• Reservations are held until 2:00 pm of the day after the 1st scheduled night, at which time the campsite is released for resale
• "No show" campers forfeit 1st & 2nd night's fees
• Any remaining camping fees are refunded
• The $10.00 reservation fee is not refundable - it is retained to cover administrative costs

• If a reservation is cancelled more than 24 hours before 2:00 pm on the scheduled arrival date, there is a full refund of pre-paid camping fees
• If a reservation is cancelled less than 24 hours before 2:00 pm on the scheduled arrival date, the 1st nights camping fee is forfeited
• In neither instance is the $10.00 reservation fee refunded
• Refunds to the credit card used to make the reservation are processed as quickly as possible

If you have technical difficulties, keep in mind:

• your user account must be set up before you begin the process of finding a campsite
• reservations can only be made a maximum of 90 days in advance of your planned arrival date
• the system allows only 1 camping accommodation unit per campsite
• there is a limit of 4 reservations/log-in
• multiple reservations must be made on 1 user account with 1 credit card
• If you continue to have problems, making your reservation online, call 1-877-537-2457 to book by phone.

What software do I need to run the online reservation website on my computer?

• The reservation website requires:

• the browser Internet Explorer 7 (7.0.5730.13) or better; or Firefox
• Adobe Flash Player 10 (V10.0.22.87)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 9
• www.adobe.com to download Adobe software
• Mac users - download Firefox for Macs

Can I view the website using a browser other than Internet Explorer?

• You will be able to view & interact with the website; however, some features may not function as intended.
• For full functionality, it is best to use Internet Explorer or Firefox.

Do I need to have popup windows enabled for the website?

• No, the website is designed to function without popup windows.

When I went online I got a "busy signa" - what does this mean and what should I do?

• Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca was designed to handle 2500 concurrent users - if that number is exceeded the system displays a busy signal.
• If you get a busy signal, keep trying until you get through, or call 1-877-537-2757 to book by phone.

I tried the online service but I couldn't get through. Why?

• There are a variety of reasons why you may be unable to get through online:

• an unexpected interruption of service through your Internet Service Provider
• the website is temporarily down for maintenance
• the maximum number of concurrent users has been reached
• there is an unexpected outage on the Government of Alberta server

• Outages are usually temporary - attempt to access the website every 10 minutes or so until it is back up & running.
• If you still can't get through online, call 1-877-537-2757 to book by phone.

I'm having trouble logging in.

• First make sure your browser is set to accept cookies and that JavaScript has been enabled:

• on Internet Explorer, go to "Tools" > "Internet Options" & click the "privacy" tab - set the bar to "medium" & click "OK"
• on Firefox, go to "Tools" > "Options" & click "privacy" - make sure the checkbox "accept cookies from site" is enabled & click "OK"

I'm being prompted to download Adobe Flash Player again, even though I used the Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca website last season - why?

• If you're using a different browser than you did last year, the download prompt means that your current browser needs to have the Adobe Flash Player plug-in installed.
• If you're using the same browser but have upgraded to a more recent version, the install prompt means that your upgraded browser requires installation of Adobe Flash Player.
• In both of these cases, a pop-up box within Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca will provide you with a link to the Adobe website.

I've forgotten my account password - how do I reset it?

• On the Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca home page, click the "sign in" button on the left-hand side of the page - from there, go to the "forgot your password?" link, enter your email address into the box & hit "send".
• Within 3-5 minutes, you'll receive an email containing your new password.
• If you prefer, you can call the Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca contact centre at 1-877-537-2757 & a reservations agent can assist you.

Why can't I open campground maps or photos on my computer?

• In addition to the appropriate browser (Internet Explorer 7 or Firefox), to view campground maps & photos, you must also  ensure that you have the following software installed on your computer:

• Adobe Flash Player 10 (V10.0.22.87)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 9
• visit www.adobe.com to download Adobe Flash Player & Adobe Acrobat Reader

How do I download the campground maps and photos? Why can't I print the maps and photos?

• The pages are done in Flash & as such cannot be downloaded or printed.
• Campground layout maps are available for some provincial campgrounds on the Alberta Parks website: albertaparks.ca/ > "publications/media" > "online publications".

Why aren't the pictures on my screen in focus?

