Competition can be fierce for favourite campsites at busy parks and on popular weekends.
Our online reservation system opens at 7:00 a.m., five months in advance of the first date of your trip. If you want the best chance of getting your dream site, pick your campsite in advance and book as soon as the window opens.
Here’s how to prep your device for the 7:00 a.m. booking blitz:
1. Use an up-to-date browser
As software makers release new versions of their browsers, they stop updating the older versions. These older versions gradually lose compatibility with current web technology.
The online reservation system requires an up-to-date web browser to make sure that you can use all of the features. The system works best in the latest versions of these browsers:
- Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Firefox
- Safari
Check which browser you’re using in advance. If you’re using one of the browsers cited above and it’s up to date, then you’re all set!
2. Check your clock
The system time clock – found in the upper-right corner of the reservation service home page under “System Time” – is synchronized with a time server used by the National Institute of Standards and Technology on a server in Boulder, Colorado.
This link contains this IP address on a list of Internet Time Servers.
Once your internet browser session is open, the time clock is controlled by JavaScript software which will update automatically at the same time as your browser (refer to number one above). It is possible that the time displayed on your computer may be faster or slower than time displayed on the reservation system server, even within a thousandth of a second. Having an up-to-date browser will ensure a closer synchronization of the clock.
Reservations start at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST).
3. Wait until 7:00:00 am
If you attempt to reserve a campsite before the site becomes available at 7:00 a.m. during the five-month booking window, you will be prevented from adding it to your cart. You’ll then have to re-start the booking process.
4. Clear your cache
We recommend you periodically clear the cache to allow your browser to function more efficiently. The reservation system uses cookies to improve your search experience. Browsers will normally clear cookies that reach a certain age, but clearing them manually may solve problems with websites or your browser.
If you encounter a spinning wheel that persists, this is a good sign you may need to clear your cache.
5. Close and reopen your browser
Has your computer or mobile device been up and running for a few days? Close your browser and reopen the reservations website before attempting to book a site. This should repair issues that are preventing you from making a reservation.
6. Call us
Reservations are also available through our call centre beginning at 7:00 a.m. Call us at 1-888-668-7275 to process a reservation by phone.
Still having trouble locking down your site?
We see heavy traffic on our system at 7:00 a.m. This is especially true of reservations for arrival dates during summer months at busy parks. In many instances, there can be dozens of customers vying for the same site and the same arrival date.
Check out our blog for 7 tips for reserving an Ontario Parks campsite to set yourself up for success!
