Parkbus is still a new project, and we have to make sure that it grows in a sustainable manner, as demand increases. We can't be running empty buses! New routes are being added each season, and pilot destinations are regularly added to gradually expand our network.
Cancellations made 30 days or more in advance of travel date will receive a full refund
Cancellations made between 7 and 30 days in advance of travel date will receive a partial refund (10% processing fee will be withheld)
Cancellations made less than 7 days in advance of travel date are non-refundable
We are not a tour operator - Parkbus is an express bus service between the city and outdoor destinations. You are responsible for arranging your own stay in the park, such as making campground/backcountry/lodge reservations. We are here to provide care-free, sustainable and fun way to get to your destination.
We can also help you plan your trip and through partnerships with Parks Canada and Ontario Parks, we encourage first-time campers to visit our great outdoors. Our buses are accompanied by volunteers, and they are here to help passengers during pick-ups and drop-offs, answer questions about destinations and to provide on-board customer service.
I do not have any camping equipment for the trip. What can I do?
You can rent and buy gear both in Toronto and at some outfitters in the parks. In Toronto, Mountain Equipment Coop is the most popular destination for outdoor-related equipment sales and rentals, and provides discounts on rentals for Parkbus ticket holders. Note that some items, including canoes and kayaks cannot be taken on the bus, and should be rented in the park from the outfitters.
In the park, outfitters can provide you with everything from canoes to equipment and food packs, as well as all-inclusive trips. Visit the page of the park you are interested in for outfitter contact information.
What if the influx of new visitors will cause environmental degradation of the park environment?
It is true that people that are new to our parks may not realize how fragile and valuable are all the elements of the natural environment. This is why we intend to have a volunteer accompanying each bus to educate and monitor those going to the park with little experience and to promote the best visitor practices.
Each passenger can take a reasonable amount of the necessary camping equipment. Canoes and kayaks are not allowed on the bus, but are available for rent from outfitters in the park. Bringing your own firewood is prohibited due to the firewood importation ban.
Due to popular demand, a limited number of bicycles may be allowed on each bus. If you would like to bring a bike, please call 1-800-928-7101 before booking your tickets to make sure the space for bikes is still available.
How long would the ride be? Would there be any stops along the way?
Travel time between Toronto and the parks we go to varies and is often dependent on traffic. Approximate one-way travel time is 3 hours to Algonquin, 5 hours to Killarney, 3.5 hours to Grundy Lake and French River, and 4 hours to Bruce Peninsula. There would be one pit stop along the way, giving passengers the opportunity to buy food or visit the public bathroom (washrooms are also available on board most buses).
Unfortunately day trips are not possible at this point. All of our current destinations are over 3 hours away from Toronto (one-way), making day trips impractical for most people.
There are many outfitters located at the parks we provide service to, and are able to rent canoes, kayaks and any other necessary equipment you may need for your trip. To get more information about the specific outfitters located at the park, visit the specific page of the park you are interested in visiting.
Parkbus is a project of non-profit organization Transportation Options and receives financial support from the government of Ontario. We are involved in this initiative because we believe cars should not be the only way to access Ontario's beautiful wilderness. It is ironic, that by going to enjoy nature, most people are only increasing their carbon footprint on the environment by driving.
I don't like camping. Are there other accommodations available to me?
There are many roofed accommodations available at or near the parks we go to. Visit the specific page of the park you are interested in to get more information about places to stay.
We do, on case-by-case basis - please give us a call before you plan your trip. For dogs, we generally ask that you bring either a muzzle or a crate just in case. You probably won't be asked to use them, but we require that you have it in case there are sensitive passengers or many dogs on the bus.
If you are allergic to pets, give us a call as well. We may be able to tell you if there are already pets on the bus, or we may even designate a bus as "no pets allowed" if no pets are already on that particular bus.
Washrooms are available on board most buses. In rare cases where washrooms are not available on board, extra rest stops may be made along the way on request. At least one 10 minute rest stop is made by all buses halfway between the city and park destination to allow passengers to use off-board washroom facilities, purchase food or just stretch the legs.
