National Parks - www.pc.gc.ca
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Though the frigid Canadian winter may not have you thinking about spending a night outdoors, now is the time to start planning your 2017 camping trips! New to the year of 2017, reservations for National Parks and Historic Sites are available as early as January, and many provincial parks are changing their booking procedures from a set reservation date to the ability to book months in advance of desired arrival date.
With the celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, and FREE entry into all National Parks in Canada, you can imagine the demand for camping reservations will be higher across the country than ever before. To ensure you get a spot at your favourite location this spring and summer season, be sure to follow the simple reservation steps each province has in place. Here we have provided detailed instructions and handy links so you can know how to book your provincial campground and celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday camping in the beautiful backcountry.
National Parks
New to 2017, a reservation for a fully serviced campsite, roofed accommodation, an interpretive guided hike or a remote backcountry experience in any of the 31 National Parks and Historic Sites can be made starting in January. Once the launch date of the specific park has been passed, you can book online 24/7 at www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783). The telephone service is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local park time (except from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Newfoundland).
For a detailed list of exactly when the National Parks and Historic Sites are accepting Reservations, please visit the Parks Canada Reservation Service website.
British Columbia Provincial Parks
WHEN YOU CAN RESERVE: Up to four months ahead of desired arrival date. (eg. If you want to reserve camping for May 2, 2017, you can book it on January 2, 2017)
With high demand for front, and backcountry, camping in BC, the process for registration has been changed and updated year after year. With plenty of feedback from the public BC Parks have attempted to make the registration process as easy and fair as possible for everyone, hoping to ensure those who want to camp get the chance to do so.
Using the BC Parks website, you will either login as a returning customer or signup as a new customer and follow the 6 steps to make a reservation, available 24/7. You can also reserve a site using the Call centre 7 days a week from 7am – 7pm.
In response to feedback from the 2016 reservation service, BC Parks have made significant changes to help improve the reservation system for 2017. Some key changes to note are:
- The elimination of “opening day” for reservations
- Previously, May 15 marked the opening day for all reservations for camping in BC Parks.
- Starting January 2, 2017, reservations can be made up to four months ahead of your desired arrival date.
- Policy to prevent reselling or transferring reservations
- Permit holders can now no longer change the name on the reservation starting January 2, 2017.
- During the stay, at least one permit holder must be present and identification may be required for a valid reservation.
- Restricted booking policy to stop “overbooking”
- Changes to Discover Camping Call Centre Hours
- Open from 7:00am – 7:00pm PT / 7 days a week including holidays
- Seven day maximum stay in five provincial parks (pilot project)
- Attempting to free up space for customers at high-demand campgrounds. Parks included are: Martha Creek, Mount Fernie, Porteau Cove, Lovelwand Bay, and Ellison
For information and regulations in other provinces, click here.
Originally published here.