The Labour Day long weekend usually signals the end of summer, but it could also encourage people to spend some time in the great outdoors.
Saskatchewan Parks executive director Robin Campese told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Friday the long weekend is perfect for one final trip to a park.
“There is still availability in parks, so if you’re toying with the idea of one last camping trip with the family, feel free to hit up the website. ‘Camping this Weekend’ will show you everything that’s available,” she said. “There is a lot of availability, so people can take advantage of that.”
Campese said the movie Lightyear will be shown at the last summer cinema event at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park over the long weekend.
She also said there are lots of things to do at the province’s provincial parks, adding in-park activities like disc golf and trails remain open.
“Our pools are actually still open in Buffalo Pound, Pike Lake and Cypress Hills,” Campese added. “This is kind of the last weekend for a lot of our in-park businesses as well, (such as) mini golf, golf (and) all of the concessions. I would recommend hitting up any one of those as well.”
Campese suggested people who already have camping equipment consider booking a Camp-Easy site, which is an easy way to check out a new park.
“Maybe you don’t want to haul your camper all the way up north or all the way down south, depending on where you live,” she added. “Camp-Easys are either … like a yurt product or a tent.
“Most of the supplies that you need are right there for camping. You kind of throw in your clothes, your food (and) whatever you need socially and then you’re kind of set for the weekend.”
Campese said the number of Camp-Easy sites at the province’s parks has increased.
“We added three more this year and we’ve been on a steady increase in terms of adding those because they are pretty much a top camping offering for us …,” she added. “(There are) very nice Camp-Easys at Good Spirit.”
Looking ahead to beyond the Labour Day weekend, Campese added there’s going to be a Doggy Dip in the pools at the Cypress Hills, Buffalo Pound and Pike Lake parks on Sept. 23.
“We’ll be letting the dogs in (the pool),” Campese said.
Most parks will offer services and amenities throughout September, but services are reduced in October. More information on fall camping and everything else about Saskatchewan parks can be found here.