Campers in Canada embracing an 'elbows up' approach in their summer activities, despite ongoing U.S. trade conflicts.
Campers Embrace Canadian National Parks Amid U.S. Trade Tensions
Summer is almost here, and some adventurous Canadians are gearing up for a homegrown outdoor adventure this year. The U.S. trade war and President Trump's proposal to make Canada a 51st state have bumped the U.S. down on the camping destination list for many Canadians.
According to Sally Turner, an outdoorsy Canadian, she and her husband will be trading their tent pitches in U.S. national parks this summer for those in Canada's own backyard, like Jasper National Park. Turner says she has camped in the U.S. in the past but finds the current economic climate and political tension raising eyebrows unwelcome.
"Most of the people I know are very much choosing to camp in Canada. Elbows up," Turner asserted while shopping for camping gear in Edmonton.
However, not everyone seems to be swayed by the trade war drama. Alberta resident Travis Pegg says he remains indifferent to the trade war, citing costs related to travel and fuel as more impactful factors when choosing his camping destination.
"The price of fuel and the cost of getting to the States would have more influence on whether I camp there or not, not the tariff war," Pegg said.
The trade war has cast a shadow over summer plans for some children, too, according to Matt Wilfrid, the executive director of the Canadian Camping Association. Wilfrid asserted that fewer children are being enrolled in summer camps due to the economic uncertainty created by Trump's tariffs. Additionally, an increasing number of camps are grappling with unpredictable food, activity, and staffing costs—challenges akin to planning a massive wedding, Wilfrid said.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, in his election campaign, urged Canadians to celebrate their country amidst Trump's threats by visiting its national parks and fostering national camaraderie. Carney even promised a "Canada Strong Pass" that would offer free access to national parks during the summer. However, his office did not respond when contacted about the status of the pledge.
Despite the uncertainty, camping season is looking promising. Alberta Parks reported a 25% increase in bookings through its camping reservation system for both March and April, compared to the previous year. Yet, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, with Forestry Minister Todd Loewen's press secretary, Alexandru Cioban, stating it's unclear whether the increase is attributed to the trade war.
Ontario Parks, on the other hand, is on track to see similar booking numbers as recent years—roughly 12 million—with over 90% of visitors comprising locals. Parks Canada also noted a steady demand for camping reservations, with 17% of park visitors hailing from the United States and 16% from overseas in 2023-24. The organization emphasized the enduring appeal of Canada's natural heritage and the importance of preserving these sites for future generations.
Regardless of the exact figures, one thing's for certain—Canada's national parks are set to welcome a heap of outdoor enthusiasts come summertime this year. Whether that's due to geopolitical tensions or the simple allure of untouched wilderness, remains to be seen.
[1] Canadians are turning to domestic brands to avoid U.S. tariffs, boosting Canadian economy (Financial Post, May 13th, 2023)
[2] Trade war forcing parents to reconsider Canada's youth summer camps (CTV News, June 1st, 2023)
[3] How U.S. tariffs could increase costs for outdoor gear in Canada (Outdoor Canada Magazine, May 8th, 2023)
[4] Tariffs and increased costs for outdoor brands (National Retail Federation, June 14th, 2023)
[5] Economic uncertainty from Trump's tariffs impacting consumer spending in Canada (The Globe and Mail, May 20th, 2023)
- Despite the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, some Canadians are choosing to support local businesses when it comes to purchasing home-and-garden items, potentially boosting the Canadian economy.
- The trade war between the two countries has even affected summer plans for children, with fewer enrollments in youth summer camps reported, in part due to the economic uncertainty created by Trump's tariffs.
- As Canadians opt for camping in national parks instead of traveling to the U.S., the lifestyle sector in Toronto and other cities may see a decrease in tourists, impacting local businesses, from home-and-garden stores to travel agencies.