• To properly view images on Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca, minimum monitor resolution = 1024 x 768.
• For best results set your monitor resolution to 1440 x 990.
• Visit Microsoft's website or consult your computer's user manual to find out how to adjust monitor resolution.

Can I reserve a campsite from my Blackberry or other mobile device?

• Not at this time.

Why do I have to enter a security code when making a reservation?

• The code is a tool that prevents fraudulent use of the application.

When I log into my account, there is a prompt indicating that the site is not secure - is it safe for me to make a credit card payment online?

• Yes - credit card payments are made through the secure credit card processing service MiraPay - when you click the button to pay, you are redirected to their secure website where you can safely enter your credit card details.

I received an error message while trying to make a credit card payment for my reservation. What should I do?

• Although it is rare, problems can occur during a credit card transaction.
• If you received an error message or are not sure your transaction was processed, call the contact centre at 1-877-537-2757 - they may be able to process the transaction. If not, you will have to contact your credit card provider.

How do I delete my online user account? If I do not use my account for a long period of time, does it become inactive?

• User accounts are deactivated after 5 years of inactivity - you cannot delete it yourself.

If I have to shorten my stay, will I get a refund?

• Once you have registered in the campground, refunds of any unused camping nights will be given, as long as you give notice of at least 24 hours before 2 p.m. on your actual departure date.

Who do I contact to enquire about my refund?

• For a refund at a campground on Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca, you can either call the contact centre (1-877-537-2757) or call the campground.

When making an online reservation, why do all camping fees have to be paid upfront?

• It is administratively more efficient & cost-effective to have all fees pre-paid by credit card.
• Pre-payment of camping fees is standard practice on all online campground reservation systems in Canada.

How are camping vouchers redeemed when reserving online?

• Although the system cannot process vouchers when a reservation is made online, they can be redeemed when you register at campgrounds that have manned registration booths (ensure that you present your voucher at the beginning of the registration process).
• When making a reservation by phone, inform the reservation agent that you will be using a voucher.
• If you are staying at a self-registration campground on Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca, contact the appropriate park/district office to arrange to redeem your voucher.
• Self registration campgrounds on Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca:

• Cold Lake PP
• Crimson Lake PP
• Cross Lake PP
• Dillberry Lake PP
• Dunvegan PP
• Elkwood campground (Peter Lougheed PP)
• Etherington Creek PRA
• Franchere Bay PRA
• Garner Lake PP
• Lac Des Arcs campground (Bow Valley PP)
• Little Elbow campground (Little Elbow PRA)
• Little Elbow Equestrian campground (Little Elbow PRA)
• Marten River campground (Lesser Slave Lake PP)
• Moose Lake PP
• Park Lake PP
• Red Lodge PP
• Reservoir Loops 1&2 campground (Brazeau Reservoir PRA)
• Ross Lake campground (Whitney Lakes PP)
• Saskatoon Island PP
• Twin Lakes campground (Crimson Lake PP)
• West Canal campground (Brazeau Reservoir PRA)
• Young's Point PP

Can I register a second tent/trailer/RV when I reserve a campsite online?

• No, but you can ask to place a second camping unit on the campsite when you register.
• To confirm whether it is even possible (i.e. if your campsite is large enough), check campsite dimensions online or call ahead.

Why are online reservations campsite-specific?

• With campsite-specific reservations campers can look at campsite photographs, consider nearby facilities & confirm that a given campsite meets their needs.
• For years, we have received numerous requests from repeat visitors to reserve specific campsites.
• In other jurisdictions, campsite-specific reservations have proven to be very popular with campers.

Can I extend my stay?

• Yes, subject to availability - simply contact park staff to enquire. 
• Keep in mind that all online reservations are campsite-specific - if your campsite has been reserved by someone else, you will have to move to an available campsite to extend your stay.

What happens if I forget to bring my printed confirmation sheet &/or reservation number?

• At campgrounds with registration booths, staff can search for your reservation using your last name or telephone number.
• At self-registration campgrounds, staff will have a list of the campers who have reservations & can verify your reservation when they patrol the campground.
• It is best if you at least note the site number of your reservation so that you know which campsite to occupy.

What happens to my personal information when I reserve a campsite online?

