Camp and Win

In celebration of this year’s Parks Day on Saturday, July 16th, Parks Canada in partnership with The Trail Shop has organized the Great Canadian Backyard Campout, a camping competition designed to get Canadians out and active at one of the country’s many national parks.

The competition, which was also created in celebration of Parks Canada’s 100th year of service, features a grand prize that includes a $200 gift certificate to The Trail Shop, a Parks Canada Family Discovery Pass, The North Face Family Tent, two nights camping at Kejimkujik National Parks and National Historic Site and a copy of the book, Canada’s National Parks – A Celebration.

Those interested in participating can enter by either registering to camp overnight at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada on July 16th, or by camping for a night on their own and submitting a story or photo online that depicting their experience. While Canadians are encouraged to camp out at a national park, contestants are allowed to rough it anywhere — even in their own backyard.

For those able to partake in the campout at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada, a tentative schedule including activities such as scavenger hunts, camp cooking workshops, ghost tours and guided stargazing, will be offered for a registration fee of $75 for a group of four and $15 for each extra person. The fee will cover dinner, evening snacks and breakfast for campers. The North Face will also be on hand to provide a limited number of tents — free of charge.

For more information on how you can participate, visit www.backyardcampout.ca. 


— Kimberly Rupnarain