March 31, 2006

Starting April 10, a new Manitoba parks reservation service will provide campers with a more flexible and convenient computer-based booking system for provincial campsites, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced today.

The new, made-in-Manitoba booking system combines call centre, Internet and on-site services to improve public access to campgrounds. Call centre hours will be extended to make booking a campground via phone more convenient.

People using Internet access will be able to browse through available campsites, view the park map, see the campsites in each bay and view details about each campsite. Computers will be installed at the busiest campgrounds to accept reservations in person and improve communications between campgrounds and the reservation system. Reservations can be made up to the day before arrival in many locations.

"Manitoba’s provincial park campgrounds continue to offer a wonderful outdoor experience that can range from basic wilderness experiences to the comfort of a cabin or the coziness of a yurt as they feature accommodations that come fully furnished and ready to enjoy," said Struthers. "The improved parks reservation service and recently upgraded campsites, washrooms and electrical services will make any visit to a Manitoba campground an outdoor adventure to remember."

The new system complements other improvements to provincial park campsites this season which include the expansion of 9-1-1 emergency telephone service and upgrades totalling about $6.2 million for water and waste-water supply.

Beginning April 10, provincial campsites can be booked at 1-888-4-U-2-CAMP. In Winnipeg, the number is 948-3333. Or, bookings can be made on the website at http://www.manitobaparks.com. Follow the links to camping.

Birds Hill Provincial campground will open on May 5 and most other campgrounds will be open for business on May 12.

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