Yukon extends season at 10 campgrounds

The Government of Yukon is extending the season at some of its campgrounds, thanks to feedback from the more than 240,000 people who stayed at campgrounds this year.

Territorial campgrounds usually close Sept.8, but starting this year, 10will stay open until Sept.30.

"What we've heardin the last year, especially from receptive tour operators overseas and in the Vancouver area, is the need for an extended season," said Mike Nixon, tourism minister for the territory.

The 10 campgrounds with an extended seasonare:

• Congdon Creek Campground
• Fox Lake Campground
• LakeLabergeCampground
• Marsh Lake Campground
• Pine Lake Campground
• Snafu Lake Campground
• Squanga Lake Campground
• Tarfu Lake Campground
• Twin Lakes Campground
• Wolf Creek Campground

Nixon says the amount of people staying at campgrounds in the territory has increased by two per cent, and the government is simply responding to a demand.

"Travellers who are coming from Australia and German-speaking Europe, maybe they're coming a little earlier and staying a little later," Nixon said. "There are tourists that are typically renting RVs and going off and exploring the territory."

Nixon says the same 10 campgrounds will also open earlier next year, one week before the May long weekend.