Campgrounds see an increase in bookings as the summer weather approaches
The demand is high just two days into this year’s camping season.
“There won’t be enough campsites this year for people wanting to camp in Ontario,” says Camping in Muskoka owner Paul Cook.
Many are eager to get outdoors after two years of pandemic restrictions.
Camping in Muskoka, previously known as KOA Gravenhurst, opened its campground last week, and it hasn’t taken long for slots to start booking up.
“Every long weekend for the summer is already reserved. We have no sites left for every long weekend,” says Cook.
Cook says there are no restrictions this year, which means the campsite can run at full capacity and extra facilities like the pool can open for the first time in years. However, he says staffing is still an issue.
“We’re at half the staff that we would have during the summer when we get going, and I haven’t had many people apply for jobs,” adds Cook.
It’s a similar scene over at KOA Holiday Barrie.
“I think we could have a record year for sure. Based on the reservations we have already, it looks like it’s trending that way,” says Manager Josh Kuiack.
The campground is already half full with the warm weather the past few days.
Campers and staff feel that this summer will be a return to normalcy.
“We have a lot of campers that come every year, so it’s nice to see the ones that were kinda nervous with COVID. It’s nice to see them back and getting the big crowds up again,” says Kuiack.
KOA is fully booked out for the May long weekend and has limited spots left for the rest of the summer.
So if you’re thinking of booking, campsite officials say it’s best to do so as soon as possible.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.