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
NEW | Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.

Climate goals may be at odds with G7 response to fallout from Russian invasion
G7 leaders opened their summit Sunday with a discussion about shaping the global economy at a time when conflict and unrest are driving up prices and access to key goods around the world.
Russia strikes Kyiv as troops consolidate gains in the east
Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital early Sunday, striking at least two residential buildings, the mayor of Kyiv said, as elsewhere Russian troops fought to consolidate their gains in the country's east.
NEW | Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.
Protesters at U.S. Supreme Court decry abortion ruling overturning Roe v. Wade
Hundreds of protesters descended on the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday to denounce the justice's decision to overturn the half-century-old Roe v. Wade precedent that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion.
People with COVID-19 can infect and sicken cats and dogs by cuddling them: study
Cat and dog owners who cuddle their pets when infected with COVID-19 could end up making the animals sick with the virus, according to a Canadian study.
Quebec homeowners say Ottawa must address decades of erosion caused by ship traffic
The higher parts of Angelique Beauchemin's land, she said, are sinking an inch or two a year as they slope ever more steeply toward the river. While she's not a scientist, she says her biggest fear is that one day there will be a landslide and the white house at the top of the hill where she's lived for decades will tumble down.
Live updates: Germany's leader commends unity on Ukraine
The latest on the G7 summit: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says attacks by Russia on residential buildings in Kyiv show the importance of international unity in supporting Ukraine.
Public safety minister eyes steps to strengthen oversight of the RCMP
The federal public safety minister says he is 'deeply committed' to enhancing oversight of the RCMP by strengthening the role of the national police force's management advisory board.