Camping season officially opens in the territory Friday as most NWT campgrounds open to the public.
The GNWT says it’s looking to build off a successful 2014 season, when more than 24,000 people visited campsites in the territory. Early indications suggest the 2015 season could be even better.
Last month, industry, tourism and investment (ITI) officials told Moose FM that online interest in booking NWT campsites appeared to be substantially higher this year compared to last.
When NWT Parks’ online reservation site went live on April 15, the GNWT said it took more than $100,000 in reservations in its first five hours.
Read: Booked Yours Yet? Interest In NWT Campsites Surges
“People travel from across Canada and around the world to enjoy the natural beauty and surroundings of the award-winning word-class park system that exists in our backyard,” said ITI minister David Ramsay in a statement.
“From thundering waterfalls to serene hiking trails and abundant wildlife and scenery, our parks are some of the most impressive tourist attractions in the country, but they also contribute enormously to the quality of life that we enjoy here in Canada’s North.”
Ramsay says the government has committed $2.5-million to upgrade and maintain NWT parks this year.
He says campers in the Yellowknife area can look forward to improvements to the marina and shoreline at Prelude Lake as well as a new loop at Fred Henne Territorial Park.
Outdoor enthusiasts in the South Slave region meanwhile, will notice new shower buildings at Hay River Territorial Park.
Beach safety programs, including the use of waterfront attendants, will be continued at both territorial parks this summer.
