British Columbians have made more than 6,000 camping reservations for the Victoria Day long weekend representing an approximate 13 per cent increase over the same period last year, Environment Minister Terry Lake said.

Overall, reservations in BC Parks are up six per cent this year (38,775 reservations) compared with 2011 (36, 563 reservations) and it's not too late to book a campsite for the long weekend. Sites with substantial remaining reservable campsites are Gladstone, Green Lake, Red Bluff, Strathcona, Wells Gray and Wasa Lake provincial parks. To see which campsites are still available, check out: www.discovercamping.ca

The most popular parks are Haynes Point, Bear Creek, Rathtrevor Beach and Okanagan Lake South. If you want to visit a park but there is no reservable space left, check out the first-come, first-served availability tool on the Discover Camping website.

For the 2012 season, campsites in 95 BC Parks can be reserved and also new this year is the ability to make up to three reservations in one transaction. Don't forget that last May Premier Christy Clark and Environment Minister Terry Lake announced that parking is now free in BC Parks, and that benefits families who want to stop by for a day-visit.

Quote:

Environment Minister Terry Lake -

"When you see these kinds of numbers with BC Parks reservations, I think that speaks to the quality experience people have come to expect in our parks. We continue to provide British Columbians with the best value and lots of options for outdoor fun."

Quick Facts:

• In 2011, enhancements to the reservation system included adding group camp and picnic sites, the Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit and the Mount Robson Berg Lake Trail.
• In 2011, BC Parks brought in a convenient new Smartphone application that allows campers to make, change and cancel a reservation while on the road.
• Even though the Smartphone interface was developed for ease of access while on the road, you do not need a Smartphone or Android to access the mobile system. You can use any computer. This is a great tip to provide another means to access the busy Discover Camping website, particularly during peak periods.

Learn More at:

BC Parks: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/things_to_do.html

Great Ranger Experience videos on YouTube: http://bit.ly/ooyxPj

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

Book a reservation: www.discovercamping.ca/

Media Contact:

Suntanu Dalal
Communications
Ministry of Environment
250 387-9745