Frequently Asked Questions

Questions on the Reservation Service are found below - please check before emailing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ontario Parks: If you don't find your question already answered, or have other feedback, continue on to our email page.

ADVISORIES
AGE
ALCOHOL
CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT TIMES
DIRECTIONS
DISCOUNTS
DOGS/PETS
EMPLOYMENT
EQUIPMENT
FEES
FEES UPDATE 2008
GENERATORS
GROUP CAMPING

MAPS
MAXIMUM PERSONS PER SITE
OPENING/CLOSING DATES
PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN
PHOTO SUBMISSIONS
RADIO-FREE CAMPING
RESERVATIONS (NEW) - 2011 Update
TOURISM
VEHICLES
WEST NILE

ADVISORIES
Q: Where can I find information on beach closings, boil water advisories, and fire bans?
A: Beach advisories, boil water advisories and fire ban alerts can be found at http://www.parkreports.com/report.php.

AGE
Q: How old do you have to be to reserve and occupy a campsite without an adult?
A: You must be at least 16 years of age to reserve and occupy a campsite without adult supervision, provided that all occupants are 16 years of age or older. If a member of your camping party is under the age of 16, you must have at least one person 18 years of age or older occupying the site.

ALCOHOL
Q: Is alcohol permitted within Ontario’s provincial parks?
A: Alcohol is permitted within provincial parks except during scheduled alcohol bans. Alcohol must remain on your designated campsite at all times. For the dates of alcohol bans, please consult the Reservation Rules and Policies under ‘All Reservations’ at http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/reservations.html .

CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIMES
Q: What are the check-in and check-out times at Ontario’s provincial parks?
A: Check-in time is 2 p.m. on the day of arrival. Campers must check-out before 2 p.m. on their day of departure. The latest arrival time is 8 a.m. following the scheduled day of arrival.

Q: Can I arrive at the park after hours for car camping?
A: Yes. If you arrive after the park office is closed, you may proceed directly to your campsite and quietly set up your campsite so as not to disturb other campers. Please check-in at the park office the following morning when it opens. If you plan to arrive after 8:00 a.m. on the second day of your reservation, please notify the park in advance.

DIRECTIONS
Q: Where can I find directions to an Ontario provincial park?
A: Follow these steps to find directions:
1. Go to http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/index.html
2. Select "Park Locator"
3. Under ‘Maps and Directions’ choose the park you would like to visit and click Go.

DISCOUNTS
Q: Does Ontario Parks offer any discounts on park fees?
A: Ontario Parks offers discounts on day-use and camping fees to Ontario residents over the age of 65 and Ontario residents who possess a CNIB identity card or Ministry of Transportation accessible parking permit. When making a telephone reservation, please advise the call-centre agents of your eligibility for a discount. You will be required to show proof of your eligibility when you arrive at the park. Reduced campground rates apply to Ontario senior citizens and their spouse who may be any age and persons in the same party under the age of 18 who occupy the campsite. Persons aged 18 to 64 inclusive, who are in the same party, or visit and occupy the campsite, are required to pay full rates.
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DOGS/ PETS
Q: Are pets allowed in Ontario’s provincial parks?
A: Pets are allowed in all parks – with the exception of designated campground areas in Awenda, Balsam Lake, Pinery and Voyageur and Achray, Canisbay, Mew Lake and Pog Lake campgrounds in Algonquin. Pets must be on a leash not exceeding 2 metres (6 feet) in length and are not permitted in swimming areas or on beaches or roofed accommodation sites. Pet owners should ensure that their pets are not left unattended, are properly leashed, do not make excessive noise and that any waste is cleaned up. Many parks now offer pet exercise/beach areas. Parks that offer these areas are listed below:

PET EXERCISE & BEACH LIST

Northwest Region
Blue Lake Exercise only
Pakwash Beach only
Sandbar Lake Beach only

Northeast Region
Chutes Exercise only
Driftwood Exercise only
Esker Lakes Exercise only
Fairbank Exercise only
Halfway Lake Exercise only
Ivanhoe Lake Beach only
Killarney Beach only
Kettle Lakes Exercise and Beach
Lake Superior, Agawa Bay Exercise only
Obatanga Exercise and Beach
Pancake Bay Exercise and Beach
Samuel de Champlain Exercise only
Wakami Lake Beach only
White Lake Exercise and Beach
Windy Lake Beach only

