How and When to Book National Park Stays in Canada

Feb 1, 2023 | Camping Tips, Migration

How and When to Book National Park Stays in Canada

Here's everything you need to know about making campground reservations at Parks Canada locations.

By Marney Carmichael

Parks Canada reservations for 2023 are set to launch for camping at national parks and historic sites. Depending on the province, bookings are available for the upcoming camping season starting on March 13. Reservable periods vary from park to park and, as with other national, state, and provincial parks in North America, campsite spots are expected to go quickly. 

Trailer and truck at campsite with fall foliage
Broad Cove Campground at Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Photo by Margot Bai

How to Book a Canada National Park Stay

You can reserve online or by phone at 1-877-737-3783 (or 1-519-826-5391 outside of North America). 

Parks Canada is using a new system for 2023 reservations, so there are some new guidelines to follow. Starting on March 3, campers can create an account in the new system, which will be needed to make reservations; reservations will start to open for parks on March 13. You can access your past reservations in the old system until February 26.

You can see a monthly calendar of site availability by opening the site description and clicking on “Site Calendar.” There’s also a calendar view that provides an overview of availability for all sites at a campground.

Related Your Guide to Canada’s Provincial Park Campgrounds

When to Book Canada National Park Campgrounds for the 2023 Season

The provincial parks listed below allow RV camping in various campgrounds. Amenities, availability, seasonality, and other services vary by campground. Reservation opening times are listed in the province’s time zone.

Large trailer parked at wooded campsite with mountain views
Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court at Banff National Park – Photo by ketah777

Alberta 

Trailer being towed by van in front of Parks Canada signage
Wasagaming Campground at Riding Mountain National Park – Photo by Margot Bai

British Columbia

SUV towing trailer at gravel campsite in wooded area
South Kouchibouguac Campground in Kouchibouguac National Park – Photo by Margot Bai

Manitoba

New Brunswick 

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Trailer with tent and bikes at wooded campsite
Cavendish Campground at Prince Edward Island National Park – Photo by BoxyColonial

Prince Edward Island

Quebec 

Campground shelter among grasslands
Frenchman Valley Campground at Grasslands National Park – Photo by Margot Bai

Saskatchewan 

Tips for Booking Parks Canada Campgrounds 

  1. Log in to your existing Parks Canada account before February 26 to make note of your favorite site numbers for future reservations. After this date, you won’t be able to view past reservations.
  2. On the Parks Canada Reservation Service website, you’ll find a drop-down menu for Reservation Type, Park, Arrival/Departure Date, and Preferences. This can help you search by tent or trailer size, site length, and hookups. It also lists information on its Reservation Policies.
  3. Where applicable, visitors must possess a valid national park entry pass for the duration of their visit. Click here for more information on Parks Canada’s passes, permits, and fees, including the Discovery Pass, which covers admission to more than 80 destinations for 12 months.
  4. Parks Canada also has helpful information about what to know before staying the night, including info on camping types, how to reserve (and what to do if your first choice is not available), service and amenities, camping basics (including a checklist), and rules and etiquette. 
  5. The Camping and Accommodations at Parks Canada page details information about glamping options in yurts and cabins as well as more information about tent and RV camping, including fees and what you should bring.
  6. Click here to find a Parks Canada location and be sure to read the visitor guidelines and rules and regulations on alcohol, fishing, garbage and litter, pets, quiet hours, and more.
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