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
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.