A spokesperson with Manitoba Parks is hoping that by the time camping season rolls around in our province, we are referring to COVID-19 in the past tense.

As Manitoba deals with a pandemic, the province did not let that stop it from launching its campsite reservation system. And, if day one was any indication, it seems Manitobans still have an appetite for the great outdoors.

On March 23rd, reservations opened for all cabins, yurts, group use areas and Birds Hill campground. Elisabeth Ostrop says there was a total of 6,153 bookings on opening day, which is down 13 per cent from the 7,044 on the opening day last year.

According to Ostrop, there could be a couple of reasons why numbers are down. First of all, she says COVID-19 impacted their ability to notify Manitobans of the start date for reservations. She says COVID-19 has probably also caused Manitobans to reconsider what their summer plans might look like. 

"Getting outdoors is something we are hopeful we will be able to do this summer," stresses Ostrop. "Right now we are just hoping that by the time campgrounds are slated to open in mid-May we will know a little bit more and for now we are letting people make their summer plans."

The next round of bookings, scheduled for April 6th and 8th have been postponed, with respect to COVID-19 and will be rescheduled at a later date. Existing campground, group use and yurt reservations are still valid, but may be cancelled if the situation changes.

According to Ostrop, there are no other changes to announce this year with the reservation system. However, one change worth noting is that the purchase of park entry permits will now be done online. Annual permits cost $40 with an additional $4.50 administration fee. Though permits will now be printed at home, Ostrop says there will still be vendors, such as campground offices that will be able to assist with the purchase and printing process.

Speaking of changes, Ostrop says there is a welcome addition at Big Whiteshell South Shore where new shower buildings have been added for this year.

Meanwhile, back to COVID-19, Ostrop says with parks not being open year-round, they have a bit of an advantage in planning things out. But, she says they will certainly be stepping up their cleaning and maintenance efforts as best they can.

The earliest campgrounds in Manitoba open May 8th, with the remaining opening on May 15th.

"We are hopeful that everyone can come and enjoy life's great outdoors in Manitoba Parks this summer," says Ostrop. "And we look forward to having everybody back."