Northern campgrounds expect busy summer
Campgrounds in the northeast and around the province are looking forward to a summer camping season largely free of COVID restrictions.
Camping in Ontario’s executive director, Alexandra Anderson, said campground owners aren't expecting quite the same camping boom experienced last year, as campers aimed to break free of their COVID fatigue.
But the provincial association said having fewer public health measures to account for makes preparing for this season less stressful.
"The owners are ecstatic. The last two years, they haven't been able to, for example, run any of the events," said Anderson.
"All the events are back, so they're able to welcome their guests into their campground, as they did pre-pandemic."
Timmins-based Big Water Campground is putting some final touches on its site, in preparation for what owner Forrest Tremblay hopes will be a busy season.
He said the site will have new lots this year, which he hopes will help accommodate the extra demand he saw in 2021.
"We're just hoping that interest continues, but seemingly it is," said Tremblay.
"Fewer restrictions make things a little bit easier, a little more seamless at the gate. A little bit easier for people to have guests, a little bit easier for our regular campers. That's something I think everyone's happy about."
Anderson said seasonal campgrounds like Big Water could see a larger turnout than others, due to a possible desire to vacation in one spot, in response to rising gas prices.
She said other campgrounds will likely experience a more relaxed season, as COVID fatigue winds down.
"This year, they're actually going to be pleasantly surprised that they're able to go, maybe, to their favourite campground that they haven't been able to go to for the last two years," Anderson said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.