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Want to try camping? Let us show you the ropes!

© Parks Canada

This summer, Parks Canada and Mountain Equipment Co-op are teaming up to present an unforgettable Learn-to Camp experience in three of British Columbia’s national parks and historic sites. These family learning adventures provide you with the guidance and equipment you will need for a safe and enjoyable experience in some of Canada’s most spectacular outdoor destinations. Learn how to pitch a tent, start a fire and stay safe around wildlife while making new friends and enjoying incredible, breath-taking scenery.

Space is limited. Call 1-888-773-8888 to register.

Program costs include breakfast and dinner, interpretive and educational programming, tents, sleeping pads and all camping fees. Participants are required to bring their own lunches for the weekend, warm/waterproof clothing, personal items, cutlery, dishes, personal water bottle, sleeping bags and pillows. Participants are also responsible for their own transportation and daily entry fees. This program is offered in Fort Rodd Hill and Fort Langley National Historic Sites and Yoho National Park.

Program dates: June 22- 23rd 2013
Cost: $ 88.00/family of 4 ($22 per additional participant up to a maximum group size of 6)

Camping season is here!

Ready, get set, camp!

As the days get longer and we move towards summer, we’re starting to think about camping season. Whether you like to camp in your own tent, want to try camping for the first time, or are prepping for a hike of a lifetime on the West Coast Trail, Parks Canada has something for everyone. We have a great variety of camping experiences to choose from at our parks and sites. Here’s a look at some of them:

New ways to plan and reserve

New for this year, you can make reservations for campsites at Sidney Spit, one of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve‘s most popular campgrounds. You can also reserve campsites at Prior Centennial and McDonald campgrounds. More info on opening dates and reservations here.

Green Point Campground at Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one of our region’s favourite camping places. More info on opening dates and reservations here.

New ways to experience camping

Want to try camping without the fuss? Try an oTENTik tent at our Historic Sites.
© Parks Canada

Our popular Learn to Camp program returns this year for those who would like to try camping for the first time. We are also creating two new camping experiences:

oTENTik camping is coming to two of our national historic sites starting May 17. These comfortable tent-cabins offer you and your family a way to camp without the fuss.

Reserve your oTENTik at Fort Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site

Reserve your oTENTik at Fort Langley National Historic Site

Gulf Islands Draft Management Plan Consultations

Your voice matters!
© Parks Canada

Located in Vancouver’s own back yard, the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a national treasure that safeguards a large portion of BC’s beautiful southern Gulf Islands. The park reserve features stunning beaches, lush forest trails, spectacular wildlife viewing, world-class boating and kayaking opportunities, and a fascinating cultural history of Coast Salish peoples, European explorers and Hawaiian settlers.  

Parks Canada wants to hear your thoughts on the recently prepared draft management plan for the park reserve. You can help to shape the future management of the park and ensure it remains a real and inspiring part of the Canadian landscape. Visit our website between April 29 and June 9 for more information and to download a copy of the draft plan. Your voice matters!

Upcoming Events

May

• Ongoing to June 9: Management Plan Public Consultations, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
• May 1: West Coast Trail hiking season begins, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
• May 1: Green Point Campground opens, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
• May 4-5: “Doors Open Richmond” event, Gulf Of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site
• May 9: Tenth Anniversary of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
• May 15: All campgrounds open, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
• May 17: oTENTik camping launch, Ft. Rodd Hill & Ft. Langley National Historic Sites
• May 17-20: Summer season begins for all our national parks and historic sites
• May 18-19: Historic Military Encampment, Ft. Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
• May 20: Victoria Day Celebrations, Ft. Langley National Historic Site
• May 22-26: Kaleidoscope Theatre presents War of the Eagles, Ft. Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site
• May 24: Yes BC Off the Grid Music Festival, Ft. Rodd Hill & Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site