More than 1,000,000 campers will camp or RV in British Columbia this year!
Winter is a distant memory, camping season is finally upon us! The fifth annual Canadian RVing and Camping Week developed by Go RVing Canada and Canadian Camping and RVing Council returns Tuesday, May 21 to Sunday, May 26, 2019.
Participating campgrounds across Canada, 20 campgrounds in British Columbia, will be offering discounted rates to their campers for reservations made between May 21 and May 26, 2019. Rates such as two nights for $50, $60, $70 or $80 and an offer of 5 nights for the price of 4.
Camping is an affordable family activity that promotes a sense of community, creates life-long memories and encourages Canadians to discover Canada’s rich landscape and engage with nature. A recent report, commissioned by the Camping and RVing BC Coalition, found that more than 2,100,000 campers in the short-haul markets of BC, Alberta and Washington are planning to camp or RV in British Columbia in the next 2 years.
Other findings in the report for the BC residents questioned showed:
- The most popular equipment used was a tent/tent trailer (36%) followed by trailer/fifth wheel/truck camper (19%) and motorhome/camper van (19%).
- About a third of BC residents who camped had camped in shoulder seasons (29% – spring and 22% – fall).
- 9% of BC residents who camped had camped or RVed in the winter.
- The estimated camping population for BC (over 15 years) was 428,342 of which 36% camped more than 15 days per year.
The importance of camping has been recognized by the Province of British Columbia who issued a proclamation to proclaim May 21 – 26, 2019 “RVing and Camping Week”.
The Camping and RVing BC Coalition encourages all campers to camp respectfully and safely. For a few helpful reminders and tips on how we can all enjoy our camping experience for years to come, please visit Camping Etiquette.
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 value added to Canada’s economy and generating 66,000 jobs in small communities across the country.
British Columbia has approximately 1,500 campgrounds representing 50,000 campsites operated by the private sector, municipalities, Parks Canada, BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails. In BC last year over 1,000,000 adults (over 15 years) camped with an average of 3 trips per party.
In BC, the camping industry contributes $606 million dollars to British Columbia’s GDP, collectively employs 7,524 people, while generating an estimated $137 million in sales and income tax.
Quotes:
“We are thrilled to have Campgrounds in British Columbia join their peers across Canada in the 5th Annual Canadian RVing and Camping Week May 21 – 26, 2019, offering campers discounted stays, organized 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 21 – 26, 2019, 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, Tourism Prince George, BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
Media Contact
Joss Penny
Chair, Camping and RVing BC Coalition
778-383-1036
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