BC

Camping at British Columbia's world-renowned provincial parks has never been so popular.

Photo: Contributed - BC Parks.ca

Campers visited BC`s provincial parks in record numbers this year.

BC Parks reports reservations have reached a new all-time record in 2012, climbing above 100,000 for the first time. 

As of August 26, reservations at BC Parks reached 104,878, an impressive 11 per cent increase over the same period during the strong 2011 season.

And it's a safe bet that number will grow through the final long weekend of the summer as all BC Parks campgrounds are open over the Labour Day weekend.

Many also remain open throughout September.

"This is one of the best times of the year to visit and stay at BC Parks," says BC Ministry of Environment Communications spokesperson Suntanu Dalal in a release issued Friday.

"Most parks are quieter after Labour Day and the fall season offers unique things to see and do. For example, hiking is a popular activity in many parks. Also, some provincial parks, such as Goldstream near Victoria, offer great opportunities to observe the amazing natural spectacle of spawning salmon."

For campers looking to use BC Parks after the long weekend, there are a number of specials available, including senior camping discounts, available to BC residents 65 years of age and older from September 4 through June 14 of next year.

Camping reservations can be made online. Bookings for most individual sites can be made up to three months in advance of your visit, while group site reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance.

British Columbia's parks system is now into its second century. Established in 1911, Strathcona Provincial Park on Vancouver Island was the province's first.

For more information about BC Parks, visit their website.