Canada is known for its spectacular wilderness and the national parks service called Parks Canada is taking steps to help people get to know it through camping. A few services make things easier. Several learn-to-camp events are held across the country to teach people the basics.
The equipped-campsite program offers sites that are fully set up upon the visitors’ arrival. Each of these sites has a six-person tent, a ground sheet, sleeping pads, and stove equipped with propane. The guests only have to bring their sleeping bags, cookware and food.
Listen‘Hassle-free’ camping
“It will appeal to folks who are looking for hassle-free family vacations, gathering with friends, an outdoor excursion, you know, (those) trying to experience camping in the outdoors for the first time and maybe… don’t have the gear,” says Patti Vickers, operations coordinator at Banff National Park in western Canada. “You can come and try it out and then decide if it’s something that you want to do.”
Guests also get an orientation. Guides explain how to use the equipment and how to store food, cookware, toothpaste, shampoo and anything else with a scent either in their vehicle or in a special bear-proof locker. “It’s to ensure that both our visitors and our wildlife stay safe,” says Vickers.
Heat and electricity too
A second program offers accommodation that is a cross between a tent and a cabin for extra comfort. Called oTENTik, this program offers heat and electricity, a table and chairs, beds, a picnic table and fire pit.
‘Phenomenal’ response
“The response has been phenomenal,” says Vickers. “Our oTENTiks have been booked solid right through the month of August and equipped-camping had a very positive response as well.”
The programs are available in national parks throughout the summer and reservations can be made online. The campgrounds close down in the fall. Both programs will be available from May to October of next year. Since they are so popular, park officials will consider whether to expand them.
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