420 Friendly campgrounds to make camping this season a little greener.
Updated June 15 2023
Since 2018, Parks Canada has allowed campers to spark up at their campsites, and as peak season quickly approaches, we wanted to make it a little easier to find a spot in the outdoors to maximize green space for optimal recreational fun.
Each province has its own set of guidelines to follow when it comes to cannabis consumption in Canadian Parks. Generally speaking, cannabis use is acceptable in most front-country individual campsites and trails across Canada, but regulations vary from province to province.
There’s an emphasis on smoke-free environments, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the nature that Canadian Parks have to offer.
Here is a breakdown of cannabis-friendly campgrounds and trails in Canada, along with how they rank on our cannabis-friendly scale so you can enjoy them this camping season.
Key Findings:
This is what the Highland team found:
- Out of a criteria of six variables – public and day-use areas, backcountry, trails, common campground areas, and playgrounds – the Highland team calculated which provinces ranked the most and least cannabis friendly based on the Parks Canada regulations.
- British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Northwest Territories and Nunavut ranked the most friendly as 66% of camp facilities are cannabis friendly.
- Nova Scotia keeps it neutral at 50%.
- Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and the Yukon ranked the lowest at 16%.
- Registered campsites are seen as private dwellings, which means cannabis consumption is permitted.
- The limit to carry cannabis across Canada is 30 grams per person if you are of age.
- Local municipalities set their own rules, as do private campground owners.
The guide is based on a three-point scale, with three being the most cannabis-friendly, two being moderately friendly, and one being the least as per Parks Canada’s regulations.
🌿 Least cannabis-friendly
🌿 🌿 Moderately cannabis-friendly
British Columbia
Cannabis Friendly Camping in British Columbia 🌿 🌿 🌿
Throughout British Columbia, there are approximately 1,033 parks, recreation areas, conservancies, and ecological reserves—making it one of the largest protected networks in North America.
The provincial parks are visited by more than 21 million people each year, and considering it has 6,500 medically licensed growers — It’s become one of the more popular destinations for travellers looking for greenery and picturesque scenery.
BC has a reputation for being laid back, as well as being a welcoming place to visitors who appreciate natural beauty, mountain views, and BC bud.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Allowed – No smoking or vaping within 6 metres of buildings
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Allowed
- Trails: Allowed
- Playgrounds: No smoking or vaping within 6 metres of playgrounds
- Townsite of Field (Yoho National Park): Allowed in public areas within the town boundary
Penalties
In BC, if you are caught smoking weed at a park you will probably end up with a warning rather than a fine. However, if you do get fined—tickets can go up to $575.
Squamish – Alice Lake Provincial Park
Alice Lake Provincial Park is located just off of the BC-99 highway and is surrounded by mountainous views and freshwater lakes. It’s a popular destination that’s close to the city of Vancouver and has over 100 reservable campsites. The park gets quite busy during the peak season months of July, August, and September so reservations are encouraged.
Cannabis-Friendly Trails in B.C
Many of the trails throughout Squamish are ideal for a leisurely cannabis-enhanced walk, including the Alice Lake Trail, and the DeBeck’s Hill Trail which offer views of the Squamish River and the Tantalus Range. A more adventurous experience is the Four Lakes Trail. In the summer, the lake is swimmable, so pack weed and a towel to unwind and enjoy the view at the end of a long hike.
Alberta
Cannabis Friendly Camping in Alberta 🌿 🌿 🌿
Alberta is known for its oil and gas, but there’s a lot more than meets the eye there. It’s the home of the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains, and borders both British Columbia and Saskatchewan. It’s a great road trip destination to explore as it is.
In Alberta, people must be 18 and older to purchase and carry marijuana, and though some of the rules around cannabis consumption are similar to its west coast counterparts, there are a couple of restrictions to keep in mind before visiting popular tourist destinations.
Cannabis use in Banff, the Municipality of Jasper is not permitted. This includes Lake Louise and Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Elk Island National Park. Registered Parks Canada campsites, day-use areas, backcountry, and trails are allowed.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Allowed – No smoking or vaping within 5 metres of buildings
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Allowed
- Trails: Allowed
- Playgrounds: No smoking or vaping within 5 metres of playgrounds
Public use in townsites
- Town of Banff: Not allowed in public areas within the town boundary
- Lake Louise (Banff National Park): Allowed in public areas within the town boundary
- Municipality of Jasper: Not allowed in public areas within the town boundary
- Waterton Park (Waterton Lakes National Park): Allowed in public areas within the town boundary
Additional Parks Canada restrictions
Penalties
If you are caught smoking cannabis in public, there will be a one time warning, followed by a $100 fine. This is applicable in popular destinations such as Banff and Calgary.
