Campgrounds

Campgrounds in Canada and the US do not generally compare to private campgrounds in Europe. In Canada, on the whole, campgrounds are not so resort-like and they are in general less commercial. Except for those in the vicinity of a larger city or urban centre, they offer more natural settings. Both public campgrounds (national and provincial parks, and city parks) and private campgrounds exist.

Campings In the high season, during the months of July and August, campgrounds tend to fill up rapidly and by late afternoon, there are often at capacity. If you prefer to have a set itinerary, we recommend booking where possible, especially for long weekends (May 20 - 23, June 30 - July 3, July 29 - August 1, & September 2 - 5, 2011).

If you prefer to travel with more flexibility and without a set route, we suggest arriving as early as possible to the campgrounds (between 11 am and 3 pm). In a number of campgrounds, they tend to leave some spots unbooked for those arriving without a reservation.

Provincial, Territorial & State Park Campgrounds

These campgrounds are some of the most beautiful but for the most part they provide basic services only. Some have bath/shower houses and you will generally find private sites with picnic table and campfire spot. Water taps are also generally available.

In a growing number of provincial parks, sites can be reserved in advance (3 months or less in advance). A booking fee of approx. 6$ will apply and for long weekends you can only book for a minimum of 3 nights.

Rates range between 15$Cdn and 30$Cdn per night. Firewood extra. In some provincial parks a self-service policy is in effect and payment can be made by cash or credit card.

National Park Campgrounds

In general, these campgrounds offer a quiet and natural setting in the heart of some of the most beautiful national parks. In some, sites with electricity and water are also available (Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper). Interpretive programs are also often offered on site by park wardens/rangers.

In a select few Canadian national Parks, sites may be reserved in advance. A booking fee of approx. 10.80$Cdn applies (cancellation or modifications 8.80$Cdn service fee applies). For campgrounds not offering reservations, in the high season, we recommend arriving as close to 11 am as possible (check-out time) to claim a site. You can pay for your site and then head to explore for the rest of the day.

Rates range between 25$Cdn and 35$Cdn per night depending on the services available at the site. If you plan on having a campfire, there is an extra charge of approx. 7$Cdn (which includes firewood). Payment can be made by cash or credit card. The camping fees do not include the park pass required to stop in a National Park.

Private Campgrounds

Privately-owned and operated campgrounds tend to offer more services, such as laundry, grocery shop, internet and other amenities. The sites are in general less private with more of a side-by-side arrangement. Most private campgrounds accept reservations. Rates vary widely by campground from 20$Cdn - 50$Cdn.

Campgrounds

Provincial, Territorial & State Park Campgrounds

National Park Campgrounds

Private Campgrounds

Links - Provincial & Territorial Park Campgrounds

Links - National Park Campgrounds

Links - Private Campgrounds

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