Instant

“Staycationers” looking for a great value vacation close to home should check out “instant camping” in the Parks of the St. Lawrence. “Ready-to-enjoy” campsites are at numerous locations at Crysler Park Marina and Riverside-Cedar Campground along the beautiful St. Lawrence River in Morrisburg, Ontario, less than an hour south of Ottawa and close to award-winning Upper Canada Village, a renowned 1860s heritage attraction.

“Camping is the classic Canadian vacation,” says Pat Macdonald, General Manger of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “In these tough economic times, we wanted to make it easy for families and friends to take some vacation time. Instant camping is a simple, affordable way to try camping for the first time, or skip the hassle of setting up a camp site.

“Every instant camping site has a well-ventilated, durable, waterproof tent that can sleep up to six people. Each tent sits on its own sturdy 10’ X 20’ platform to keep campers high and dry – and provide a small deck for relaxation. The campsites come complete with picnic tables and fire rings. Just bring your sleeping bags, pillows and air mattresses — meal supplies and cooking utensils if you want to cook — and a sense of adventure!” explains Ms. Macdonald.

“Crysler Park Marina and Riverside-Cedar Campground are great ‘staycation’ bases for visiting the many attractions and facilities in the Parks of the St. Lawrence,” says Ms Macdonald. Not only is the location very close to Ottawa, but just a couple of minutes away from Upper Canada Village, the 18-hole award-winning Upper Canada Golf Course, the full service Crysler Park Marina and new Marker 72 Dockside Patio, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary (home to nearly 200 waterfowl, raptor, passerine and other bird species and over 8 km of self-guided nature trails), over 35 km of bike paths along the Ontario Waterfront Trail, and numerous trails. Located just 10 minutes from the village of Morrisburg, these sites provide easy access to the full service amenities of the town, including Upper Canada Playhouse which features professional live theatre.

In addition, just minutes away is the Lost Villages Historical Park, the scenic Long Sault Parkway with over 600 campsites and picnicking areas, and Prehistoric World Dinosaur Park. Just a short drive to Kingston, Fort Henry National Historic Site and Ontario’s only UNESCO designated World Heritage Site, is about 90 minutes away and makes for a great day-trip.

Instant Campsites sleep up to six and are economically priced at only $39.95 plus taxes per night, Friday through Sunday. Weeknights (Monday to Thursday) the price drops to $36.95 night. There’s a further $3.00 per weeknight saving for each additional weeknight booked. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission’s new Gimme5 Value Vacation Card offers “staycationers” even more values – spend $5 and get up to $50 in savings with $5 off 10 different St Lawrence Parks Commissions experiences, including Upper Canada Village and Fort Henry attractions.

To book an Instant Campsite call Crysler Park Marina at 613-543-3254 or Riverside-Cedar Campground at 613-543-3287.

Buy a Gimme5 Value Vacation Card at http://www.gimmefive.ca/

Visit the web site at www.parks.on.ca to find out more information on the St. Lawrence Parks Commission or call 613-543-3254

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