Canadian campers say pets in, parents out as summer 2022 camping companions

TORONTO June 22, 2022 – Camping has always been a favourite Canadian pastime, but its popularity has boomed since the start of the pandemic, and is set to reach new highs in 2022. To gain insights into Canada’s outdoor plans for this summer, Hipcamp, the world’s largest provider of outdoor stays, surveyed 5,000 campers coast to coast and uncovered some surprising and quirky results.

• Parents (and kids) are out, pets in
  This summer, campers are 6x as likely to camp with their pets as with their parents. Only 4.7% of Canadian campers plan to get outside with their parents, while nearly a third (31.8%) have plans to camp with a pet.
  
  That makes pets a more popular camping companion than kids (22.4%).
  
• Privacy, please
  Nearly two thirds (62.5%) of campers rank private land camping as a top outdoor destination this summer, with 20.8% saying lakeside stays are the most important feature when booking.
  
• Rising fuel costs mean more staycations
  Almost all (94.3%) Canadian campers say sky-high fuel prices will impact their travel plans this year, with nearly half (43.7%) saying they won’t roam beyond 450 kilometres
  
• Shiny happy campers
  For pandemic-weary campers, mental health matters more than fun. A whopping 39.3% cited mental health relief as the #1 reason they’re planning a camping trip this summer – ranking it above relaxation, quality time with loved ones, challenge and even fun.

Additional findings include:

• Isn’t it romantic (to camp)
  More than two thirds (75%) of campers are planning at least one camping trip with their significant other this summer.
  
• Born to be wild
  More than two thirds (70.8%) of Canadian campers rate “pitching a tent” as a top camping skill, with other top skills including “foraging for edible wild food,” and “catching and gutting a fish.”

Looking for some location inspiration? Check out these Ontario pet-friendly Hipcamp sites below:

Raven’s Point 3, Tryfan Forest

Located nearby Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park, Silent Lake Provincial Park. Enjoy nearly a mile of lakeshore to yourself on this secluded wilderness retreat. Raven’s Point offers three of the most desirable campsites at Tryfan Forest. Choose from three locations on the shoreline to pitch your tent. All of the campsites have docks. Access is by canoe or approximately 2.0 km hike from main entrance to Tryfan Forest. Explore Tryfan’s 800 acres of wilderness during your stay – there are cool things like waterfalls, cliffs, scenic views, tons of trails and for some reason a lot of moose this year. Thunderboxes are provided.

Kubasseks Water Front Retreat

located only one hour from major centres like Toronto, London, and Hamilton – in the centre of the universe but away from it all!Kubasseks is situated on 100 acres of fields and bush, and gives access to trails and water. It is like going North but minutes from KW Cambridge, Woodstock, Branford, and Guelph. They are There are four sites to choose from with the sites situated on a large pond. There are picnic tables and fire pits on-site. We offer complimentary dozen Farm Fresh Eggs. The sites are suitable for every type of camper, from tents to RVs up to 40 feet. Electric 15 amp; Water Hookups.Also for added convenience, grocery stores are 15 minutes away for all your camping needs. Restaurants are available less than 5 minutes from the property.

Pine Forest with River Swimming

Welcome to PayDirt Farm! Sites 1 and 3 sit in our managed pine forest, and Site 2 sits next to the swimming hole in the river which runs through the property. A maintained bike/ATV trail runs through the property and links directly to nearby towns and trail networks. Beaches and more hiking trails are a short drive or bike ride away.

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