Sheep River Provincial Park – Sandy McNabb Campground
Sandy McNabb Park is located in Sheep River Provincial Park 21 km west of Turner Valley on Hwy. 546. It has over 100 sites with tree coverage for RVs and tents for optimal privacy for campers to spark up at.
Explore the dense forests surrounded by old-growth aspen and pine of Sandy McNabb, or take in the scenic views of the Sheep River meadows and rolling hills with the 420-friendly trails nearby. Try a cannabis-infused seltzer instead of smoking to protect the old-growth forests.
Note: A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is needed to enjoy the park. It’s a $15 per day, or $90 per year pass for vehicles stopping in both park and public land within Kananaskis and provincial day-use areas in the Bow Valley corridor.
Saskatchewan
Cannabis Friendly Camping in Saskatchewan 🌿
The Canadian Prairies are known for their grasslands, but unfortunately, they rank at the bottom of the list as 420-friendly destinations. Their cannabis restrictions are strictly enforced and there are cannabis and alcohol bans on all spring/summer long weekends. Parks Canada states that Registered Parks campsites are allowed for marijuana use, except for the Prince Albert National Park and Riding Mountain National Park, which both have their own cannabis regulations.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Not allowed
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Not allowed
- Trails: Not allowed
- Playgrounds: Not allowed
- Townsite of Waskesiu Lake (Prince Albert National Park): Not allowed in public areas
Penalties
Fines in Saskatchewan for consumption of cannabis range from $200 to $1,000 if consumed on a school, or at a childcare facility.
Manitoba
Cannabis Friendly Camping in Manitoba 🌿
As we mentioned earlier in the post, the restrictions vary from province to province, and the Canadian Prairies are the least accessible when it comes to being 420-friendly. We’re not saying to skip out on the prairies entirely, but if you’re planning on relaxing with some bud, it might be best to keep off the grass.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Not allowed
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Not allowed
- Trails: Not allowed
- Playgrounds: Not allowed
- Townsite of Wasagaming (Riding Mountain National Park): Not allowed in public areas
Penalties
In Manitoba, the fine for smoking or vaping cannabis in provincial parks is a preset fine of $672.
Ontario
Cannabis Friendly Camping in Ontario 🌿 🌿 🌿
Think of Ontario like a Sativa – it knows how to chill while also being incredibly efficient. The province is ranked near the top of the list of most cannabis-friendly and has an abundance of natural parks to explore while simultaneously generating economic value. The Great Lakes and St. Lawerence River provide massive quantities of water for transportation, hydroelectric power, and recreation.
With so much area to cover, the places to explore are endless.
Public use including day-use areas, campsites, backcountry, and trails are allowed. As to be expected, smoking or vaping within 20 metres of a playground and in campground common areas is not allowed.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Allowed
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Allowed
- Trails: Allowed
- Playgrounds: Not allowed – no smoking or vaping within 20 meters of a playground
Penalties
In Ontario, following the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017, If you smoke or vape where it is not allowed, you may be charged with an offence and subject to a fine of $1,000 for a first offence, and $5,000 for any further offence.
Blue Mountain – Craigleith Provincial Park
Blue Mountain is called Ontario’s playground for a reason. Perched just north of Blue Mountain resort is Craigleith Provincial Park, a preservation-focused campground with a prehistoric oil shale beach that dates back 450 million years. Who doesn’t want to get stoned amongst the stones? The campground has 172 campsites of which 66 have electric service and are within walking distance to the beach.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is known as the first provincial park in Ontario, and the largest. It’s so big that it’s considered part of the border between Northern and Southern Ontario, so no matter from which angle you tackle the park – there is still plenty of natural adventure to choose from. Camping is accessible from either side of the park, and there are some sites that are only accessible by foot or by canoe.
Bruce Peninsula National Park
The Bruce Peninsula, not to be confused with the Bruce Trail, is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike in Ontario. The Bruce Peninsula National Park is surrounded by turquoise waters, rock cliffs, and turtles. Camping at the Bruce Peninsula is available, but you have to plan ahead.
