Canada Parks - we love you!

We are no strangers to National Parks; as a family, we could probably say that a hefty percentage of our holidays have been spent in varying conditions of Parks’ comfort across Africa and a few others elsewhere. Camping through Canada’s western province of British Columbia has, however, raised the bar in our minds. Not, as one might assume, in terms of comfort or convenience, but in a much more purist sense of what outdoor living is – and should be – all about: sustainability.

This is what we have appreciated from our three-week camping in BC National Parks so far:

·      *Clean sites. There are plenty of trash bins clearly marked at frequent intervals, catering for regular trash, as well as for all recyclable items

·     * Energy efficient. Parks Canada is very green-conscious! Most bathroom and other water taps are fixed with an internal spring, thus reducing water wastage; many washrooms are run on solar lighting

·    *  Passionate about nature. Reminders about respecting the environment and its natural inhabitants, big and small, are everywhere

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  *Informative. At every campsite, there is a noticeboard giving local information about the area, weather, a map, bear warnings, historical info, and reminders about appropriate camping behavior (which is encouraged during the “Quiet Hours” between 11pm – 7am)

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 *      *Resources. No matter how rural the campsite is, there will always be a designated tent pad, and more often than not, a picnic table and campfire grill. At larger camps, there is often a communal picnic site (for day-trippers), a social hut (more for the winter months) and even an interactive centre, where informative/educational movies are shown, or talks given

·      *Clean water. Taps provided for fill-ups everywhere!

·      *Efficient infrastructure. Parks Canada provide a wide network of Information Centres, which are run by incredibly friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff, who hand out detailed info and maps about all the available activities (easy to hard level hikes, backcountry camping, interactive boardwalks, historical tours, etc)

·      *Uniform system. Procedures are reliable and predictable wherever you go, however remote. A standardized pamphlet is given at every National Park, that gives a general map of the area, as well as a more focused map of the general hiking routes.