Campers can now book their sites online

Cape Breton Post
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Page: A5
Section: Business
Byline: Matthew Daye
Source: Cape Breton Post

In another step toward integrating Nova Scotia summer retreats with the Internet, campers will now be able to book specific spots online or via phone.

The program operates through the provincial Department of Natural Resources and allows people from around the globe to pick their favourite spots for camping. The website can be accessed at http:// parks.gov.ns.ca.

"It is now even easier for individuals to reserve and pay for campsites operated by the province. Our old system only guaranteed people that a space would be available. This updated reservation software lets campers select specific sites at their favourite park, " said Natural Resources Minister David Morse.

The program began April 2 and by April 5 there were 380 reservations made through the service, with 33 of those for parks in Cape Breton, said Diane LeBlanc of Natural Resources.

"It just went live last week and I know we had three online reservations within the first two hours," LeBlanc said. "The furthest away was British Columbia."

The three parks in Cape Breton that can be reserved through the service are Battery, Mira, and Whycocomagh. Mira received the most reservations with 16.

Through the website, tourists can find information about each park, from what services and accommodations are there, to what attractions are nearby. From there they can use the phone service or the online reservation form to book their time and place.

"This is good news for campers that know the areas," LeBlanc said. "For those that are new to the area, the good news is they can go online and learn all the specifics and then choose their spot. It gives people a lot more specific information and flexibility."

The service is still new and most advertising has been in-province and advertising has been placed in the Doers and Dreamers guide. The first weeks numbers reflect this, as 243 reservations were made in Nova Scotia, 55 from Ontario, 25 from Quebec with the rest being spread throughout the remainder of Canada and the U.S. One reservation came from Europe.