Local campgrounds are busy this weekend with campers who are celebrating the Labour Day long weekend away from home.
Scott Thomas, superintendent for Bass Lake, Mara, McRae Point, Springwater and Carden Alvar provincial parks, says local parks have been busy all summer for both camping and day use.
“Demand for camping at Ontario parks has been rising in recent years,” he said in a statement. “The pandemic also added to this growing demand, as people sought opportunities for safe, outdoor recreation.”
Thomas speculates the warm August weather motivated both tourists and locals to spend time at provincial parks on the beach. He says the demand for camping and day use at provincial parks has been growing for several years.
“Social media has actually helped this growth,” he said. “It has allowed people to learn about lesser-known parks and exposed them to new park experiences available to them.”
Thomas says camping continues to be popular as it allows people to escape the technology-dominated world.
“Camping and day use in provincial parks offers visitors the opportunity to get face time with their friends and family as well as enjoy the benefits of fresh air, natural environments, healthy activities, and have different experiences from everyday life,” he said, noting this year staff saw an increase in first-time campers.
While Labour Day weekend serves as an unofficial end of summer for some, Thomas says some local campgrounds will stay busy well into October. Mara Provincial Park will close after Labour Day, but Bass Lake and McRae Point provincial parks stay open until after Thanksgiving.
Romana Zafar made the trip to Bass Lake Provincial Park with three of her closest friends for the weekend.
“I like the swimming here,” she said. “We definitely like that they have a two-and-a-half-kilometre trail, which a lot of provincial parks don’t have.”
Zafar, of Pickering, says Bass Lake gives her a chance to get away from the city.
“At the same time, it’s not too far away from home,” she said. “We try to come on weekdays for the peace and quiet.”
Zafar used to only visit provincial parks until the end of September. This year, she is hoping to take in some of the fall colours in October.
Brad Gallant is camping in Bass Lake this weekend with family and friends who travelled from Newmarket.
“It’s close in proximity,” he said. “We came here last year for Thanksgiving and liked it, so we are repeat customers.”
The Gallants camp during most weekends in the summer.
“It wasn’t too bad this year,” Gallant said. “The weather wasn’t as co-operative as we had hoped, but otherwise it was a great experience as always.”
He says camping is a memory maker.
“It’s one of those things that I experienced as a kid,” he explained. “I want to create those memories with my own children, friends and family as well.”
For the Gallants, the camping season officially ends during Thanksgiving weekend. Parks will reopen in early May next year and visitors can reserve their campsite up to five months ahead of their arrival date.
