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Domestic Camping Booms in Canada as U.S. Trade Tensions Persist

Canadians shift summer travel plans to national parks, while youth camps face challenges and a federal park pass remains unfulfilled.

Tourists take in the views from the newly opened Glacier SkyWalk near the Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park, Alta., Wednesday, May 7, 2014.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Canadian campgrounds, like this one near Bragg Creek, west of Calgary, are expected to be extra busy this summer as Canadians shun trips to the U.S. for camping closer to home instead.
A starry night backcountry camping near Abraham Lake in Alberta.

Overview

  • Canadian national parks report strong demand for summer reservations, with Alberta Parks seeing a 25% increase in bookings compared to last year.
  • Economic uncertainty linked to U.S. tariffs is contributing to lower enrollments in youth summer camps, straining their budgets.
  • Many Canadians, citing U.S.-Canada trade tensions and national pride, are choosing domestic camping over U.S. travel this summer.
  • Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposed 'Canada Strong Pass,' which would waive park fees, has yet to be implemented despite public interest.
  • Ontario Parks anticipates steady visitation numbers, with over 90% of visitors coming from within the province, while Parks Canada notes continued international interest.