The Victoria Day long weekend is historically busy in our local parks and on BC Ferries, and with blue skies in the forecast and the elimination of parking fees in BC Parks, we just may see even more activity than usual.
“It will be interesting, everything is always weather dependent ... as far as the day-use goes, and now with parking fees removed we’ll see how that now reflects on day use visits,” said Brad Ashdown, Vice President of operations for R.L.C Parks Services, who operate Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park.
Ashdown said camping will be full at Rathtrevor Park this weekend, and although things will slow down a little between now and summer this is usually the “first big kick of the can.”
May long weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer according to BC Ferries, and president of public affairs, Mark Stefanson said they are expecting a very busy weekend.
“If the weather holds and it turns out to be as nice as forecasters say, then we expect to be very busy on all of our routes,” he said, adding the major routes will be particularly busy. BC Ferries has added an extra 80 sailings to the roster over the holiday period, from May 19 to 24. Stefanson encourages reservations. For more information visit www.bcferries.com.
Blain Sepos, executive director of the Oceanside Tourism Association said weather will play a big role in Oceanside numbers this weekend. People generally take the opportunity to get outside and celebrate the weather this weekend if possible, he said, which is why there aren’t as many indoor events in the area as usual.