First 2012 Parkbus Passengers Depart Toronto to Algonquin Park

Next Stop: your Campsite

TORONTO, June 29, 2012 /CNW/ - The Hon. Michael Chan, MPP and Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport along with Bradley Fauteux, Managing Director of Ontario Parks, kicked-off the Parkbus 2012 season as the first bus bound for Algonquin Provincial Park departed downtown Toronto this morning.  A mix of GTA residents and tourists boarded the bus, heading to campgrounds, canoe access points and backpacking trails in Ontario's iconic park. On their journey, experienced volunteers greeted passengers, provided maps, information and advice for first-time campers.

The launch marked the start of a regular service that connects Toronto with Algonquin, Killarney and Grundy Lake Provincial Parks as well as Bruce Peninsula National Park and Tobermory. One-way adult tickets range between $35 and $40. Complete schedule and pricing information can be found at www.parkbus.ca.

Parkbus was started as a grassroots initiative by two York University graduates and outdoor enthusiasts, Boris Issaev and Alex Berlyand, with the goal of expanding its network in future years to offer service between other major urban centres and outdoor destinations in the province. Pilot service from Ottawa is already in the works for next season.

Funded in part by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, Ontario Parks and Parks Canada, Parkbus provides a sustainable alternative to car travel and is set to help Torontonians experience the province's most popular outdoor destinations.

QUOTE

"Parkbus is an innovative, eco-friendly initiative that will improve access to Ontario's beautiful parks for residents and visitors. The McGuinty government is pleased to support this project that will develop new markets for our tourism sector, contribute to local economies, and create jobs in Ontario."

-- Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

ABOUT

Parkbus is non-profit initiative providing express bus service to key outdoor destinations in Ontario. Parkbus is a project of Transportation Options (T.O.), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable tourism and transportation in Ontario.  Since 1992, T.O. has worked on numerous successful projects, including award-winning Bike Train Initiative and the Welcome Cyclists Network.  Mountain Equipment Co-op and the Ontario Ecotourism Society are the collaborative partners of the Ontario Parkbus Initiative.

Joey Gill, Publicist
416-556-0675
[email protected]
www.hiconcept.ca