Parks Canada has announced key reservation dates for its 2025 summer camping season, urging visitors to secure spots early as demand for popular campgrounds remains high. The reservation system opens on a staggered schedule starting in mid-January and continues through February, covering national parks, historic sites, and marine parks across the country.

New users or those who have not booked since March 2023 must create a new account on the Parks Canada Reservation Service before making a reservation. On the specified launch dates, the entire camping season will be available for bookings. 

If a preferred site is unavailable, users can check other locations within the same park or explore different parks altogether. Parks Canada also encouraged visitors to consider night-by-night reservations if consecutive days are not available.

In addition to general camping reservations, guided hikes in some of Canada’s most iconic parks are set to open for booking on January 21. 

The Burgess Shale hikes in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks include the Stanley Glacier, Mt. Stephen Fossil Beds, and Walcott Quarry trails, offering participants an opportunity to explore ancient fossil beds. The hikes run from mid-June to mid-September.

For families seeking a more accessible outdoor experience, the Consolation Lakes guided hike in Banff National Park opens for reservations on the same day. This 6 km round-trip hike includes a Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake, providing visitors with views of alpine meadows, towering peaks, and the Quadra Glacier.

Shuttle bus and boat reservations for various parks will open in April and February, respectively. The Lake Louise and Moraine Lake shuttle buses, essential for accessing these iconic destinations, begin taking reservations on April 16. 

These services run from May to October, helping to manage visitor traffic and preserve the natural environment. For those visiting Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Daytripper boat reservations will be available from February 3, for trips between May 16 and October 13.

Another significant destination, the Lake O’Hara area in Yoho National Park, implements a random draw system for shuttle bus reservations due to high demand. Applications for the draw will be accepted between March 3 and March 24, with selected applicants notified of their reservation date. The Lake O’Hara region is known for its alpine landscapes.

According to an article published by To-do Canada, parking reservations at popular spots like the Grotto in the Bruce Peninsula National Park will also open on February 3. These spots, along with Halfway Log Dump, are in high demand during the summer months. 

British Columbia’s national parks, including Fort Langley, Glacier, and Pacific Rim, will also start accepting reservations on January 17. The West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, a multi-day hiking route, opens for bookings on January 20. 

Reservations for Alberta’s national parks, including Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes, will open between January 22 and January 29. Banff National Park, one of Canada’s most famous destinations, offers both frontcountry and backcountry camping options. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips in advance to secure a spot in these highly sought-after locations.

In Saskatchewan, reservations for Grasslands and Prince Albert National Parks will open on January 31. Similarly, Manitoba’s Riding Mountain National Park will begin accepting reservations on the same date, providing visitors with access to its diverse ecosystems.

Ontario’s national parks and historic sites, including the Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay Islands, and Thousand Islands, will also open reservations on February 3. These locations are popular for their natural beauty and historical significance, making them prime destinations for summer travelers. 

Quebec’s national parks, such as Forillon and La Mauricie, will start accepting reservations on February 5. 

In the Maritime provinces, reservations for parks in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia will open between February 7 and February 12. 

Newfoundland and Labrador’s national parks, including Gros Morne and Terra Nova, will begin their reservation systems in mid-February.