Park improvements boost year-round camping at Manning Park

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Outdoor enthusiasts now have more opportunities to get out and enjoy British Columbia’s Manning Park.

BC Parks announced the opening the new Skyview Campground, with 62 new campsites available in winter and 92 sites in summer. All campsites have hookups for water, power and sewer, making it the first fully serviced campground for BC Parks.

“Camping has never been so popular, which is why we are providing more opportunities for people to get outside and connect with nature year-round,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Investing in parks improves the overall visitor experience and showcases the natural beauty of British Columbia in every season.”

Located near the Lightning Lake day-use area, the new campground features a heated shower building and large sites with 50-amp power.

During winter, cross-country skiers can access the Nordic ski trail that cuts through the campground and connects with more than 60 kilometres of groomed trails. Downhill skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes in the alpine area that has 36 runs.

Summer activities include canoeing and swimming at the nearby Lightning Lake and hiking the variety of trails that meander through alpine meadows dotted with colourful wildflowers.

Summer activities at Manning Park include hiking the variety of trails that meander through alpine meadows dotted with colourful wildflowers.

The province is also taking steps to ensure parks are inclusive and welcoming “by incorporating universal design standards in new campsite developments so people living with disabilities can enjoy outdoor activities with fewer barriers,” said Kelly Greene, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment.

Upgrades have also been made to the popular Buckhorn Backcountry Campground, located along the Heather Trail. In addition to a new group shelter, 14 elevated tent platforms have been added, along with new bear-proof food caches and three footbridges.

“There is now overnight accommodation for every comfort and skill level, from resort-based accommodation to serviced RV sites, drive-in tenting and backcountry opportunities that are easily accessible to the truly remote,” said Roger Bean, with the Friends of Manning Park. “This full continuum of overnight accommodation makes multi-day adventures in the park for more abilities and recreational activities possible.”

Campers can reserve space at Skyview Campground at manningpark.com/skyview

Manning Park is one of the most popular parks in B.C., averaging more than one million visitors every year, the Province notes.

In addition to Skyview Campground, E.C. Manning Park has four summer drive-in campgrounds with a total of 355 sites, plus 10 backcountry campgrounds with a total of 55 sites.

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