Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Camping
Canada's Maritime and Atlantic provinces are filled with campgrounds - some federal or
provincial, others privately owned. Private campgrounds sometimes cater only to trailers
(caravans) and recreational vehicles (RVs), and may feature convenience stores, play-
grounds and swimming pools. It is a good idea to phone ahead to make sure the size of
sites and the services provided at a particular campground are suitable for your vehicle.
Season
Varies by location but most campgrounds are open from May to September.
Some campgrounds remain open for maintenance year-round and may let you camp at a
reduced rate in the off-season. This can be great in late autumn or early spring when
there's hardly a soul tramping about. Winter camping, though, is only for the hardy.
Facilities
Vary widely. Backcountry campgrounds offer little more than pit toilets and fire
rings, and have no potable water. Unserviced (tent) campgrounds come with access to
drinking water and a washroom with toilets and sometimes showers. The best-equipped
grounds feature flush toilets and hot showers and water, electrical and sewer hookups for
RVs.
Fees
In national and provincial parks range from about $20 to $35 for tents up to $39 for
full hookup sites per night; fire permits often cost a few dollars extra. Backcountry camp-
ing costs about $14 per night. Private campgrounds tend to be a bit pricier.
Availability
On a first-come first-served basis at most government-run campgrounds.
Sites fill up quickly, especially in July and August. Several national parks participate in
Parks Canada's
camping reservation program
( 877-737-3783;
www.pccamping.ca
;
reservation fee $11) , which is a convenient way to make sure you get a spot.
Homestays & Holiday Rentals
How do you feel about staying on the couch of a perfect stranger? If it's not a problem,
consider joining an organization that arranges homestays. The following groups charge
no fees to become a member, and the stay itself is also free:
Couch Surfing
(
www.couchsurfing.org
)
Hospitality Club
(
www.hospitalityclub.org
)
Another option is a holiday rental where individuals rent out anything from a room in their
house to private cabins or even their whole house. Locations are equally variable - you
can find an apartment in Halifax to cottages deep in the woods of New Brunswick. Great
bargains can be found and this can be a fantastic option for families in particular. The fol-
lowing sites offer the most listings in the region:
Airbnb
(
www.airbnb.com
)
VRBO
(
www.vrbo.com
)
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