Parks Canada reservation system: how to book shuttles and sites

Parks Canada’s online reservation system is the gateway to some of the most sought-after experiences in the Canadian national parks — and the source of considerable frustration for visitors who discover too late that bookings are already full. Moraine Lake shuttle slots for July sell out within 30 minutes of the annual release date. Prime campsites at Tunnel Mountain and Banff Townsite go in hours. Backcountry hut reservations can be gone before most people have finished their morning coffee.

This guide explains how the system works, what requires a reservation, when to book, and how to maximise your chances of getting what you want.

What is the Parks Canada reservation system?

The Parks Canada reservation system at reservation.pc.gc.ca is a centralised booking platform for:

• Shuttles: Moraine Lake shuttle from the Lake Louise Park and Ride, and the Lake Louise lakeshore shuttle
• Frontcountry campsites: Reservable sites at campgrounds in Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and other parks
• Backcountry camping: Designated backcountry sites requiring permits in Banff, Jasper, and other parks
• Group camping and oTENTik: Parks Canada’s pre-set tent accommodation at select campgrounds

Park entry (Discovery Pass and daily vehicle passes) is handled through a separate section of the same website.

Creating your Parks Canada account

Create an account at reservation.pc.gc.ca before the booking window opens. The registration process requires an email address and takes a few minutes. Having your account ready in advance means you do not lose precious minutes setting up credentials at the moment bookings open.

Keep your login details accessible — you will need them on release day.

What requires advance reservation

Moraine Lake shuttle (highest demand)

The shuttle from the Lake Louise Park and Ride to Moraine Lake is the most sought-after booking in the Parks Canada system. During peak season (typically late May to mid-October), Moraine Lake Road is closed to private vehicles. The shuttle is the only way to reach the lake without cycling or joining an organised tour.

Bookings for the Moraine Lake shuttle typically open in April for the full summer season. Slots for July and August Saturday mornings — particularly the 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM departures — sell out within minutes. September slots are less extreme but still fill quickly on weekend dates.

Strategy: Be logged in and at the booking page at least 5 minutes before the release time. Have your date, preferred time, and number of passengers pre-selected where the system allows. Process payment immediately when the window opens. Do not wait.

For full details, see our Moraine Lake shuttle guide.

Lake Louise lakeshore shuttle

The Lake Louise lakeshore shuttle (also from the Park and Ride) operates during peak season and is less intensely competitive than Moraine Lake but still fills up for popular time slots. Book in advance for July and August visits.

Frontcountry campsites (Banff)

The following campgrounds in Banff have reservable sites alongside first-come, first-served sites:

• Tunnel Mountain Village I: One of the largest campgrounds in Canada; many sites are reservable. Popular for its proximity to Banff town (2.5 km).
• Tunnel Mountain Village II: RV-focused; electric hookups; reservable.
• Two Jack Main: More rustic, 12 km from Banff, good wildlife corridor.
• Johnston Canyon: Only 16 km from Banff, very popular location, sells out quickly.
• Lake Louise Tent/Trailer: High demand due to Lake Louise proximity; book months ahead.

Reservations typically open in April for the summer season. For July and August at Johnston Canyon or Lake Louise Tent, booking within the first hours of the release window is advisable.

Frontcountry campsites (Jasper)

• Whistlers Campground: The largest campground in the Canadian Rockies, adjacent to the Jasper Tramway. Mix of reservable and walk-in sites.
• Wapiti Campground: Open year-round; river views; popular with RVers.
• Wabasso Campground: South of Jasper, quieter, good wildlife area.

Backcountry permits (Banff)

All backcountry camping in Banff National Park requires a permit. Popular overnight destinations include:

• Berg Lake trail (Mount Robson Provincial Park): Technically in BC, managed separately, but extremely popular from the Alberta side
• Egypt Lake: Classic Banff backcountry; reservations open April
• Skoki Valley: Multi-day loop east of Lake Louise; permits required for overnight sites
• Shadow Lake: Accessible via Redearth Creek trail; permit required

Backcountry permit reservations open in the same April window as frontcountry sites. For destinations like Egypt Lake on summer weekends, have your account ready on release day.

