Safe Travel During Covid-19 | Is Camping in Alberta Safe?

At this point it is obvious, but I’m going to say it anyways … 2020 has been A LOT.

From postponed tours & cancelled flights to floods, fires and (of course) a global pandemic, a lot of you have been asking us the same questions regarding where you can travel & if it is safe.

The good news for those of you who love the outdoors is that Alberta Parks have been accepting campground reservations at half capacity since May, so if you have what you need to enjoy a night under the stars, transmission risks are suspected to be lower outdoors.

If you are a TL Traveler though, then chances are you’re not an avid camper. Have no fear though, because you are not alone.

Between the need for outdoor adventures & the concern surrounding Covid-19, RV rentals have been in high demand this year & seem to be a great compromise for anyone still skeptical about hotel travel, but requiring more luxuries than your average camper van.

There are a number of different RV rental companies available here in Alberta, but we are excited to be hitting the road with CanaDream in their TCA Truck Camper & bringing you along with us. Of course during this pandemic there are some added considerations to be made beyond just where you will stay, and I have detailed those considerations below.


PLAN AHEAD

It seems so simple, but planning your route ahead of time has never been more important. Not only are campgrounds booking up faster at half capacity, but organizing proper permits & arriving with the supplies that you need will limit touch-points & unnecessary interactions during your trip. 

Be sure to check “Free Camping in Alberta - Your Free Camping Guide” before you go for a list of low cost camping options & links to Alberta Parks camping regulations.

PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING

Although campsites are not booking at full capacity, that does not mean that on a campsite location you will be completely secluded from others. Specifically in locations where you may be sharing amenities, please be sure that you maintain a minimum of 6 ft. social distancing in eating areas, around the campfire & in public spaces.

SPEND MORE TIME IN FEWER LOCATIONS

Everyone loves a good road trip, and with more travelers finding themselves with more vacation time this year it may be tempting to cover as much ground as possible & make the most of that time. That said, both Travel Alberta & other Canadian tourism boards are encouraging a slower paced travel plan to help reduce the potential spread of Covid-19. Instead, consider choosing one or two destinations to use as a base & spend more time enjoying those locations.

Photo Credit: Julian Bialowas

Photo Credit: Julian Bialowas

While local businesses in Alberta are looking forward to welcoming travelers back, please continue to stay alert & follow all recommendations for a safe holiday during this time. With the US / Canada border remaining closed we continue to have the province to ourselves, so let’s enjoy this rarity responsibly.