MALLORYTOWN,ON, May 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, on behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, publicly celebrated the re-naming of St. Lawrence Islands National Park to Thousand Islands National Park, and introduced the park's new visitor accommodation offer.
"The name Thousand Islands National Park resonates in our community and is more closely linked to the park's majestic setting," said Member of Parliament Brown. "Furthermore it will help support and promote the dynamic natural and cultural tourism industry of our world-renowned region. This year's addition of Parks Canada oTENTik tents on site will also promote a relaxing way to experience camping, making it easier for visitors to discover, form connections, and live a Thousand Islands experience."
Thousand Islands National Park is making it easier for visitors to enjoy a Thousand Islands experience by offering oTENTik accommodations at multiple locations within the park. A hybrid between a tent and a rustic cabin, Parks Canada oTENTiks are a unique way to experience camping. Each Parks Canada oTENTik tent is designed and made in Canada and provides a great way to introduce camping to families, as well as to help those who remember the camping experiences of their youth, but no longer own the equipment.
"The recently released Federal Tourism Strategy notes that Canada needs to continue to increase awareness of Canada as a premier tourism destination with natural and historic places to discover," said Minister Kent. "This is the first year that Parks Canada is able to take advantage of an internationally recognized brand to give Thousand Islands National Park a sense of place that speaks to a specific region of Canada."
Parks Canada works to ensure Canada's historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people from around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our country's treasured natural and historic places.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
BACKGROUNDER
Thousand Islands National Park
Established in 1904, Thousand Islands National Park was Canada's first national park east of the Rockies. The park began with a small piece of waterfront property, and over the years, the park has grown to include over 20 island properties spread out in the St. Lawrence River between Kingston and Brockville, as well as several mainland lots.
The Thousand Islands are considered "stepping stones" along a migration corridor linking Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario and Adirondack State Park in New York State. As a result, the park resides in a transition zone between boreal and deciduous forests that create a series of microhabitats which help to support one of the highest biodiversities in Canada including a high number of species at risk. The Thousand Islands also present a rich cultural landscape of human activity encompassing many generations of connection to this place, including prehistoric and contemporary Aboriginal use, military and trade routes, early island settlement and farming, and more recently, recreational development.
oTENTik - New in 2013
Parks Canada is introducing a new way to go camping for the 2013 season. Parks Canada oTENTik offers a unique mix of comfort and adventure in the great outdoors bringing visitors closer to nature while providing comfortable lodgings. Thousand Islands National Park is adding five (5) oTENTiks to its visitor offer in 2013. Parks Canada oTENTik tents are designed and made in Canada and equipped with a table, chairs and three (3) beds to accommodate up to six (6) visitors. There is ample storage space under the beds to keep belongings out of the way and each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit.
The oTENTik accommodations on park islands provide an ideal base camp and private retreat for paddlers exploring the Thousand Islands, or some extra living space for boaters who want to share a getaway with friends and family. Mallorytown Landing is ideally placed for cyclists and campers who wish to try out an oTENTik in a riverside, drive-up location.
Inside each oTENTik:
- Sleeping area for up to 6 people
- A table and seating for 6 people
- Solar powered lighting
- Fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Broom and dustpan
- Please note: there is no plumbing or running water in the tents
On each oTENTik campsite:
- Tent with front deck
- Fire pit
- Picnic table
- Adirondack chairs
- Charcoal barbecue and food preparation station
Nearby:
- A large picnic shelter
- Washrooms (Mallorytown Landing) and composting toilets (all locations)
- Water taps (Mallorytown Landing)
- Firewood for purchase
- Campers can drive or bike to the Mallorytown Landing location.
What to Bring:
(This list is not exhaustive)
- Sleeping bags, blankets and pillows
- Food, drinks, and a water container
- Cooking equipment, dishes, eating utensils and a cooler
- Slippers or indoor shoes
- Flashlights
- Insect repellent
- Matches or a lighter
With just the right mix of comfort and simplicity, a Parks Canada oTENTik will make you feel right at home, but far away from the bustle of everyday life.
SOURCE: Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit)
Bruce MacMillan
Partnering Engagement & Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
Parks Canada
613-923-5261 extension 122
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
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