BC Parks launches new notification system for campsites

If you’re trying to book a camping spot in B.C. this summer, things may have gotten a little easier as BC Parks has launched a new reservation feature.

If the campground you’re trying to book is full, BC Parks says you can get on a notification wait list for when someone cancels their reservation.

“This season, we are piloting a new feature to the reservation service that will provide people with [email] notifications when a campsite becomes available at a specific campground within our four-month booking window,” BC Parks said in a news release.

You can sign up for a maximum of five alerts for any reservable campground.

Last year, more than 317,000 reservations were made, but more than 60,000 were also cancelled.

“To increase the chances of reserving a newly available campsite, people should book immediately when they receive the notification email,” Aman Singh, the parliamentary secretary for environment, said.

This year, campsites can be booked up to four months in advance. Several campgrounds can also newly be reserved, including Gwillim Lake Park, Yahk Park, and Allison Lake Park.

“British Columbians have told us how disappointed they are when a campsite in their favourite campground is not available, and we — and they — also know there are thousands of cancelled camping reservations each year,” Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heyman said.

“We’ve worked hard to find a fair way to give people a second chance at their first choices. Receiving a notification email does not guarantee a campsite, but it does provide a simple way for people to keep track of desired camping opportunities when cancellations occur.”

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