• Retention of personal information in the system makes it easier for you to make future online campsite reservations; it also facilitates reservation program evaluation initiatives.
• Personal information is collected by the Government of Alberta under the authority of section 33 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is protected by the privacy provisions of the Act.

How much did Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca cost?

• 2008/09 development costs* = $6.5 million
• 2009/10 development costs * = $6.2 million
• 2010/11 projected development costs = $3.6 million
• Annual operating costs = approximately $1.7 million

* Development costs = campsite mapping/photos, creation of computer software & website & installation of internet connections at reservation offices, etc.

What improvements have been made to Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca for 2010?

• Addition of a new "home" page with instructions for using the site.
• Improvements to "search by campsite size/type".
• Improved links to Alberta Parks websites, downloadable brochures/maps, etc.
• Alerts & notifications re: fire bans & liquor bans.
• Countdown timer in public shopping cart.
• Ability to see "real time" occupancy status of "first come-first served" campsites.
• Ability to designate up to two people to act on behalf of account holder on Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca.
• Staff-created camper accounts can now be re-used for online self-service.

What are the criteria for selecting campgrounds for Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca?

• public demand, where campgrounds regularly fill to capacity
• proximity to major highways to accommodate travelers
• geographic location so that Albertans throughout the province have access to reservation camping
• the presence of Supernet & internet to point-of-sale in the park

Which other campgrounds will be added to Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca?

• Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca may be expanded in the future; however, which specific campgrounds may be added (& when) hasn't been determined.

Why aren't parks like Carson-Pegasus, Thunder Lake, Chain Lakes, Wyndham-Carseland, etc. on Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca?

• The cost of providing Supernet & internet connectivity was prohibitive.
• Alternative methods are being investigated & these campgrounds may be added if budgets permit.

Why aren't reservations at Mount Kidd RV Park & Sundance Lodges available online?

• Mt. Kidd RV Park & Sundance Lodges are privately-run commercial facilities located within Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area in Kananaskis Country - these operators offer different camping opportunities & have different reservation rules & procedures.

• For reservations at Mt. Kidd RV Park, call 403-591-7700 or visit mountkiddrv.com.
• For reservation information on Sundance Lodges, visit sundancelodges.com. To book, call 403-591-7122.

How can I make a reservation at a campground on Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca if I don't have a computer?

• You can call the contact centre (1-877-537-2757) - they will make the reservation for you.

What happens if someone tries to book the same campsite I'm trying to book?

• Until you move a campsite into your shopping cart it remains available to others.

• Campsites placed in your shopping cart are held for 20 minutes, during which time no one else can book that campsite. 
• You will receive a warning just before your time expires.

Why is there a maximum 90-day window to book online?

• To provide fair & equitable access to reservation services at high-use campgrounds.

1. Have the following information ready when you make your reservation:
1. arrival & departure dates
2. name & address
3. telephone number (residence & business)
4. type of equipment (i.e. tent, tent trailer, motor home)
5. credit card number & expiry date
2. A non-refundable $10.00 reservation fee and a deposit equal to the first night's camping fee is required to confirm a reservation; MasterCard & Visa are the preferred methods of payment
3. Your stay cannot exceed 16 consecutive nights
4. Check-out time is normally 2:00 pm; Check-in time is 4:00 pm
5. Although a specific campsite cannot be reserved, we try to accommodate such requests when possible
6. Up to 4 reservations may be made at a time for the same date in the same campground
7. At any given campground, only 1 active reservation may be held at a time; a new reservation for that campground can be made the day after the active reservation has expired
8. Groups requiring more than 4 campsites should consider reserving a group use area
9. Cancellations/Refunds
   • If a reservation is cancelled more than 48 hours prior to the scheduled arrival date, the deposit is refunded
     
   • The $10.00 reservation fee is not refunded

I'm trying to make a reservation and can't get through to the campground on the phone - what can you do about this?

• At campgrounds offering "phone-in only" reservations, call volumes are high during the first few days of reservations (reservations normally begin on the first business day in May at "phone-in only" campgrounds).
• There is only one phone line going into our park reservation offices; although calls are answered as quickly as possible, there is often a backlog, resulting in a busy signal.
• At campgrounds on Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca, telephone calls go to a centralized contact centre that is designed to handle higher call volumes & that offers extended hours & service; as more campgrounds are added to the online service, getting through on the phone will become less of an issue.