FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2015
Camping With Your Dog and Need to Cool Down? Be Sure to Book Ahead as Campgrounds Experience An Occupancy Increase.
Vancouver, BC, June 30, 2015, Vancouver, BC, June 30, 2015, camping with your dog this summer? As the heat wave continues throughout British Columbia, campgrounds across the province are seeing occupancy rates soar. It pays to reserve ahead! Also, be sure to back-pocket some cooling tips for you and your dog while camping in this warm weather.
Anne Philley, spokesperson for the BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association, just returned from the Okanagan, reports “Many of the private sector campgrounds are already experiencing a great uptake in reservations this year. Business is significantly up, partly due to the returning American campers, as well as the superb weather. It should be a good year all round for tourism.” She also recommends that “Campers reserve their campsite as early as possible to avoid disappointments, as popular campgrounds are full on weekends and can only put perspective campers on wait lists should a vacancy arise.”
To assist in locating your next campground gem check out Camping RV BC’s website it plots over 1,500 campgrounds (provincial, national, private and recreation sites) across the province. The CRVBCC interactive google map also plots freshwater fishing opportunities on numerous lakes stocked by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. As well, find hiking trail heads for BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails.
Tips to keep you, your family and your dog cool while camping:
1. Find a campsite with shade, or make your own shady spot by setting up an umbrella or canopy. For your dog, you can build your own shady shelter by supporting a piece of cardboard, plywood over two logs of firewood, etc.
2. Pack a small inflatable kid pool, shallow rubber tub or even a Tupperware box to set up in your campsite, keeping in mind the size of your dog. You only need to add a few inches of water to cool your dog’s paws and belly. An added bonus to cool down yourself, is to use the container to soak your feet as well!
3. Wet a towel and place behind your neck. Have an extra one for your dog to lie on to cool his underside.
4. If your campsite is near a lake or river, consider frequent swims for you and your dog. If your dog has never swum, a doggy life jacket or a swimming floaty could be an aid to introduce your pet to water.
5. Hydrate. Drink lots of water yourself. Ensure your dog has a container of accessible water in the campsite at all times, and adding ice cubes will keep the water cool. Also, chewing ice cubes helps reduce your pet’s core body temperature.
6. Protect yourself and your dog from getting a sunburn, especially their noses, by using sun screen. Dogs are susceptible to skin cancer and burn like us. Check with your vet about doggy- block.
7. Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to overheating than others; dark coloured and/or long- haired dogs are at greater increase risk of overheating.
8. Don’t leave your dog in your parked RV or car in the sun with windows rolled up.
For more camping tips.
Click here to find campgrounds for you and your dog.
Summer camping programs to check out:
BC Camping Story Contest 2105:
Dig out your camera and capture your BC camping story/blog with 2-5 pictures and 350 words or more for a chance to win awesome camping prizes. Included is the grand prize of an RV rental with a four night stay in a campground of your choice in British Columbia. Other prizes include complimentary stays at campgrounds, a cabin stay at Porteau Cove Provincial Park, fishing gear, Parks Canada Annual Family Pass and much more!
BC Parks Passport Program:
BC Parks Passport is an exciting program geared towards families, but BC Parks encourages everyone – especially those kids at heart – to join the adventure! Passport holders can choose from over 200 sites in B.C. to visit, including provincial parks and Visitor Centres. The BC Parks Passport program encourages passport holders to have fun and experience new places while collecting stamps/stickers towards wonderful and fabulous prizes.
Parks Canada Learn to Camp:
Want to try camping? Let us show you the ropes!
This summer, Parks Canada and Mountain Equipment Co-op (www.mec.ca) are teaming up to present unforgettable Learn-to Camp experience in two of British Columbia’s national parks and historic sites. Learn how to pitch a tent, start a fire and stay safe around wildlife, while making new friends and enjoying incredible, breath-taking scenery. Camp overnight in a tent and enjoy an evening campfire in the outdoors! These family learning adventures provide you with the guidance and equipment you will need for a safe and enjoyable experience in some of Canada’s most spectacular outdoor destinations. Participants require some personal equipment and transportation to attend the program. A packing list will be provided to participants. Space is limited. Call 1-888-773-8888 to register.
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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, the BC Society of Parks Facility Operators, Parks Canada, Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of British Columbia and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.
Media Contact:
Alenna Langhorst
Communications/Media Relations Consultant
T: 778-246-2022
E:[email protected]
