Parks Canada Offers Free Admission and Camping in B.C. & Alberta National Parks For Wildfire Evacuees

Canada is enduring an unparalleled wildfire season, leading to massive evacuations, significant property loss, and infrastructure damage. Parks Canada is extending a helping hand to evacuees from the Northwest Territories and British Columbia.

Credit: Paddy Palin

Wildfire evacuees can enjoy free entry and stay in the national parks of British Columbia and Alberta. Parks Canada says this generous gesture remains in place until evacuation mandates are withdrawn. Notably, the usually packed Parks Canada campgrounds, including some of their unique accommodations like oTENTiks, are being offered based on a “first come, first served” principle.

Parks Canada President and CEO, Ron Hallman said in a news release, “Parks Canada is pleased to offer a place of refuge for Northwest Territories and British Columbia evacuees forced from their homes. I would also like to extend my profound gratitude and appreciation to all wildfire management specialists and other team members who have been deployed to help manage wildfires across Canada during this unprecedented wildfire season.”

Given the dynamic nature of the situation, evacuees and park-goers are urged to check availability by checking the Parks Canada website, using the official mobile app, or directly reaching out to the concerned national park before travelling.