Dreaming of Campfires – 2016 Campground Reservation Dates

Current temperature is -22°C, windchill -31°C (that’s around -7 and -24 F for my American readers) and summer is a long ways away.  But it’s never too early to start thinking about summer fun and camping trips, as reservations are opening up earlier this year to make room for the heavy demand.

Reservations for some Canadian National Parks, including Whistlers, Wapiti, Wabasso and Pocahontas, began on January 13, while all other roadside campgrounds operate on a first come, first serve basis.  View their reservation services here.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit many Canadian National Parks, now is your chance. Canada will be celebration their 150th birthday in 2017 and National Park admissions will be free next year!  Any annual passes purchased this year will be valid for two years or if you don’t have any National Park travel plans for this year, just wait till 2017 and go for free!

If you plan on visiting Alberta Parks this year, you still have a few more weeks to plan you trips before reservations open up. For the 2016 season, group camping reservations start February 8, comfort camping begins February 16 and regular camping reservations begin February 22 at 9am.  To view campground locations, amenities and find the perfect spot, visit Alberta Parks and their reservation system here.

For our first camping trip we plan on camping just outside the Rockies, travelling through the Columbia Icefield and taking in the activities in Jasper on Canada Day. Do you have any plans yet for camping this summer?

Feature Photo Waterfowl Lakes, Icefield Parkway between Banff and Jasper