A How to Guide to Reserve Parks Canada Campgrounds for 2026
- Tim G
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
Reservation Dates, Tips & How to Book Campsites in Canada
Planning a camping trip in Canada for 2026? If you’re hoping to stay in popular national parks like Banff, Jasper, or Yoho, you’ll need to book your campground through the Parks Canada Reservation Service as soon as reservations open.
Campgrounds in the Canadian Rockies and other national parks often sell out quickly, especially for summer travel. This guide covers Parks Canada campground reservation dates for 2026, how to prepare, and important booking tips to avoid extra fees.
Parks Canada Campground Reservation Dates 2026
Parks Canada opens campground reservations on specific dates for each national park. Below are the confirmed 2026 campground reservation launch dates.
Glacier National Park: Reservations begin on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 8:00 AM PT
Mount Revelstoke National Park: Reservations begin on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 8:00 AM PT
Kootenay National Park: Reservations begin on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 8:00 AM MT
Yoho National Park: Reservations begin on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 8:00 AM MT
Waterton Lakes National Park: Reservations begin on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 8:00 AM MT
Banff National Park: Reservations begin on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 8:00 AM MT
Jasper National Park: Reservations begin on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 8:00 AM MT
If you’re planning to camp in Banff or Jasper during peak season, it’s important to be logged in right when reservations open.
Create a Parks Canada Reservation Account in Advance
Before reservation day, create or confirm your account on the Parks Canada Reservation Service.
To prepare:
Create your profile ahead of time
Confirm your login details
Save your payment information
Having your account ready helps avoid delays when booking opens.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid Paying Multiple Reservation Fees
This is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes when booking Parks Canada campgrounds.
👉 If possible, book all your campgrounds in one reservation and one payment.
Parks Canada charges a reservation fee per transaction, not per campground. Booking campgrounds separately means paying the reservation fee multiple times.
How to avoid extra fees:
Add all your campground stays to your cart before checking out
Complete one payment instead of several
Pay the reservation fee once for your entire trip
This can save money, especially if you’re visiting multiple parks or campgrounds.
Which Campsites to Book with Parks Canada
If you’re traveling in a Venture Vans you’ll want to book frontcountry camping.
Frontcountry camping: Drive-in campsites, accessible by vehicle, suitable for campervans
Backcountry camping: Hike-in or paddle-in sites only
For road trips and campervan travel, frontcountry campgrounds are the best option.
Tips to Reserve a Parks Canada Campsite in 2026
Use these tips to improve your chances of securing a campsite:
Log in 30 minutes before reservations open
Know your preferred campgrounds and dates
Have alternative campgrounds ready
Be flexible with travel dates
Check back regularly for cancellations
Demand is highest for summer weekends and long weekends.
What to Do If Campgrounds Are Fully Booked
If your preferred Parks Canada campground is unavailable:
Look at nearby national or provincial parks
Consider splitting your stay between different campgrounds or sites within the same campground.
Monitor the reservation system for cancellations
Adjust travel dates when possible
Many campers secure sites later due to cancellations.
Final Thoughts
Booking Parks Canada campgrounds for 2026 requires planning, especially in high-demand parks like Banff and Jasper. Knowing the reservation dates, preparing your account, and booking efficiently can make the process much easier. If you need any help or have any questions we are happy to help, just send us a quick email or through our contact form on our homepage.