If you are planning to go camping on a long weekend to the Bruce Peninsula National Park, it’s worth knowing that alcohol and cannabis are banned by Parks Canada. This applies to popular holidays like Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, and Labour Day. Remember, you’ll need confirmed reservations to enjoy the park, including the Grotto.
420 Friendly Trails in Toronto
Woodland Trail, Rouge National Park
The Woodland Trail provides shorter and longer walking options set against a backdrop of forests, meadows, and water. It’s a 4.5 km trail that’s perfect for all skill levels. Pick up some bud from Highland Dispensary and go for a wilderness toke at Rouge National Park. Rouge Campground is the only camping option in the 6ix, with views of Lake Ontario and endless hiking opportunities.
Bruce Trail
The only time you should be chasing waterfalls is on the Bruce Trail. Located in Southern Ontario, the Bruce Trail is one of the oldest and longest trails in Canada with miles of natural landscape to appreciate along the way. It’s 890km long, so there are many trails to choose from with varying levels of difficulty.
Quebec
Cannabis Friendly Camping in Quebec 🌿
Much like the Prairies, Quebec’s relationship with weed is a little strained. Although cannabis is legal across the country, it’s only legal in Quebec if you buy it through the Société Québécoise du Cannabis (SQDC). This means it’s illegal to buy your cannabis from a friend or a website other than the SQDC’s. On top of this, Quebec has the highest age requirement, you must be 21 years or older to purchase or carry marijuana.
In all campgrounds across Quebec, it is prohibited to smoke inside rooms of cabins, yurts, ready-to-camp shelters, and public areas. To preserve air quality, people who smoke on campgrounds will be charged upward of $200 for sparking up.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Not allowed
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Not allowed
- Trails: Not allowed
- Playgrounds: Not allowed
Penalties
In Quebec, it is not permitted to smoke in public spaces including the outdoors. The fines range from $750 to $2,250.
Nova Scotia
Cannabis Friendly Camping in Nova Scotia 🌿 🌿
Nova Scotia may be the second-smallest province in Canada, but it’s also the province that consumes the most cannabis in Canada. It’s surrounded by the Atlantic ocean and has 13,300 kilometres of coastline. No matter where you are in Nova Scotia, you’re only 60km away from the sea. In Nova Scotia, registered parks, campsites, backcountry, and public use including day-use areas allow cannabis consumption, except there is a call for no smoking or vaping on coastal beaches or within 4 metres of buildings.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Allowed – No smoking or vaping on coastal beaches or within 4m of buildings
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Allowed – No smoking/vaping on or within 9 metres of trails
- Trails: Not allowed – No smoking/vaping on or within 9 metres of trails
- Playgrounds: No smoking or vaping within 20 metres of playgrounds.
Additional Parks Canada restrictions
Penalties
In Nova Scotia, the Smoke-Free Places Act applies to the use of smokable cannabis in public places. You can be fined up to $2,000 for a violation.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Chéticamp Campground
The world-famous Cabot Trail coastline located in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is surrounded by rust-coloured cliffs and lush, forested river canyons. The maritime climate and rugged landscape allow a unique blend of Acadian, Boreal, and Taiga habitats, plants, and animals to coexist. This means that there is no other place in Canada with this mix of ecology.
It’s important to note there is a restricted smoking activity notice to keep the air quality fresh. However, you are allowed to smoke at your registered campsite. But out of respect for your neighbours, we recommend trying a THC or CBD-infused edible option. As recommended by the NSCL, start low and go slow.
New Brunswick
Cannabis Friendly Camping in New Brunswick 🌿
From backcountry camping, and rustic accommodations to a more luxurious glamping experience, New Brunswick has it all. Fundy Bay, nestled between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, is known for having the highest tides in the world, making it a truly unforgettable getaway location. Cannabis is allowed at your registered Parks Canada campsite, but not on the trails or in public, unfortunately.
Restrictions:
- Public use (including day-use areas): Not allowed
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Not allowed
- Trails: Not allowed
- Playgrounds: Not allowed
Penalties
In New Brunswick, the amount of an average fine is not specified. However, there is a toll-free number available for New Brunswick residents to report violations and to obtain more information—which suggests the penalty is significant.
Fundy Bay National Park – Point Wolfe Campground
Out of all the campgrounds in Fundy Bay, Point Wolfe is one of the more rustic options. The campsite is only accessible by crossing a covered bridge, which means that this probably isn’t the best campsite for RV’s.
