Camping reservations at British Columbia’s world-renowned provincial parks have set a new all-time record in 2012, climbing above 100,000 for the first time. As of Aug. 26, reservations at BC Parks totaled 104,878 for the year, an impressive 11 per cent increase over the same period during the strong 2011 season.

” Visitors are making good use of our world-class provincial parks. There are wonderful opportunities year-round and I encourage everyone to use and enjoy them,” stated Environment Minister Terry Lake.

All BC Parks campgrounds are open over the Labour Day weekend. Many also remain open throughout September, allowing visitors to enjoy a spectacular end to the summer season.

This is one of the best times of the year to visit and stay at BC Parks. Most parks are quieter after Labour Day and the fall season offers unique things to see and do. For example, hiking is a popular activity in many parks.

Another highlight of the season is British Columbia’s long-stay camping program. It is available after Labour Day at four B.C. provincial parks. For seniors, there are additional reasons to go camping after the start of September. Senior camping discounts are available to B.C. residents 65 years of age and older from the day after Labour Day through June 14 of next year. Discounts are valued at up to 50 per cent.

More information on all these opportunities is available at the BC Parks website: www.bcparks.ca

Quick Facts about BC Parks:

* Individual campsite reservations at more than 90 of B.C.’s provincial parks can be made for the 2013 camping season starting March 15, 2013. Camping reservations can be made online at: www.discovercamping.ca

* Bookings for most individual sites can be made up to three months in advance of your visit, while group site reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance.

* The BC Parks Passport program runs in campgrounds across the province. The program will continue in 2013.

* British Columbia’s parks system is now into its second century. Established in 1911, Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island was the province’s first.

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

* BC Parks Passport Program: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/events/passport/index.html?WT.ac=Passport_Image

* Family hikes at BC Parks: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/news/pdfs/top_10_family_hikes.pdf

* Campfire bans: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/campfire_bans.html

* BC Parks on Facebook: www.facebook.com/YourBCParks

Above image: Surveyor Lake at Kikomun Provincial Park, south of Jaffray.

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