Camping is a quintessential Canadian activity, but it is one that some people aren’t enjoying because of a lack of equipment or know-how.
But Parks Canada has plans to change that with a hassle-free and modern approach to the unofficial national pastime. It has developed a new type of tent and is installing them in national parks across the country, including Banff.
Ten oTENTiks, a combination of the words authentic and tent, were officially unveiled last Friday (Aug. 16) at the Two Jack Lakeside campground and two local families were able to spend their first night camping in them.
“oTENTiks were created specifically for Parks Canada and we are implementing 100 of them in national parks and national historic sites,” said Parks product development specialist Judy Glowinski. “Camping is an authentic Canadian experience and Parks Canada wants to ensure that type of opportunity continues into the future.”
The 19- by 24-foot wide wooden frame and canvas tent provides a modern camping experience, Glowinski said, for those who want to enjoy the outdoors but may not have the equipment or are new to the experience of camping, like new families living in urban centres.
“We also have new Canadians, who perhaps have a little bit of fear around camping and are unaware of what they need and this is their introduction to that camping experience,” she said. “It was very important for us to develop an experience that reflects Banff National Park standards and as a brand leader we wanted to have something that would showcase our park in its best glory.”
Yun Chu, her husband Thomas Krause and their five- and seven-year-old children Nisha-Jolie and Jed spent a night in the oTENTiks with Chu’s parents as well.
The Canmore residents said they really enjoyed the experience, and when the kids got inside they “went crazy” they were so excited to try camping in the bunk beds as a family.
“It was very wonderful and an amazing experience,” said Chu, who added there was less to prepare beforehand, making it more convenient.
Sheldon Fisher and his son Shiloh were at the campground on Friday afternoon with his wife and daughter Tamara and Shania joining them later to stay the night.
Fisher, who moved to Banff from Jamaica four years ago, said it was his first camping experience and he thinks the oTENTiks are a great opportunity to get families out and enjoying the national park.
“It looks awesome,” he said. “I can’t wait to stay here and I want to get my friends and family to try it too.”
Inside, the oTENTik sleeps six on bunk beds and has a small table and chairs; however, eating and cooking must remain outside.
“There is no cooking, eating or storing of food within the oTENTiks and that is part of that camping experience,” Glowinski said, adding an outdoor lockable storage locker is available for food and barbecue storage.
The oTENTik was designed specifically for Parks and Glowinski said it was put through a pilot program last year in several parks, including Jasper.
“We found them highly successful and used,” she said, adding they appeal to campers looking for a simplified offer.
Glowinski could not say how much the total program cost to develop and implement across Canada this year, but in Banff it cost $180,000 to install all 10 with electricity and heating, which is not available in other parks, and upgrade the eating shelter in the campground as well.
The oTENTiks are available this summer to rent for $120 a night. Half are rented on a first-come first-served basis, while the rest can be reserved by emailing [email protected]. Next year they will be online reservations available or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.
