3rd Annual Canadian RVing and Camping Week May 23 - 28, 2017
The third Canadian RVing and Camping Week occurs Tuesday, May 23 to Sunday, May 28, 2017. In British Columbia, 39 campgrounds are participating in this annual event that showcases all that Canadian camping has to offer.
Canadian RVing and Camping Week is designed to encourage Canadians to get outside to enjoy a fun, safe and secure camping experience with family and friends. And with Canada's 150th birthday celebrations in full swing, Canadian RVing and Camping Week offers the perfect opportunity to experience our home and native land.
To kick off the official camping season in Canada and to encourage BC residents to get out and experience all that British Columbia offers, participating campgrounds in BC are offering either a special discounted rate of $50, $60 or $70 for two nights camping May 26 to 28 (Fri/Sat), or for a 5-night stay between May 23 to 28 (Tues-Sat) a price of 4 nights.
Camping is an affordable family activity that promotes a sense of community, creates life-long memories and encourages Canadians and International visitors to discover Canada's rich landscape and engage with nature. However, there are some less fortunate who cannot participate. So this year, Go RVing Canada and the Canadian Camping and RV Council are partnering with Make-a-Wish ® Canada, with the goal of raising $20,000 to help wishes come true for children facing life-threatening medical conditions. This year's recipient is Parker, a six-year-old with T-lymphoblastic Lymphoma. Parker's wish is to camp, fish and explore Canada in a pop-up camper because "camping is my favourite thing to do."
Campers can help by purchasing a $2.00 Wish star at participating Canadian campgrounds with all proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish® Canada. Then on Saturday, May 27th at 10 pm (local time), campers will gather, make their personal Wish, then participate in the largest coordinated Marshmallow Roast. Alternatively, campers can make a direct donation online.
Background:
The Canadian RV and Campground Industry make significant contributions to Canada's economy. Over 14% of Canadians own RVs and 90% of RV owners say their #1 priority is seeing Canada. Over 1 million RVs are on the road today and RV owners take over 8 million trips a year. These numbers equate into the camping sector contributing $4.7 billion to Canada's GDP and creating 60,000 jobs in small communities across the country.
British Columbia has 570 campgrounds representing 38,669 campsites operated by the private sector, municipalities, Parks Canada, and BC parks. In BC over 662,000 people camped in 2015 - 56% in tents, 9% in trailers, 6% in tent trailers, 9% in fifth wheels and 11% in Motorhomes and 9% in other lodging.
In BC, the camping industry contributes $606 million dollars to British Columbia's GDP, collectively employs 7,524 people, while generating $137 million in sales and income tax.
Quotes:
"We are thrilled to have Campgrounds in BC join their peers across Canada in the 3rd Canadian RVing and Camping Week May 23rd - 28th, 2017, offering campers discounted stays, organized fundraising events while building memories to cherish. As we kick-off the Canadian RV and Camping Season, I would like to encourage everyone to get outdoors and reserve your campsite to truly experience all the tremendous features that this memorable week has to offer" - Shane Devenish, Director, Canadian Camping and RV Council
"Camping is certainly known for campfires, swimming in the lake and hiking trails, but today it is so much more than that. Camping has evolved as an important way of life for many Canadians to connect with family and friends, while enjoying nature and the outdoors. Canadian RVing and Camping Week May 23rd - 28th, 2017, encourages Canadians to camp or RV and experience somewhere different with discounted stays. The week is about people celebrating the camping and RVing lifestyle!" - Joss Penny, Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition
About the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition
The Camping and RVing BC Coalition was formed in 2008 with the support of Destination British Columbia to better position the provincial camping and RVing experience and to capitalize on the growth of nature-based tourism. Coalition members currently include BC Parks, BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, RV Rental Association of Canada, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Kootenay Rockies Tourism, BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
