A fee increase is being implemented at NWT Parks for the 2024 parks season following amendments to the Territorial Parks Regulations (TPR).

Starting in the 2024 season, all NWT parks users will see a per-night fee increase of $5.33 (to $33.33 from $28.00 pre-GST) for powered sites, and $6.07 (to $28.57 from $22.50 pre-GST) for unpowered sites. After GST, new prices will round to $35.00 and $30.00 respectively for the convenience of park users paying by cash.

The introduction of the new fee structure coincides with the launch of a new online reservation system available for the 2024 season, allowing users to book sites online. A non-refundable reservation fee of $6.00 (includes GST) will be applied per reservation as part of this new system. This administrative fee will offset the cost of the new software, which aligns with standard practices in other jurisdictions.

Even with these adjustments, campsite fees in the Northwest Territories remain below the national average. In Canada, the price for a powered campsite can reach up to $43.73 a night, or up to $38.75 for unpowered sites.

These fee adjustments are a strategic measure to avoid undercutting private campgrounds while upholding the standards in NWT parks as costs continue to rise across the country. The GNWT last adjusted campground fees in 2009.

Starting today, guests can visit www.NWTParks.ca to access the new reservation portal and get familiar with features, find park information, and set up a new user account ahead of the opening of the reservation period on April 16, 2024. NWT Parks encourages parks users to register early this season. All new fees and the new online reservation system will be in effect for the start of the 2024 season.

Quote

“The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to providing NWT residents and visitors with easy and extensive access to our territory’s land, parks, and natural spaces. For the first time in 15 years, the GNWT will increase NWT park fees as a strategic measure to avoid undercutting private campgrounds while upholding park standards as costs continue to rise across the country. By charging market value for campsite rentals, the government is committed to sustaining our investments in park infrastructure and growing the user experience in all NWT parks.”

• Caitlin Cleveland, Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment

Quick Facts

• Compared to previous years, NWT Parks users will see two separate fee changes in 2024:
  • • Increase in site base rate of $5.33 per night for powered sites, or $6.07 for unpowered sites pre-GST. The rate on North Slave Extended Stay Campsites will also increase by $6.07 per night pre-GST, with a 50 percent discount applied for full and half-season stays.
    • A $6.00 (includes GST) administrative fee per reservation request.
• NWT Parks fees remain lower than the national median cost across Canada.
• The fee increases are part of amendments to the Territorial Parks Regulations (TPR) Schedule D, which was reviewed by NWT Parks in 2022.
• The GNWT last adjusted campground fees in 2009.

Related Links

• Backgrounder: Territorial Parks Regulations: Schedule D Fee Increases
• Have Your Say: NWT Parks Regulations Amendments (2022)

For media requests, please contact:
Wesley Cook
Assistant Director, Strategic Communications
Department of Industry, Tourism, and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
ITIcommunications@gov.nt.ca
(867) 767-9202 ext. 63037