Ottawa, ONTARIO, February 18, 2005 -- Parks Canada has expanded its new Campground Reservation Service to include 18 national parks across Canada. The Campground Reservation Service was implemented on a pilot basis in March 2004 in Forillon, Gros Morne, Bruce Peninsula, Cape Breton Highlands, Kouchibouguac, Riding Mountain, Prince Albert and Jasper national parks of Canada. Following the successful testing period, the service has now been expanded to include Terra Nova, Prince Edward Island, Kejimkujik, Fundy, La Mauricie, Elk Island, Banff, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes and Pacific Rim national parks of Canada. "Parks Canada is proud to offer Canadians a new on-line camping reservation service," said Alan Latourelle, Chief Executive Officer. "This new national service was developed in response to campers' requests for an on-line campground reservation service that would allow them to better plan their experience by being able to reserve a campsite in advance of their arrival at the park." The new service will replace and enhance the individual campground reservation services that were previously offered by some national parks, and will provide campers with the ability to make reservations in multiple campgrounds through one toll-free phone call or Web site visit. The use of the reservation service is voluntary and was introduced for the convenience of visitors who wish to plan their trip in advance. A number of camping sites will also be available on a first-come first-served basis. Campers can now reserve a campsite by visiting the Internet service (available 24 hours a day) at www.pccamping.ca or by dialing 1-877-737-3783 (1-877 RESERVE), a toll-free number to a call-centre (in operation 12 hours a day), which also offers a TTY number: 1-866-787-6221. Parks Canada is pleased to provide this new service to Canadians. Visitors to Canada's system of national parks will continue to enjoy breathtaking scenery, outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities, exciting learning experiences and quality visitor services at a very reasonable cost, but with the added advantage of being able to reserve a campsite that meets their needs in advance of their visit. Backgrounder associated with this News Release. NEW CAMPGROUND RESERVATION SERVICE IN CANADA'S NATIONAL PARKS - 30 - Information: Andrew Campbell Chief Information Officer Parks Canada (819) 994-4546
