Alberta’s ‘campdown’ is on for summer

Contributed

Alberta Parks’ new camping reservation platform launches another promising summer camping season.

May long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer for many Albertans hoping to book their camping spot for the upcoming season. This year, Alberta Parks introduced a new camping reservation platform to help Albertans and visitors plan for their camping adventures.

In the first 10 days since the new site opened, over 11,500 camping reservations have been processed, with almost 36,000 nights booked. Reservations can be made in advance on a rolling 90?day window for individual and backcountry camping and 180 days ahead for group and comfort camping. For spur-of-the-moment visits, the system also offers a ‘Camping this Weekend’ feature to easily search for a reservable site.

“We know how excited campers are to visit our provincial parks. Whether it be a mountain escape, a quiet lakeside campground near a boat launch, a backcountry campsite, or a relaxing getaway in one of our comfort camping spots—Shop.albertaparks.ca lets Albertans find exactly what they are looking for,” explained Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks.

Alberta Parks has something for everyone, with over 9,000 reservable individual sites, 205 backcountry permits, 71 comfort units and 157 group camping sites available. There are also 5,000 first-come, first-served sites in Alberta’s parks.

“We are making it easier for Albertans and visitors from around the world to book top-notch camping experiences in the province. The new reservation platform has proven to make it easier for people to find a campsite that fits their needs to ensure that their experience in Alberta’s world-renowned mountains or rolling prairies is one that leaves them with an everlasting desire to explore our province,” added Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport.

Quick facts

• Alberta Parks’ camping reservation fee has been $12 since 2009.

◦ This fee helps offset the cost of providing reservation services, including online services, call centre services, merchant fees, Payment Card Industry compliance and staff resources.

• The call centre will be available for Alberta parks visitors to make bookings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday. If campers prefer not to make an account, the call centre can assist with booking.

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