The Manitoba government has modified the campground reservation process, further staggering the booking process to address concerns about wait times during the initial hours of campsite reservations.

“We know that Manitobans love to enjoy the great outdoors and there is always a lot of excitement around the beginning of camping season,” Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox said. “We want to ensure the process for campground bookings is fair, efficient and reliable. With this year’s staggered reservation dates, we hope to relieve Manitobans of the stress of booking their favourite provincial campsites.”

To accommodate the expected high demand on the opening day of the parks reservation system, online and call centre services will begin at 7 a.m. at prs.gov.mb.ca, 204-948-3333 (in Winnipeg) or 1-888-482-2267 (toll–free). On all other days, the call centre will open at 9 a.m.

The Manitoba Parks Reservation Service will start accepting bookings in three phases:

  • March 20 at 7 a.m. reservations open for cabins, yurts and group use areas as well as Birds Hill Provincial Park campground;
  • March 22 at 7 a.m. campsite reservations open for Winnipeg Beach, Betula Lake, Big Whiteshell, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, Otter Falls, West Hawk Lake and White Lake campgrounds; and
  • April 3 at 7 a.m. campsite reservations open for all remaining provincial park campgrounds.

Walk-in reservations and in-person payment arrangements can be made at 200 Saulteaux Cres. in Winnipeg and will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning March 20 for the parks and facilities as described above.

Annual provincial park entry passes can once again be purchased online through Canada Map Sales at www.canadamapsales.com as well as at retail outlets or provincial park offices. Park visitors are reminded that while Parks Canada is offering free access to national parks as part of the Canada 150 celebrations, provincial park entry fees will still apply.

The minister noted Birds Hill Provincial Park will play host to events such as the triathlon, cycling and swimming for the Canada Summer Games. Expect additional traffic, detours and some reduced access to the swimming area from July 28 to Aug. 13 while the games are on.