BC Parks has set a new all-time record in 2013 for the number of reservations made at provincial campsites.

This year to date, over 115,000 camping reservations have been made through Discover Camping, the Province's camping reservation service. This is a 12 per cent increase, surpassing the first time BC Parks broke 100,000 reservations in 2012.

2013 also saw more campsites and campgrounds (Kleanza Creek, Martha Creek, Chilliwack Lake, Mable Lake and Bowron Lake) added to the reservation system, bringing the total number of reservable sites to over 5,000 in 95 provincial parks throughout B.C.

While the Labour Day long weekend signifies the end of summer and the regular camping season, many BC Parks campgrounds are open throughout September and are often quieter after Labour Day. From spectacular hikes that showcase the natural beauty of the changing season to spawning salmon, the fall season offers many unique things to see and do. Dates of operation are on a park-by-park basis and depend on factors such as climate and demand.

Another highlight of this season is British Columbia's long-stay camping program, where visitors can stay at six B.C. provincial parks between four weeks and six months for reduced rates. The long-stay camping program is offered during select seasons at Tunkwa Provincial Park (southwest of Kamloops), Rosebery Provincial Park (north of New Denver), Blanket Creek Provincial Park (south of Revelstoke), Crooked River Provincial Park (north of Prince George), Norbury Lake Provincial Park (south of Fort Steele) and Moyie Lake Provincial Park (south of Cranbrook).

Senior camping discounts are available to B.C. residents 65 years of age and older from the day after Labour Day through to June 14 of next year.

If you plan on camping in the next few weeks, please be aware of any campfire bans, restrictions or closures by visiting: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/campfire_bans.html

Quote:

Mary Polak, Environment Minister -

"2013 has been the busiest year ever for camping reservations in BC Parks. This means visitors are making good use of the resources available to get out and enjoy time in our world-class parks. There is still much to do and see in BC Parks around the province."

Quick Facts:

• British Columbia has 1,030 provincial parks, recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves and protected areas covering nearly 14 million hectares or approximately 14.3 per cent of the provincial land base.

• Almost 20 million people visit British Columbia's provincial parks each year.

• Already planning for 2014? Reservations for group sites are available through Discover Camping up to 12 months in advance.

• Parking fees were eliminated at provincial parks in 2011, making them more accessible to B.C. families.

Learn More:

For more information about B.C.'s provincial parks, visit: www.bcparks.ca

To make a camping reservation through Discover Camping, visit: www.discovercamping.ca

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

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834