Campsite Reservations Start This Month for Parks Canada Sites: It's Going To Be Busy

Campsite Reservations Start This Month for Parks Canada Sites: It’s Going To Be Busy

April 6, 2021 Jim Byers

Parks Canada is opening up for camping reservations this month.

Camping was huge in 2020 as the pandemic wiped out many traditional forms of travel and Canadians yearned for quiet or remote getaways, and this year promises to be no exception.

Parks Canada on Tuesday said it will start opening up for reservations this month, with spots available in various parts of the country as soon as this week at 38 national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.

“Whether it be a fully-serviced campsite, roofed accommodation, an interpretive guided hike or a remote backcountry experience, visitors can plan their experience with confidence and travel at ease, with the peace of mind of a guaranteed place at their favourite location,” Parks Canada officials said.

There are nearly 11,000 campsites available on Parks Canada’s Reservation Service and over 1.1 million nights of camping available to reserve every year. Most of the Agency’s campsites and accommodations are currently found on the reservation service.

Parks Canada’s current reservation service has undergone tremendous growth in the past few years. The number of reservations has increased significantly from approximately 120,000 per year in 2013 to over 375,000 in 2019.

Parks Canada’s Reservation Service operates on a cost-recovery basis, and the fees paid (reservation, modification, cancellation) go directly to funding its operation. A reservation is $11.50 (online) or $13.50 (over the phone), which compares favourably with other similar offers available throughout North America. These fees include all taxes, and have remained relatively unchanged since the launch of the reservation service 15 years ago.

If you want to get a site, you really need to be familiar with Parks Canada’s camping offer and increase your odds of getting that dream spot. Their new camping and reservation tips are sure to help.

Also, see our “camping reservation tips” story for even more information.

A complete list of launch dates for sites located across the country is available online, but here’s a sample from a number of provinces.

Banff National Park, Alberta: Reservations can be made beginning April 12 at 8 a.m. Mountain Time for the granddaddy of all Canadian national parks. The season runs from May 13 to October 3.

Bruce Peninsula National Park, Ontario: Reservations can be made beginning at 8 a.m. Eastern Time on April 19 for this popular park north of Toronto. Opening dates vary, but some begin April 30 and run until October 30.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia: Another classic, reservations for Cape Breton can be made on April 23 starting at 8 a.m. Atlantic Time. Some spots are available from May 21 to October 24.