Southwest Region
Bronte Creek Exercise only
MacGregor Point Exercise only
Rock Point Exercise and Beach
Rondeau Beach only
Pinery Beach only
Point Farms Beach only
Turkey Point Exercise and Beach
Port Burwell Beach only

Southeast Region
Bon Echo Exercise and Beach
Charleston Lake Beach only
Murphys Point Beach only
Sandbanks Beach only
Sharbot Lake Exercise only

Central Region
Arrowhead Exercise and Beach
Awenda Beach only
Craigleith Beach only
Grundy Lake Exercise and Beach
Killbear Exercise and Beach
Mikisew Exercise and Beach
Oastler Beach only
Restoule Exercise and Beach
Sibbald Point Beach only
Wasaga Beach Exercise and Beach

Algonquin Exercise and Beach

Please check with the Park staff upon arrival to ask exactly where the beach and/or exercise areas are.

EMPLOYMENT
Q: How can I apply for a summer job or career with Ontario Parks?
A: If you are interested in summer employment in one of Ontario’s many provincial parks, send your résumé and a covering letter to the park where you would like to work. The mailing address for each park office is provided at the bottom of each park’s webpage. You may also wish to view information about the Ministry of Natural Resources’ youth programs at http://youth.mnr.gov.on.ca . You must be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant or hold a valid working visa to work at Ontario Parks.
Ontario Parks offers career opportunities for people with a variety of different backgrounds and qualifications. Current job vacancies are listed in JobMart, available at your closest Ontario Government office or on the following website http://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca.

EQUIPMENT
Q: How much camping equipment can I have on my site?
A: Where space permits, you are allowed up to three pieces of shelter equipment plus one dining shelter/tarp on your campsite. Only one piece of shelter equipment can be a tent trailer, house trailer, motor home, or self-propelled camping unit.

FEES
Q: Where can I find information on park fees?
A: Follow this link http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/fees.html or go to any individual park webpage and click on the fees button for information about park fees.

FEES UPDATE 2011
Q: Is Ontario Parks raising the fees for 2011?
A: No, there will be no increase to Ontario Parks camping, day-use, roofed accommodation, and reservation fees for the 2011 operating season.

GENERATORS
Q: Can I use a generator in an Ontario Park?
A: The use of a generator is permitted provided that campers respect the “No Excessive Noise” rule.

GROUP CAMPING
Q: Where can I find information on group camping?
A: You can find information on group camping by clicking on the group camping symbol on the individual park webpages on our website. If the group camping symbol does not appear on the screen, then the park you have selected does not offer group camping facilities. Please call the park directly to make group camping reservations.
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MAPS
Q: Where can I get a campground map?
A: Campground maps are available on-line for all parks that are part of the reservation system. Simply go to the individual parks’ web-pages using the Park Locator and click on the map icon or go to the reservation page and select a park there.
For parks that are not part of the reservation system, please contact the park directly to obtain a campground map.

MAXIMUM PERSONS PER SITE
Q: How many people are allowed on a car-camping site?
A: No more than six people can occupy a campground campsite unless these people comprise a single-family unit consisting of parents, and their children.

Q: How many people are allowed on an interior (backcountry) site?
A: Most parks with backcountry or interior campsites allow up to nine persons per site, with the exception of Frontenac, Killarney (hiking trail), Bon Echo and Charleston Lake. Each of these parks only allows six persons per backcountry or interior site

OPENING/CLOSING DATES
Q: On what dates do parks open and close?
A: Some parks are open year round. Other parks open and close on different dates throughout the year depending on their location. Follow this link http://www.parkreports.com/open_close.php or consult the Parks Guide to find out the opening and closing dates for your favourite park.

PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN
Q: How can I obtain a copy of a park management plan?
A: Contact the zone office for that park in order to obtain a management plan. Addresses for zone offices can be found on this website under the "Welcome" heading: http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/welcome.html.
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PHOTO SUBMISSIONS
Q: Can I submit photographs that I’ve taken of parks to www.ontarioparks.com?
A: Currently, we are not accepting photos for the website but we thank you for offering.

RADIO-FREE CAMPING
Q: Do any of your parks offer radio-free campgrounds?
A: Select campground areas in 22 parks, including Arrowhead, Bon Echo, Killbear, and Presqu'ile and four campground areas in Algonquin offer radio-free camping. Parks that offer radio-free camping are listed in the Parks Guide.

