Your Ultimate Guide to Parks Canada Reservations - 2025

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 2025 Parks Canada camping reservations and what to do if your dream site is already gone. Spoiler: there are still amazing ways to explore the parks—especially when you base yourself somewhere like Basecamp Resorts.

When Do Parks Canada Reservations Open for 2025?

Parks Canada releases its camping reservation system in stages, with each park and region having a different booking date. The schedule typically rolls out starting in January and February, so being prepared ahead of time is crucial.

We recommend setting up your account early and watching the Parks Canada Reservation Service for updates and cancellations.

Most In-Demand Spots (From Kananaskis to Revelstoke)

If these are on your list, be ready to log on before 8:00 AM local time—these sell out fast:

Banff & Kananaskis

• Lake Louise Campground – One of the few options near the lake
• Two Jack Lakeside – Epic sunrise views
• Assiniboine Backcountry – The Mount Assiniboine region is iconic

Yoho & Jasper

• Lake O’Hara (Yoho) – Reservations are lottery-level hard to get
• Fairholme (Yoho) – Easy access to Emerald Lake
• Whistlers & Wapiti (Jasper) – Fully serviced and family-friendly

Revelstoke & Glacier

• Snowforest Campground – One of the newest Parks Canada sites
• Illecillewaet (Glacier) – Glacier hikes right from your tent flap

What to Do if You Miss Out

Missed the moment? Don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to still make the most of your trip, even if you miss out on that iconic camping spot:

Stay at Basecamp Resorts

If you’re headed to Kananaskis, Sundance by Basecamp offers traditional campsites, trailer parking, and glamping tents tucked into the trees.

For those setting their sights on Banff, Basecamp Suites Banff puts you right in the heart of it all. Or, base yourself in nearby Canmore, where Basecamp Resorts offers six unique properties—from elevated stays to home-away-from-home suites. 

Planning to explore Lake Louise or cruise the Icefields Parkway? Baker Creek By Basecamp offers a quiet, cabin-style escape nestled on the Bow Valley Parkway—just far enough from the crowds, but close to everything iconic.

Over in Golden, Basecamp Golden Lodge is your ideal launch point for Yoho National Park, with rustic lodge charm and quick access to Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and more.

And if you’re Revelstoke-bound, Basecamp has you covered there too. With three distinct properties—Basecamp Resorts Revelstoke, Basecamp Suites Revelstoke, and Northwinds Hotel Revelstoke. You’ll be perfectly positioned to explore Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks

Use Shuttle Systems to Visit the Parks Without a Reservation

Even without a campsite or parking spot, you can still access some of the most iconic places in the Rockies—thanks to a well-connected shuttle system.

Personal vehicles are no longer permitted at Moraine Lake, and access to Lake Louise is limited. Parks Canada shuttles, Roam Transit, and private operators like TenPeaks, and Via Via, offer timed departures and tours to both lakes. 

Lake O’Hara, located in Yoho National Park, is another must-see with a restricted access system. Personal vehicles aren’t allowed on the 11 km access road, and day-use visits are managed via a Parks Canada shuttle that requires a reservation through a randomized lottery system, usually released in March. If you don’t get a seat in the initial booking window, don’t give up—cancellations are common, and Parks Canada often re-releases spots throughout the summer.

Check Out Hidden Gems That Don’t Require Reservations 

Some of the most rewarding experiences in the Rockies don’t require a reservation at all — just a sense of adventure and a good pair of hiking boots.

Canmore

• Grassi Lakes – A short, family-friendly trail leading to crystal-clear lakes tucked beneath limestone cliffs.
• Spray Lakes Reservoir – A stunning alpine lake perfect for paddleboarding, picnicking, and golden-hour views.‍
• East End of Rundle (EEOR) – A challenging but rewarding half-day hike with panoramic views over Canmore and the Bow Valley.
  

Kananaskis Country

• Blackshale Suspension Bridge – A scenic lakeside trail with waterfalls, alpine views, and lots of wildlife sightings.
• Barrier Lake Lookout – A half-day hike with panoramic views of the Kananaskis Valley and front-range peaks.
• Elbow Lake – A quick but rewarding alpine lake hike that’s ideal for a short day trip or overnight backcountry experience.

Banff Area & Lake Louise Area

• Peyto Lake Viewpoint – Glacier-fed and impossibly blue—just off the Icefields Parkway and no reservations required.
• Bow Lake – An underrated gem with a scenic shoreline walk and access to waterfalls further up-trail.
• ‍Mistaya Canyon – A lesser-known waterfall hike with a short, gentle incline and beautiful payoff.

Yoho National Park

• Emerald Lake – One of the most picturesque lakes in the Rockies, with canoe rentals and a flat lakeside trail that’s accessible for most.
• Takakkaw Falls – One of Canada’s tallest waterfalls and just a short walk from the parking lot—no timed entry required.‍
• Wapta Falls – A wide and powerful waterfall reached by a mellow, forested trail.

Revelstoke Area

• Eva & Miller Lakes – A gorgeous alpine day hike off Mount Revelstoke’s summit area, offering peaceful lakeside rest and wildflower meadows in season.
• Cedar Boardwalk Trail – A short interpretive walk through towering old-growth forest, accessible for all ages.‍
• Sutherland Falls – A stunning, lesser-known waterfall located just outside town—quick to reach and well worth it

Whether you land your dream Parks Canada reservation or not, your adventure is far from over. The Canadian Rockies—and the surrounding wild spaces from Kananaskis to Revelstoke—are filled with unforgettable hikes, hidden lakes, and stunning views that don’t require a camping reservation at all.

And with Basecamp Resorts as your home base, you don’t have to compromise comfort for proximity. From glamping in Kananaskis to full-service hotels in Banff, Golden, and Revelstoke, Basecamp Resorts properties puts you close to the action, with everything you need to rest, recharge, and explore at your own pace.