Parks Canada announced the 2025 camping reservation dates for Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay national parks, aiming to streamline bookings. The reservation system will open in January, offering front-country and backcountry camping options to accommodate a variety of visitors seeking to explore the scenic parks.
In Yoho National Park, front-country camping reservations will begin on Tuesday, January 21, at 8 a.m., with backcountry sites available for booking on Monday, January 27, at 8 a.m. Popular sites like the Takakkaw Falls Campground are included in the reservation offerings. Known for its towering waterfall and surrounding hiking trails, Takakkaw Falls draws significant interest from visitors each season.
For those seeking to visit Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park, a separate process is in place. Camping reservations at Lake O’Hara will open on Thursday, January 23, at 8 a.m., while day-use shuttle access will be managed through a random draw system. Applications for the draw will be accepted from March 3 to March 2, through the Parks Canada reservation service.
Lake O’Hara is considered a pristine alpine environment, and Parks Canada has implemented measures to preserve its ecosystem. According to the agency’s website, “Lake O’Hara is a fragile alpine environment. To preserve this unique environment and backcountry experience, Parks Canada’s reservation service allows for a total of 3,000 day-use visitors during the summer season.”
According to an article published by Rocky Mountain Outlook, Yoho National Park offers four front-country campgrounds, each providing a different experience for visitors. Kicking Horse Campground features modern amenities, while Monarch and Hoodoo Creek campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Takakkaw Falls Campground also requires a short hike-in, with wheelbarrows provided to assist visitors in transporting their gear.
In Kootenay National Park, reservations for front-country campgrounds will also open on Tuesday, January 21, at 8 a.m. Backcountry reservations will be available from Monday, January 27, at 8 a.m. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, from rugged mountain peaks, which draw visitors year-round.
Kootenay’s front country campgrounds include Redstreak, McLeod Meadows, and Marble Canyon.
Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, also continues to see high demand for camping reservations. Front-country bookings for Banff will open on Friday, January 24, followed by backcountry reservations on Monday, January 27, at 8 a.m. Visitors are advised to book well in advance due to the park’s popularity and limited availability.
Banff’s campgrounds are frequently fully booked during peak season, with spots at popular locations like Two Jack Lake and Tunnel Mountain filling up quickly.
