Vancouver, BC, July 26, 2011 – Rain or shine British Columbians rarely wait for the perfect weather to get out and play. Despite a slow start to the summer season the Camping and RV BC Coalition (CRVBCC) suggests the best way to celebrate the upcoming BC Day long weekend is by getting outside for some fun, fresh air and festivities. This BC Day, celebrate our beautiful province by camping,  picnicking or fishing and perhaps take in one of the numerous special events taking place in honour of BC Parks 100th anniversary.

 

“Camping is a great way to enjoy BC’s natural beauty and there are several types of camping to suit all comfort levels,” said Joss Penny, CRVBCC Chair and Executive Director of the BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association. “Whether you choose to tent camp, backpack or RV, BC is one of the best places to ‘play’ in the great outdoors.”

 

If camping is not an option British Columbians can still get out and participate in BC Day celebrations in campgrounds and parks throughout the province.

 

“In partnership with the Provincial Capital Commission, BC Parks is hosting eight events that are specific to the BC Day weekend,” said Jim Gilliland, Manager of Marketing and Partnerships for BC Parks. “All events are open to the public and we hope to see everyone out celebrating and showing their civic pride.”

 

Victoria’s Symphony Splash is the highlight of the BC Day celebrations as

100 years of BC Parks are celebrated with a night of extraordinary music. In honour of BC Parks the Victoria Symphony is performing on a floating stage in Victoria’s Inner Harbour at approximately 7:30pm.The event begins at 1pm with children’s activities, local food vendors and live music.

 

Just like Santa Claus, Jerry the Moose will find time to visit many BC Parks hosting BC Day events over the long weekend including:

 

  • Beatton Park (North) – The weekend festivities include family nature and craft programs, a scavenger hunt and a celebration birthday cake.
  • Purden Lake Park (North) – Throughout the weekend there will be colouring, short story and sandcastle building contests; fly tying demos; local musicians; face painting and plenty of games for everyone to enjoy.
  • Kokanee Creek Park (Kootenay) – Folk dancing in the Park will feature the music of Eastern European roots group “Heavy Shtetl” and dance Instruction by folk fusion dancer Slava Doval.
  • Moyie Lake Park (Kootenay) – This party will include Learn to Fish programming, a scavenger hunt, a BBQ, and a parade for Jerry the Moose.
  • Wells Gray (Thompson) – This popular park is hosting a treasure hunt along the Wells Gray park corridor. Visitors will get an introduction to the culture and history of the park and learn interesting ecological aspects. The day will wrap up back at North Thompson Park with a BBQ and prizes for winners.
  • Cultus Lake (Mainland) – Learning will be fun at this party with the Learn to Fish, Adventure Smart and Bear Aware tents. Top off the day with a scavenger hunt; draw prizes and cake!
  • Rathtrevor Park (Vancouver Island) – Visitors will enjoy local musicians and artists, a petting zoo and pony rides. There will also be opportunities to learn to pan for gold, see local artefacts and displays, take nature walks, and participate in some good “old fashioned” family fun.

 

For more information and an extensive list of BC Day celebrations in BC Parks please visit www.bcparks.ca and click on Calendar of Events.

 

For more information on campgrounds and parks in British Columbia the CRVBCC website has an interactive google map that plots over 1,100 campgrounds and outstanding freshwater fishing opportunities on numerous lakes stocked by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. In one location, campers can easily find all the different types of campgrounds located in British Columbia including: BC Parks, Parks Canada, privately operated campgrounds and RV parks and Recreation Sites and Trails BC. Please visit www.campingrvbc.com.

 

About the Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition

The Camping and RVing British Columbia Coalition was formed with the support of Tourism 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, Northern BC 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.