View topic - Alberta campsite reservation system

Favourite campground spots in Alberta are just a click away with the province’s new online reservation service.

Campers will be able to book any one of more than 2,800 sites in 25 popular campgrounds starting Friday.

Visitors can view and select an individual campsite on an online map and research the spot’s size and features.

The website will provide a 360-degree view of each campsite and campground and also point out nearby trails, firepits and washrooms.

The province is spending $8.4 million on the first phase of the online service and plans to expand it in the future.

Eager campers overload new Alberta online reservation system

Maxed provincial website tells users to 'try back later'

Almost all the campsites available on the first day of Alberta's new online reservation system have been snapped up for the May long weekend.

The province launched the reservation website on Friday, attracting 146,000 visits within the first three hours, with about 23 per cent of the traffic coming from outside Canada.

The site handled more than 6,500 reservations on Friday, including 1,000 in the first hour alone, said the province. Nearly all the campgrounds listed on the site are fully booked for the May long weekend, but campers can still phone for reservations at the 38 other campgrounds not included on the website.

"The response we've had to this system shows just how important it is to give visitors more options when it comes to making travel plans," said Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation Cindy Ady.

Some users on Friday were greeted with an overloaded server message: "The website is currently experiencing higher than normal demand. You are encouraged to try back later or you can call the campground directly to reserve your campsite."

"As with any pilot program, there are a few glitches that we are working to correct," said Ady. There are still first-come, first-serve sites at all Alberta campgrounds, she added.