As the country reopens slowly amongst the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the first activities available to families and individuals is camping, RVing, and exploring our provincial and national parks. However, it won’t look like other years.

While the US border is closed to all non-essential travel, travelling between provinces is allowed, but discouraged. If you’re keen on getting out, we encourage you to explore areas close to home and do a thorough check online to ensure you can visit your destination before hitting the road. Before you head out this May Long weekend, call ahead to private campsites if possible and definitely reserve your provincial site.

Some private campsites are giving preferential treatment to first responders and are doing their best to make camping safe for everyone, but some may turn away tenters and only be accepting RVers. Provincial parks are being cautious about how many campers can visit and what facilities are open.

National Parks

Highways through parks are still open, but parking lots, visitor centres, washrooms, and day-use areas are closed until at least June 1st.

Staying Safe in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has low numbers of active COVID-19 cases and has created strict guidelines to keep it that way. The province has restricted all non-essential travel to and from Northern Saskatchewan and has even set up a checkpoint at Green Lake.

Day Use is Back in Saskatchewan

While it’s possible to get out and explore this May Long weekend, Saskatchewan Provincial Parks will have limitations. Day use is allowed (and encouraged – outside is good for your mental health), but visitors should still continue social distance and sanitization practices. Boat launches and fishing are allowed, making this the perfect year to get your fishing license. Hiking and biking on trails is also open to the public, but be sure to give everyone appropriate space.

May Long Weekend plans in Saskatchewan

This is a great weekend to get the family out for a hike, bike, or picnic. For those with a boat, pack a picnic and get out for a cruise. Take advantage of the lessened restrictions with a day trip, just remember to pack the sunscreen and hand sanitizer!

The Official Start of Summer in Saskatchewan is June 1^st

Campgrounds reopen on June 1, but not how campers and RVers will be used to. Each campground will only be allowing 50% capacity to allow for an empty site between each set of campers and must be reserved in advance. Shower and laundry facilities will be closed and washrooms are limited to one household at a time. RVers are encouraged to use their own facilities. Campers are advised to bring their own firewood, as distribution will be closed to the public, along with recreational amenities like pools, picnic areas, and playgrounds.

Alberta Bound for RV Adventure in June

May marked the reopening of parking lots and staging areas throughout provincial parks and public land. This means any dry campers will be able to use the public land use zones (PLUZ) for quadding, biking, hiking, or RVing. However, while those areas are open, facilities like toilets, playgrounds, and picnic shelters are still off-limits.

What does this mean for May Long in Alberta?

Visiting backcountry areas or PLUZs can provide family adventure, but with a reminder to only choose low-risk activities. Boat launches and hiking trails will open for those who are itching to get outside and explore the province, along with golf courses, but washrooms and facilities remain closed until camping resumes June 1^st. Be aware, there is currently a fire ban that prohibits all open fires, including campfires and charcoal briquettes. Propane fire pits and stoves are allowed, as well as cooking barbeques.

Summer Really Begins on June 1^st in Alberta

Online reservations open May 14^th, with campgrounds open to RVs and tents as of June 1^st and will only be available to Alberta residents. Group camping and yurts and cabins do not plan to open at all in the 2020 season. The province intends to keep the fire ban in place to reduce the chance of a forest fire during the pandemic.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi reminds everyone not to overwhelm hiking trails or other communities, “If your favourite hiking spot’s parking lot is totally full, drive to another hiking spot. Be self-sufficient. Take in what you need, take out what you need; don’t expect that you’re going to stop for dinner or so in these towns because they just can’t handle it.”

BC Reopens for Camping, Slowly

As with Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, BC is reopening for day use in time for May Long. Boat launches, beaches, front and backcountry trails, picnic areas, and washroom facilities are ready for people, but keeping it simple and local is the key to keeping everyone safe.

What May Long Weekend Looks Like in British Columbia?

Getting out for the day may be the mood boost you need these days, and it’s a good time to discover more about your own backyard. Premier John Horgan urges people not to travel too far or to visit other communities.

BC Camping and RVing Starts in June

Overnight camping begins throughout the province starting on June 1^st, but visitor centres, nature houses, and concessions may not be open. BC Parks has compiled a very useful list of locations affected by COVID-19, so be sure to check here or call ahead before you head out.

Manitoba

Manitoba has fewer cases than the most Western provinces, so their parks are open already, but they are implementing distancing guidelines and banning gatherings of more than 10 people. Campgrounds are not limiting the number of sites that can be booked, but ask that visitors wear shoes or sandals in the showers and bring their own toiletries, including toilet paper and soap.

RVing is Your Best Option for Summer 2020

With your own bathroom facility, a dedicated kitchen, and possibly even laundry, your RV is the best asset you have for getting a vacation this year. Not only will it reduce stress for everyone on board, but it also allows you to get out and get a summer vacation without visiting an airport.

Woody’s RV World is Your Ally

We’re here to answer any questions, make sure you have all the parts, and help you upgrade with any accessories. And for those of you who have an RV that’s been neglected over the past few years, dust it off and bring it in for an inspection before you hit the road for a summer of RV revival.

Camping isn’t just a summertime activity. In fact, camping in the colder months of winter can be just as enjoyable (or even more enjoyable) than camping in other seasons. The thinner campground crowds, exciting outdoor winter activities and thrill of camping in more extreme conditions make this one of the best times of year to hop in your RV and enjoy the great outdoors.

However, camping in the colder temperatures of winter means you need to take extra precautions to keep yourself and your fellow campers safe. The following five tips are ones that will help you make the most out of this winter camping season.

