include picnic sites and firepits, washroom access, and a dumping station.
Big Knife Provincial Park:
Alberta Parks
Located in the Battle River Valley, this is Blackfoot Nation territory, and while the park is only just over 2 square kilometres in size, there is such diverse landscape here that if you are an outdoor lover, then this is a must-do.
As a smaller, quieter provincial park with lots to do over the spring, Big Knife makes for a perfect place for the first camping trip of the year. Dust off the tarp, tent, or kayak, and get back into camping or boating for summer! Camping is first-come, first-serve with no reservations.
How to get there:
Use Highway AB-855 south and cross the Battle River bridge. Directly after the bridge is a turn west toward the Provincial Park.
Phone: 403–742–7516
