The Government of Yukon in Canada announced the opening of an online campsite reservation system for four of its front-country campgrounds. Starting on April 10, at 9:00 a.m., the new system will allow campers to secure spots at Pine Lake, Marsh Lake, Wolf Creek, and Tombstone Mountain campgrounds ahead of their visits.
According to a press release, this pilot project, set to run for two years, is a significant step towards enhancing recreational opportunities across the territory and helping campers plan their outdoor plans.
“From our public engagement on the Yukon Parks Strategy, we heard from the majority of respondents that they are looking forward to a new way to book campsites online. We know how much Yukoners and tourists from around the world enjoy our campsites. That’s why I am excited to try a new convenient online service that aims to improve campers’ access and experiences here in the Yukon,” Minister of Environment Nils Clarke said.
Yukon, known for its vast wilderness and breathtaking landscapes, offers some of the country’s most desirable camping experiences. Recognizing the growing demand for such outdoor adventures, the government committed to making these natural havens more accessible to both Yukoners and visitors. By allowing 50% of campsites at selected locations to be reserved online, the initiative aims to streamline the planning process for campers, ensuring that they have a guaranteed spot upon arrival.
The online reservation system is a response to strategic action 4.5.3 of the Yukon Parks Strategy, which emerged from extensive engagement with local communities. This strategy sets the long-term direction for the management of the territory’s parks, campgrounds, and recreation sites, with a focus on delivering sustainable benefits across environmental, economic, social, and health domains.
In support of this new reservation service, Visitor Service Operators will be introduced at Wolf Creek, Marsh Lake, and Pine Lake campgrounds. These operators will assist campers with the check-in process, enhancing the overall visitor experience and ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.
An existing online reservation system for Grizzly Lake, Divide Lake, and Talus Lake campsites in Tombstone Territorial Park has already demonstrated the effectiveness of such an approach in managing high-demand tent sites. Building on this success, the new pilot project aims to offer a similar level of convenience for campers at additional locations.
To make a reservation, Yukoners and visitors can log onto yukon.goingtocamp.com, using or creating a MyYukon account.
Following the conclusion of the pilot project, the Government of Yukon will evaluate the system’s impact on camping experiences and campground management. This evaluation will inform the future direction of reservation services and how best to accommodate the needs of both campers and campground operators.