Book guided Banff backcountry and multi-day hiking tours

oTENTik and cabin rentals

Parks Canada operates pre-set camping accommodation (oTENTik — large canvas tents with beds, camping furniture, and basic kitchen equipment) at select campgrounds. These are extremely popular for families and couples who want a camping experience without gear. They sell out faster than standard campsites. Book on release day.

When does the booking window open?

Parks Canada announces the exact opening date each spring, typically in January or February for a April release. The opening date and time are announced on the Parks Canada website and through its social media channels.

In recent years:

• Shuttle bookings: Open mid-April
• Campsite reservations: Open mid-April, often the same day or within the same week as shuttles

Set a reminder for the announcement. Then set another reminder for release day.

Using the reservation system on release day

The platform can experience high traffic on release day, particularly in the first 30 minutes. Tips:

1. Log in 10 minutes early and navigate to the booking page for your desired date and facility
2. Have payment details ready (credit card information stored if the system allows)
3. Work quickly — items in your cart are not guaranteed until payment is complete
4. If you miss your preferred time, check alternative departure times for shuttles, or different dates for campsites
5. Cancel unused reservations — Parks Canada releases cancelled slots and other visitors are waiting for them

What has no reservation requirement

Not everything in the parks requires advance booking. These remain first-come, first-served:

• Day hikes and trails: No permit or reservation required for day use of any trail in Banff or Jasper
• Viewpoints: Peyto Lake, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Bow Lake, and all Icefields Parkway stops are accessible without reservation (though the parking areas fill early)
• Banff Gondola: Commercial operation with its own booking system — not Parks Canada, but book in advance regardless
• Lake Minnewanka boat tours: Commercial operator with its own bookings
• First-come, first-served campsites: Each campground has a proportion of walk-in sites not available for advance reservation; arriving early on weekdays (before noon for most) gives reasonable odds

Book Banff tours with all logistics included

What to do if you cannot get a reservation

Moraine Lake shuttle sold out: Cycle in (11 km from Lake Louise village, paved road), or book a guided tour that includes Moraine Lake access as part of its permit arrangement. Some tour operators run early-morning Moraine Lake tours with access included.

Campsite not available: First-come, first-served sites at the same campground are always worth attempting — arrive as early as possible (before noon on weekdays). Alternatively, look for accommodation in Canmore (outside the park, more availability) and commute into the park daily. See our Banff vs Canmore guide for considerations.

Backcountry permit unavailable: Check the system regularly for cancellations — they do occur. Parks Canada releases cancelled permits back to the pool. The backcountry permit line (phone booking) can occasionally succeed when online is sold out.

Fees overview

Item	Fee (CAD, approximate)
Moraine Lake shuttle (per person)	$10-14
Lake Louise lakeshore shuttle (per person)	$8-12
Campsite (frontcountry, per night)	$22-$44 (type-dependent)
oTENTik (per night)	$120-$160
Backcountry permit (per person per night)	$10
Reservation fee	$11 per transaction

Note: A Parks Canada entry pass (Discovery Pass or daily vehicle pass) is required in addition to shuttle and campsite fees.

Frequently asked questions about Parks Canada reservation system: how to book shuttles and sites

Can I book on the day of my visit?

For shuttles and popular campsites in July and August, almost certainly not — these will be fully booked. Walk-in campsite spots may be available if you arrive very early. For September and shoulder-season visits, same-day or short-notice booking has much better odds.

Can someone else use my shuttle ticket?

No. Shuttle tickets are associated with the reservation holder’s name. ID may be checked. Transfers between individuals are not officially permitted.

What is the cancellation policy?

Parks Canada typically allows cancellations with some refund, minus the reservation fee. Policies vary by product and are detailed at reservation.pc.gc.ca. Cancelling promptly when plans change is the courteous option — it releases the slot for other visitors.

Does the reservation system cover both Banff and Jasper?

Yes. The system covers all Parks Canada sites nationally, including both Banff and Jasper national parks.

For broader Banff and Jasper planning, see our guides on the Parks Canada Discovery Pass, best time to visit Banff, and our 5-day Banff itinerary.