What is Geocaching?
- In geocaching, you use a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver to locate a “geocache” – a hidden object, place or feature. Searching for, finding and placing geocaches is fun, exciting and rewarding. This family-friendly outdoor activity is a adventure every time you seek a new geocache!
- Geocaching.com has locations and GPS coordinates (longitude and latitude) for geocaches worldwide.
- Geocache locations are hid by participants who post the GPS coordinates for others to go and seek. (See Guidelines for placing new geocaches in Alberta’s provincial parks.)
- Check Geocaching 101 for more info.
Geocaching in Alberta Parks
- There are currently almost 1,000 geocaches in parks across the province.
- These geocaches are located in protected areas so special precautions need to be taken when searching for and placing geocaches.
- Several parks offer interpretive and educational geocache programs for schools.
- We also host special events and public interpretive programs that feature GPS/geocaching. You can even rent a GPS unit at Crimson Lake Provincial Park, Cypress Hills Provincial Park and Miquelon Lake Provincial Park.
Geocaching Etiquette
- Geocaching happens in an outdoor setting. Take the same precautions you do when participating in other outdoor recreation activities like hiking. Check our Outdoor Safety page for more info.
- Follow Alberta Parks Regulations.
- Minimize impact to the location of the geocache. Stay on trails and avoid trampling vegetation or damaging the cache area.
- Ensure that geocaches are respected and placed back in the exact location they are found. If the geocache is damaged or poses a danger to people or wildlife, please report it to Alberta Parks staff.
Geocache Programs Offered by Alberta Parks
Geocache the Corridor – David Thompson Corridor
- Follow in the footprints of the explorers and adventurers of the David Thompson Corridor! Seek 10 geocaches in 10 provincial parks along Highway 11, west of Rocky Mountain House.
- Each geocache will be located in a scenic, easily accessible location. It’ll contain interesting information about that park, a logbook and a unique stamp. (No trade items, please.)
- Document your geocaching adventure by stamping your “Geocache the Corridor” passport at each geocache.
- Spend a day, a weekend or the summer completing your passport.
- Completed passports are eligible to win an Alberta Parks geocoin (while supplies last).
- The launch of this program has been delayed until summer 2015. Thanks for your patience.
Other Geocache Public Programs
Geocache Educational Programs
- Crimson Lake Provincial Park: Geocaching: 5-12, Year-Round, Also open to groups for team-building
- Miquelon Lake Provincial Park: Geocaching: 4-12, Year-Round
- Cypress Hills Provincial Park: GPS/Geocaching: 6-12, Year-Round
- Fish Creek Provincial Park: GPS Excursion: 7-9, Year-Round
Placement of Geocaches in Provincial Parks
- Check our Guidelines for information on placing a geocache in a provincial park.