Pre-plan Everything

Make yourself checklists to be sure you have extra food, clothing, water and emergency supplies to last days more than your trip. Call campgrounds ahead of time to make sure they are open and that there are no hazardous conditions that you need to avoid such as avalanches.

Take Precautions Against the Cold

Be sure you have packed plenty of warm clothing that you can layer. It’s always good to have a base layer, middle layer, and outer layer of clothing. This is especially important if you do go out hiking or exploring while camping. Also be sure your boots are waterproof and insulated. Thick hats and gloves are also a crucial factor if you are out and about. The use of skis or snowshoes is recommended if you will be out trekking through snow. Snowshoes will work better for areas where trees might be close together.

Have a Second Helping

Remember that your food intake during winter camping should be almost three times more than you normally intake. That way you don’t lose more energy than needed. It may be cold, but you still need to stay hydrated, so drink plenty of water.

Know Your Surroundings

One of the most important pieces of information is to know your surroundings. Familiarize yourself with everything from types of snow and ice to emergency skills. Don’t wander too far afield, especially if bad weather is in the forecast.

Wear Fire-Resistant Outer Layers By the Fire

You’ll want to sit close to a hot fire when you’re camping in cold temperatures, but it’s important to wear a flame-resistant outer layer, such as wool, when close to the flames. Down jackets burn easily due to heat and stray embers, so keep flammable materials away from the fire and in your RV.

Find Your RV and Gear at Woody’s RV World

Woody’s RV World isn’t just a place to purchase new recreational vehicles. Our online parts store is stocked with all of the latest and greatest camping supplies for this winter camping season. Stop by Woody’s RV World today before you plan your winter season.

When we hit the road in our RVs, most of the time it’s with a destination in mind. Usually these destinations are either National Parks or big cities, like Vancouver, Montreal, or Banff National Park. But this neglects an entire countryside full of deserving destinations: the innumerable smaller towns and villages that dot Canada.

While not every village is a compelling draw, there are some that certainly deserve attention. If you’re planning a road trip in your RV this summer, consider checking out one of Canada’s most beautiful villages.

Waterton, Alberta

Okay, so this one is technically within a National Park, but the village itself is still charming and the surroundings are obviously gorgeous. A tiny mountain village located in the midst of the mountain and lake strewn landscape of Waterton Lakes National Park, Waterton township has its fair share of scenery. Set on the Canadian-USA border across from Montana, Waterton Lakes National Park is adjacent to Glacier National Park and shares the same type of environment.

Entering the village, you’ll see the historic Prince of Wales Hotel and enjoy local hospitality in a laid-back manner. There are restaurants and shops to explore when you’re not out enjoying the surrounding park.

Tadoussac, Quebec

Located a mere three hours from Quebec City, Tadoussac’s main draw are the excellent whale watching opportunities in the summer. Situated where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence Estuary, whales enjoy lingering in the area before they migrate to the Atlantic Ocean in the autumn. Whale watching tour boats regularly leave from the village, but some whales can be spotted from shore.

The village of Tadoussac itself offers fantastic shopping opportunities at its eccentric stores and quirky boutiques. Tadoussac also possesses an ineffable artsy atmosphere that’s sure to charm any tourist.

Merrickville, Ontario

Considered by some polls and surveys to be Canada’s most beautiful village, Merrickville is nicknamed the “Jewel of the Rideau.” Home to a disproportionate amount of heritage sites, you’ll encounter Gothic churches, historic stone houses, and exceptionally well-maintained Victorian-era mansions.

The village attracts a large number of creatives, likes artists and musicians, and lends the village a charming quality. Add to this the shops and cafes, and you’ve got days worth of fun and exploration. The Rideau Canal runs through the town, adding to this charm.

Visit Woody’s RV World

When you’re exploring Canada this summer, from the big cities and national parks to the smallest villages and campgrounds, don’t forget to stop by Woody’s RV World in Alberta to make sure that your RV is in good shape for travel. If it’s time to retire the old RV and find a new one, Woody’s RV World has the selection necessary to find the perfect RV for you.

Camping is one of the best summer activities for a number of reasons, but aside from cooking s’mores over the fire, camping food is often less than desirable. Try these unique and delicious camping recipes next time you’re at the campsite, and you’ll never think of dining in the woods the same again.

Hobo Hamburgers

What You’ll Need:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 2 teaspoons of your favorite meat seasoning
• 1/2 cup green pepper (chopped)
• 4 red potatoes (sliced thin)
• 1 onion (sliced thin)
• 4 carrots (peeled and cut into strips)
• 4 slices of bacon

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix the ground beef, cracker crumbs, egg, cheese, lemon juice, seasoning and green pepper together in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into four equally-sized patties.
2. Place each patty on two layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
3. Place the potato slices, onion slices and carrot slices on top of each patty.
4. Cut the slices of bacon in half and put two slices on top of each patty.
5. Seal the aluminum foil around the patties, and cook over the campfire for roughly 45 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked.
6. Unwrap and enjoy.

Curly Dogs

What You’ll Need:

• 8 Pillsburry (or Rhodes) dinner rolls (thawed but cool)
• 8 hot dogs

Cooking Instructions:

1. Roll each dinner roll into a roughly 15-inch rope.
2. Twist the dinner roll around the hot dog four or five times, making sure to attach the ends of the rope to another piece of dough.
3. Place on a campfire skewer and roast over hot coals until the dough is fully cooked.
4. Serve with ketchup or other desired condiments.

Get Your Camping Supplies at Woody’s RV World

Woody’s RV World may already be your go-to place in Alberta for new and used RVs, but we’re also the best place to stock up on your RV parts and camping supplies too. Come see us today if you’re ready to take on the road with a new or used RV!