Prince Edward Island
Cannabis Friendly Camping in Prince Edward Island 🌿
There’s no smoke on the water on Prince Edward Island. Partake in all your 420-related activities at your registered campsite before checking out the red sandstone cliffs. You’re not allowed to smoke in public at all, including on trails and in the backcountry.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Not allowed
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Not allowed
- Trails: Not allowed
- Playgrounds: Not allowed
Penalties
Under the Smoke-Free Places Act in Prince Edward Island, the penalty for a smoking offence ranges from $100 to $2,000.
Cavendish Campground, Prince Edward Island Provincial Park
Prince Edward Island is a coastal province hugged by the coastline of Red Sandstone cliffs and Basin Head Provincial Park with the singing sands. Our recommendation is Cavendish Campground, where there are more than eight kilometres of trails to explore around the park with views of the Red Sandstone Cliffs. Fun fact: the sand is red due to the high oxidation of iron causing it to form a rust-like appearance.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Cannabis Friendly Camping in Newfoundland and Labrador 🌿
Newfoundland and Labrador are not included in the Maritimes but the regulations around cannabis consumption are very similar. Public use, campground common areas, backcountry, trails, and playgrounds are off-limits – this includes Gros Morne National Park, which is one of two parks located in the province. Instead, we recommend a trail walk at Terra Nova National Park on Newman Sound Campground and a CBD-infused topical to relax after a long hike of the Coastal Trail.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Not allowed
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Not allowed
- Trails: Not allowed
- Playgrounds: Not allowed
Penalties
If you consume cannabis in public, there is a punitive fine ranging between $50 to $500. This fine increases to $300 to $10,000 if consumed in a vehicle.
Terra Nova National Park – Newman Sound Campground
In Latin, Terra Nova means New Found Land. There is an abundance of lush boreal forest to be explored at Terra Nova, which covers 399 square kilometres and is located about a two-hour drive north of St. John’s along the Trans-Canada highway. On the opposite end of Newfound and Labrador is Gros Morne National Park, where cannabis consumption is not permitted but it’s still worth checking out.
Northwest Territories
Cannabis Friendly Camping in the Northwest Territories 🌿 🌿 🌿
One of the natural wonders of the world is the Northern Lights in the Spectacular Northwest territories. Enjoying an enhanced experience of the northern lights would be spectacular, but most of the territorial parks listed in Parks Canada’s online resource may not be the most accessible to the common folk wanting a mellow cannabis-friendly camping experience. However, lucky enough, public use, including day-use areas allow you to mellow out.
Note: Planning to go to the NWT to see the Northern Lights? Be prepared to go between the late fall and early spring for a good chance to see the stunning display of the Aurora Borealis.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Allowed – No smoking or vaping in kitchen shelters or other structures, even if they are unroofed
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Allowed
- Trails: Allowed
- Playgrounds: Not allowed – No smoking or vaping within 30 metres of playgrounds
Penalties
In the NWT, following smoking in public guidelines. It is up to $500 for a first offence and up to $1,000 for additional offences.
Twin Fall Gorges Territorial Park – Louise Falls Campground
The fully serviced Louise Falls Campground is located at the centre of the Twin Falls Gorges Territorial Park, located just north of Alberta in the Northwest Territories. There is a two-tiered waterfall, a day-use area, a 2-kilometre walking trail to Alexandra Falls, and a winding spiral staircase that leads to the river and top of Louise Falls. Enjoy a smoke break while taking in the view of the two breathtaking waterfalls from the day-use areas of the park.
Nunavut
Cannabis Friendly Camping in Nunavut 🌿 🌿 🌿
Camping on the land is a big component of the traditional Inuit way of life, but it is inaccessible to most visitors due to the fact that there are no roads connecting the communities in Nunavut. The only way to get into Nunavut is by air or sea into the gateway communities of Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay.
A person over the age of 19 may transport 30 grams of cannabis for their own personal consumption but it’s best to do your research before you make the trip and always abide by local laws. It’s illegal to transport cannabis internationally to Canadian provinces or territories..
A reminder before travelling to any Canadian province or territory is to always be respectful of Indigenous communities and lands.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Allowed – No smoking or vaping within 3 metres of buildings
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Allowed
- Trails: Allowed
- Playgrounds: No smoking or vaping – radius undetermined
Penalties
Fines can be from $200 for the first fine, and up to $2,000 for additional offences.