RESERVATIONS

Q: I have tried to make a reservation 5 months in advance at my favourite park. Every campsite is reserved. How can this be?
A: You can reserve a campsite up to five months in advance of the day of your arrival and you can book a site for up to 23 days. Therefore, some customers may have reserved earlier than you for extended stays so when you go in to book, the sites are already reserved. You may want to check again closer to your date of arrival to see if any sites are available due to cancellations.

Q: Where can I find all of the reservation rules and policies?
A: Please go to http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/reservations.html and select the links under 'Reservation Rules and Policies'.

Q: When I call the 1-888-668-7275 reservation line I get a busy signal. Why am I not placed on hold?
A: You will receive this message if all agents are busy serving customers, and the wait queue is full as well.

Q: Can I camp with a tent on a site designated for a trailer?
A: Yes you may. The equipment designation for campsites reflects the largest equipment that will fit on the site – it is always permissible to place smaller equipment on the site. However, there are a few large trailer sites that include in their site description “not suitable for tents” – these sites lack tent pads, and should only be booked by trailers or motorhomes. When you are making an internet reservation, you must enter your equipment type. You may still choose to reserve a different size of site; however, a pop-up window will warn you that there is a mismatch of equipment type. Please make sure your equipment type will fit on the site before clicking ‘ok’ and proceeding with your reservation.

FAQs for Ontario Parks New Reservation Service

Q1: Why did Ontario Parks change its reservation service provider?

Ontario Parks is committed to providing world-class recreational opportunities for our visitors through excellent customer service.
Previously, the contract terms were not being fully met and customer service was seriously affected during the 2010 season. Customers expressed frustration with the lack of functionality and difficulty using the service.
A new reservation service provider was obtained on Nov 1, 2010 and work has been underway to create this new system.

Q2: Who is the new reservation service provider?

We have a contract with Camis Inc, a company located in Guelph, Ontario which has been providing reservation services since 1993. Their client list includes Nova Scotia, British Columbia, the State of Washington, and several Conservation Authorities located in Ontario.

Q3: Has the cost to make a reservation changed with the new reservation provider?

No. The reservation and camping fees will remain the same for the 2011 season. There will be a $1 savings if your reservation is made online versus through the call centre.

Q4: How far ahead of my arrival date can I reserve a campsite?

Reservations can be booked five months in advance of the arrival date.

Q5: At what time does the calendar change for the five month reservation window?

The calendar date turns over at 7:00 a.m. EST to coincide with the opening of the call centre.

Q6: What happened to my old User Account and reservation history?

It was not possible to transfer your old User Account and reservation history to the new reservation service.

Q7: How do I create a User Account?

Go to www.OntarioParks.com, click on "Reservations" under the "Visiting Parks" drop-down menu; Click on "By Internet”; Select “My Reservations” from the top menu bar, and then select “Are you a New Customer” - “Click here to register a new account”. You must use your email address as your user name.

Q8: How do I change my User Profile?

After successfully logging in, choose "My Reservations". On the right hand side under “Quick Links” you will see “My Reservations – Home”, “Update My Profile”, “Change My Password” or “Change My Email Address”.

Q9: Why are you not providing temporary user names and passwords similar to last fall?

In the past we issued temporary user names and passwords. Many customers had problems and ended up creating new ones. It is easier to give full control to each user to create their own account.
Please note that passwords must be at least eight characters long, contain one uppercase letter, one lower case letter and one number, and must not contain any special characters.

Q10 Where do I log in?

Please go to www.OntarioParks.com and follow the "Online Services" or “Visiting Parks” link to the "Reservations" link. Enter by clicking on "By Internet – Sign In - next page, upper left". This link takes you to the new reservation website. Select the “Sign in” tab from the top left corner of your display screen. You can also log in by clicking on "My Reservations"

Q11: Are there any features that will not be available with the new reservation service?

You can only make one reservation at a time. Previously it was possible to put up to three reservations in your ”Shopping Cart” and pay all at once.
There is no ability to make a “split reservation” using the online internet reservation service.
We are continuing to look at these features for possible future improvements.

Q12: What are some of the new features available in this reservation service?

