Eager campers overload new Alberta online reservation system

Almost all the campsites available on the first day of Alberta's new online reservation system have been snapped up for the May long weekend.

The province launched the reservation website on Friday, attracting 146,000 visits within the first three hours, withabout 23 per cent of the traffic coming from outside Canada.

People can book reservations for more than 2,800 campsites in 25 popular campgrounds in the province. They can also research nearby trails, fire pit locations, proximity to washrooms and see a 360-degree panoramic view of each campsite and campground.

The site handled more than 6,500 reservations on Friday, including 1,000 in the first hour alone, said the province. Nearly all the campgrounds listed on the site are fully booked for the May long weekend, but campers can still phone for reservations at the 38 other campgrounds not included on the website.

"The response we've had to this system shows just how important it is to give visitors more options when it comes to making travel plans," saidMinister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation Cindy Ady.

Some users on Fridaywere greeted with an overloaded server message: "The website is currently experiencing higher than normal demand. You are encouraged to try back later or you can call the campground directly to reserve your campsite."

"As with any pilot program, there are a few glitches that we are working to correct," said Ady. There are still first-come, first-serve sites at all Alberta campgrounds, she added.