Overall, at 93,465 reservations to date, camping reservations in provincial parks are up eight per cent over last year, and up an impressive 48 per cent for the week of Aug. 22-28, 2011.

All BC Parks campgrounds are open over the Labour Day weekend. Many are open through September - so it's not too late to reserve your spot in one of B.C.'s world-class provincial parks. Dates of operation are on a park-by-park basis and depend on factors such as climate and demand.

If you plan to go camping in the next few weeks, please check the Ministry of Environment's website for campfire bans and closures. During times of high fire risk, be prepared. It is recommended that you always carry a portable stove for cooking.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of BC Parks. Events honouring 100 years of conservation and recreation are being held all throughout the province from the snowy peak of Mount Robson to the tidal pools of Haida Gwaii, and everywhere in between.

Quick Facts about BC Parks:

• Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island was British Columbia's first provincial park established March 1, 1911.
• Parking fees were eliminated from B.C.'s provincial parks on May 3, 2011, to help make parks more accessible and inviting to families.
• BC Parks provided $450,000 to community groups through the Community Legacy Fund to support improvements to 27 parks across the province.
• With 13.6 per cent of the province set aside as parks and protected areas (1,000 in total), B.C. has the second-largest park system in Canada - second only to the national park system.

Find out more:

BC Parks 100: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

Campfire bans: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/campfire_bans.html

Connect with BC Parks on Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks

Contact:

Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745