Demand for campsites soars as camping season begins
Outdoor enthusiasts geared up for the unofficial start of camping season on Friday, ready for a long weekend full of adventures and memories.
Since the pandemic, camping has become the ultimate outdoor experience, with demand for campsites increasing among seasoned campers and first-timers.
"It's completely 100 per cent booked," said Lindsay Gardner with Barrie KOA Campground.
"We're expecting it to be very busy," noted Bass Lake Provincial Park's Superintendent Scott Thomas. "We're almost full, but there are a few spots left. Victoria Day long weekend is the first weekend of the year where campers all really try to get out into nature and enjoy themselves."
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local news updates sent to your inbox
Amanda Cookson is embarking on her first camping experience.
"We are super excited to try and figure it out for the first time, and I don't know, learn the ropes of camping."
"It was so amazing to see so many new people to camping whether that meant buying trailers, starting tent camping, or we also have four different cabin styles here," said Gardner.
"Here at Bass Lake, we have some new soft-sited shelters. Basically, tents with hard roofs over them that people are excited to try out," Thomas said.
One notable change in provincial park camping this year is the implementation of a seven or 14-night stay limit per visit in July and August at popular parks like Algonquin, as opposed to the previous 23-night limit, which is still in place at select locations.
Thomas noted Bass Lake is moving to a 14-night limit this summer, which allows more campers to enjoy the experience.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.