A Gatineau Park yurt, some of which are still available for rent on weekdays over the next five months. The yurt design is based on a structure traditionally used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia. (Steve Fischer/CBC)

Dozens lined up outside the visitor centre in Gatineau Park Monday, to book a winter camping spot in person, after the park's new online system failed.

Phone lines were also jammed, with staff scrambling to answer calls.

The park has four cabins and three yurts available for rent during the winter months. In past years, the National Capital Commission used a lottery system to book the spaces.

This year, the NCC moved to a first-come-first-served reservations system, taking online and phone bookings.

But the glitches with the new system were not worked out for Monday's launch.

That made for a lot of frustrated customers who scrambled to drive to the visitor centre and make their reservations in person.

"The only thing I'm concerned about is how they re going to work the online, phone and people at the visitor centre all at same time," said visitor Linda Connell

In fact, those who lined up were the lucky ones — most were able to make their bookings after just a short wait. The online reservation system remained down Tuesday.

Most weekend spots are now taken. But the NCC said there are still openings available on weekdays over the next five months.