Mark your calendars! It’s time to start planning this year’s camping trips

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Despite the onset of winter in many Western Canadian provinces, outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for summer camping. If a spring or summer camping trip is in your plans, mark your calendars because reservations for provincial and national parks begin opening this month.

This year, Parks Canada is emphasizing the importance of preparation for campers with an advanced booking window that opens in January, a notable shift from the previous March schedule in 2023. A change like this is expected to create significant opportunities for outdoor recreation in Canada, allowing campers to plan ahead and potentially boosting seasonal tourism.

In an effort to address past challenges with overbooking and queuing, Parks Canada has implemented a new booking system. Introduced in March, the system requires users to register an account on the website before making a reservation.

National campsite reservations by province

In British Columbia, reservations open between Jan. 19 and Jan. 29 for several national parks and historic sites.

Yukon’s Kluane National Park and Reserve will start taking bookings on Jan. 23.

Alberta follows, with reservation openings staggered between Jan. 24 and Feb. 1 for its renowned national parks and historic sites.

To confirm your spot, visit Parks Canada or reserved by calling 1-877-737-3783

Mark your calendars! 🗓 #ParksCanada reservation launch dates for the #2024camping season are NOW AVAILABLE on our website ➡ https://t.co/ZqIRae4Sru

You’ll also find #camping tips & tricks and details on how to be ready to book your campsites! ⛺ pic.twitter.com/FzmOP4pTHO

— Parks Canada (@ParksCanada) November 28, 2023

Provincial park camping reservations

BC Parks

Camping enthusiasts can now start making reservations for both frontcountry and backcountry camping at BC Parks. The option to secure your spot is available through online booking or by phone within a four-month rolling window. As of Jan. 3, you can make reservations for camping dates starting May 3.

For those eager to embark on the Bowron Lakes Circuit in the Cariboo, reservations for the canoe circuit became available in late 2023. Don’t delay – space for this popular destination fill quickly!

Regrettably, the Berg Lake Trail, a highly sought-after destination in Mt. Robson Provincial Park, will remain closed throughout the summer of 2024. Hikers can venture as far as Kinney Lake on the trail, as efforts persist to rebuild sections washed away during the 2021 floods.

Reservations online are easy using the new system, just make sure you set up an account prior to reserving your spot for the best chance.

Alberta parks are full of camping adventures to enjoy this summer.

Alberta Parks

Alberta Parks’ camping reservations are open year-round for both frontcountry and backcountry camping. A 90-day booking window is provided for campers to secure their desired dates. As many provincial campgrounds, both backcountry and frontcountry, are open all year round, there is no set reservation opening date.

For campgrounds that do not operate year-round, you can initiate the reservation process 90 days before the designated opening date. Alberta Parks conveniently provides a comprehensive list, letting you check the reservable status of each campsite and determine the earliest date for booking.

Yukon Parks

If a Yukon vacation is in your plans for 2024, you’ll want to watch for an announcement about the parks reservation system expected before the end of February.

Frontcountry campgrounds are accessible by vehicle and typically within one kilometre of a road or highway. Popular Yukon camping destinations like Conrad, Fox Lake and Million Dollar Falls are considered frontcountry campgrounds.

Yukon Parks is currently looking at a blended approach to campsite reservations, according to Carrie Mierau, the Yukon Parks’ operations manager for the territory’s northern region.

“The frontcountry campgrounds will be a blended version – 50 per cent reservable 50 per cent first-come, first-served,” Mierau says. “Our approach is definitely to improve the service and improve fair access for Yukoners. So, it’s meant to be yet another way that you can go camping as opposed to restricting anything.”

Yukon mountains are an awe-inspiring backdrop for summer camping. AdobeStock

Know Before You Go

Before you head out to enjoy one of Canada’s vast parks, do your research as cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent in many parks.
For those venturing out in the colder season, be sure to visit Parks Canada Winter Safety page for tips to help stay safe.
Research the area you’ve chosen. Browse the lists of campgrounds and suggested trips.
Make an itinerary of where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Leave it with someone you trust to ensure your whereabouts are known.
Test all your equipment and know how to use it before you’re in the backcountry.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills:

Bear safety and how to use bear spray
Basic navigation
Basic first aid
Weather warning signs and safety
Leave no trace ethics

Necessary Gear:

Shelter (tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag)
Cooking utensils (including a portable stove as most backcountry sites do not allow fires, or the weather can keep you from lighting one)
Proper clothing and layers for sudden weather changes (including insulating layers and waterproof outer layers)
Proper footwear (water-resistant hiking boots or shoes that provide arch and ankle support, and don’t forget extra socks)
Sufficient water or a water purification system
Food for all meals, including yummy snacks to keep you energized on the trail
Toiletries/ garbage bags to pack all garbage out with you
Bear spray
First aid kit
A map and navigation equipment (carry and know how to use a compass, don’t rely solely on GPS as it can fail)
A backpack that will fit all your equipment
Valuable extras: headlamp, multipurpose knife, insect repellent, sunscreen and hand sanitizer.

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