Sylvia Grinell Territorial Park
Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park is located about a kilometre from Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital. The Sylvia Grinell River flows through the tundra valley of this picturesque park. The waterfalls and a spot near the river provide an ideal setting for setting up a midday munchies picnic.
There are plenty of hiking trails nearby with informative signage that explains Iqualit’s natural history and cultural heritage. Cannabis is allowed in trails, backcountry, and day-use areas, so long as you are not within 3 metres of buildings or playgrounds.
Yukon
Cannabis Friendly Camping in the Yukon 🌿
In the Yukon, you’ll find the perfect mix of seed and stone. The Yukon rose to popularity following the Klondike Gold Rush, and the territory also produced silver. Since cannabis became legal in the Yukon, it has been treated just like liquor. About 21% of Yukon adults surveyed had used cannabis in the last year compared to 14% of Canadian adults–making it a hotspot for weed-friendly excursions. However, no public consumption is permitted. If you’re staying at a registered campground, respect your environment and roll up within your campsite.
Restrictions
- Public use (including day-use areas): Not allowed
- Registered Parks Canada campsites: Allowed
- Campground common areas: Not allowed
- Backcountry: Not allowed
- Trails: Not allowed
- Playgrounds: Not allowed
Penalties
Yukon’s legislation has stated that fines can be upwards to $2,000 or more under the Cannabis Control and Regulation Act.
Five Mile Lake Campground
The Five Mile Lake campground is road-accessible in the Yukon near Silver Trail. Take a walk on the Five Mile Lake trail. It’s described as a great place for a picnic with warm(er) lakes than most of the Yukon, and it features an easy 5 kilometre trail connecting diverse habitats around the lake and the campground.
Don’t Trip! Be Safe and Have Fun
Across provinces and territories, there is a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to driving under the influence of marijuana. That includes operating outdoor equipment like boats and ATVs. Exploring the outdoors is full of adventure but the risk of injury is a lot higher with impaired judgement.
Always be prepared for the elements of the outdoors–this includes knowledge of how to explore trails, what to do when you get lost, interacting with wildlife, and fire safety.
Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire.
Smoking around the campfire under the night sky full of stars is idealistic to say the least, but it’s also a big responsibility. Let the fire burn down before you plan on putting it out. Spread the embers within the fire pit, then add water or dirt and stir it around. Use the rinse and repeat method until it’s cool to touch. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
Know Before You Go!
The limit of possession in Canada, if you are of age, is 30 grams per person. Travelling with marijuana may seem like a good idea but it is illegal to cross international borders with cannabis, and It’s important before you head out to know the local laws that each municipality, region, and city have to reduce the chances of going home with a fine.
As for enjoying Canada’s Parks, several towns that are home to a few of our Canadian National Parks prohibit smoking in public areas, overriding Parks Canada’s Regulations. Local municipalities set their own rules, as do private campground owners.
Sources
Cannabis use at Parks Canada places – Plan your visit
Campfires and cannabis: Parks Canada says it’s OK to smoke pot at campsites | CBC News
Cannabis in Canadian Campgrounds – Go RVing Canada
You’ll be able to smoke pot while camping in Canada’s national parks | Grow
Spliffs & S’mores: Rules for Consuming Cannabis at Parks Canada Campsites
Nearly 600 campsites added to BC Parks and recreation sites | BC Gov News.
Don’t Puff, Puff, Pass on These Cannabis-Friendly Campgrounds
BC cannabis industry facing growing pains, advocates say | CTV News.
Canada Cannabis Legalization: A Guide to Marijuana Laws by Province
Maintain Campfire | Smokey Bear
StatsCanada Has Named Which Provinces Use The Most Weed: Nova Scotia Won
Quebec cannabis report shows 70% of purchases now at least partially from legal market – StratCann.
Restricted Activity Notice<br />Smoking – Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Using Cannabis on PEI | Government of Prince Edward Island
Secondary sources:
Marijuana News: Legalization, Medical, Dispensaries | Daily Hive Grow
Canada’s Legal Marijuana Market News & Resources | Leafly
Cannabis – NOW Magazine
About Highland Cannabis
Highland Cannabis is an independent, locally-owned dispensary that specializes in cannabis retail in Kitchener, Ontario. Owners Owen and Niki Allerton, both former corporate leaders, founded the mom and pop cannabis shop known for its award-winning design and stellar customer service in February 2021. Get to know other cannabis products, information on weed delivery in Kitchener, or one of our other cannabis blog posts.