Alberta Destinations

Alberta expands online campground reservation system

(Special)—Albertans and visitors can now reserve at more than 5,800 campsites at 50 provincial campgrounds online or through a new toll-free phone reservation service.

“We are doubling the number of provincial campgrounds taking online reservations this year,” said Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister Cindy Ady. “The 25 new online campgrounds will give Albertans and visitors easier access to provincial campgrounds as we committed to with Alberta’s plan for parks.”

Online reservations at the 50 provincial campgrounds are available up to 90 days in advance at Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca.

Online reservations started April 1 for the July long weekend. They will begin May 3 for the August long weekend and June 5 for the September long weekend. Visitors can preview their individual campsite on an interactive map on the website. The maps show the campsite size and features such as nearby trails, firepit location, and proximity to washrooms. The website provides a 360-degree panoramic view of each campsite and campground.

A new toll-free phone reservation service also allows those who prefer to talk to a real person to book their campsite over the phone at 1-877-537-2757.

“The beauty is it provides a state-of-the-art online reservation system along with the personal contact of over-the-phone service for those that want it. It’s the best of both worlds,” said Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk.

In 2009, campers made nearly 50,000 online reservations. More than 20 provincial campgrounds that are not online will begin taking phone reservations at local campground offices on May 3. More than 140 other provincial campgrounds offer first-come first-served only campsites.