Your camping dates and equipment types are kept for all searches (i.e. map, list, calendar)
Campsite photographs have been added for many parks (others will be added in the future)
There is no timer on the checkout process
There is a clock at the top-right of every page which will help remind you of when the call centre opens (daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
The five month in advance reservation window is clearly displayed in the date calendars
Any camping restrictions (e.g. alcohol ban, radio free campgrounds) are displayed when you are making your reservation
The price for the campsite is included in the site description so you know how much you will pay before you decide to book
You can now change a reservation to a different campground within the same park, without having to cancel your original reservation
The “My Reservations” feature displays your active reservations as well as any past transactions

Q13: How do I access the campground maps to see campsite availability?

Go to www.OntarioParks.com; click on "Reservations" under the "Visiting Parks" drop-down menu
Click on "By Internet – Sign In – next page upper left". This will take you to the “Reservation Homepage”
If you are looking for availability for certain dates, enter the dates. If you just want to browse maps, you don’t have to enter the dates
Select a park from the drop down menu under "Pick your park/and or campground"
Select “On a Map”. You will see an overview map of the park campground(s). Click on the campground links to view a specific campground
When you click on a campsite on the campground maps, the campsite parameters will pop-up. Select the “Site Calendar” at either the top or bottom of the box to see the reservation calendar for campsite availability

Q14: I searched for an area in a park for a list of available sites using the "Trailer or RV up to 32ft" and got a list of sites. Do all of these sites fit my trailer?

The search criteria are set to the size of trailer you have chosen. All sites displayed will fit your trailer; this includes sites for 18ft to 32ft trailer and sites for trailers larger than 32ft. Note, the larger the trailer size the fewer sites will be displayed as typically there are fewer sites which can accommodate 18ft to 32ft trailers and larger.

Q15: Can I reserve a group campsite online or through the call centre?

No, you cannot book group campsites online or through the call centre. You need to call the park directly to make group campsite reservations because details vary from park to park.

Q16: Are there future plans to include backcountry reservations in the online system?

Not at this time. It is still necessary to contact the 1-888-668-7275 call centre to make backcountry reservations.

Q17: What happened to the reservation I already made for this winter?

All of the active reservations which were made with the previous supplier up to October 31st, and those made directly with the park this winter have been transferred to the new system.
Customers were issued confirmation letters for these bookings. When you register at the park, your reservation will be waiting for you. If you didn’t receive a letter call the reservation number for confirmation.

Q18: The map legend seems different than before?

Yes the map legend is different. You need to click on the legend to see the new features and colours.

TOURISM
Q: Where can I get information about special events or attractions close to the provincial park I'm planning to visit?
A: You can get additional information about tourism in Ontario by contacting 1-800-ONTARIO or www.ontariotravel.net. A provincial road map is also available from 1-800-ONTARIO.

VEHICLES
Q: How many vehicles can I have on my site?
A: The fee for one vehicle is included in your campsite permit - all other vehicles must purchase an "Additional Vehicle Permit" at the time of registration. The number of additional vehicles permitted on a campsite is limited by the park and vehicles may have to be parked in a separate designated "parking lot" located away from your campsite. Consult the ‘site description’ on the Reservations website to find out how many vehicles can be parked on-site.

WEST NILE
Q: How can I protect myself against West Nile virus during my visit to Ontario’s provincial parks this summer and where can I get more information?
A: From April to October, when mosquitoes are most active, you can and should try to avoid mosquito bites.
Take the following precautions:
Cover up: If outside at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active, or during the day in an area where there are weeds, tall grass, or bushes, wear light colours and these types of protective clothing: loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, jackets, pants and socks. Tuck your pants into your socks for extra protection.

Use Insect Repellent: Consider the use of an insect repellent containing DEET (according to the manufacturer's directions), when it is necessary to be outdoors when mosquitoes are biting. The concentration of DEET should be no greater than 30 per cent for adults and no greater than 10 per cent for children.
Other non-chemical ways to deter biting insects include protective clothing (as outlined above), repairing tears and holes in tents and along tent zippers or the window and door screens in tent-trailers and RVs, and using a dining shelter or wearable netting when camping.
For more information, please call the Ontario Ministry of Health INFOline at 1-877-234-4343 (toll free in Ontario). Or contact your local public health unit. The following websites are also useful sources of information:
• www.health.gov.on.ca
• www.HealthyOntario.com
• http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/wn-no/index_e.html
• www.bugsmart.ca

Last Modified: August 16, 2011
Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2011