Ready for Your First Urban Camping Experience? Now is the time to register for Parks Canada's Learn-to Camp event!

MONTREAL, June 2, 2014 /CNW/ - Would you like to enjoy a unique camping experience right in the heart of downtown Montreal? Do you picture yourself spending the night under the stars, but have no idea what equipment you need to survive a few hours outside your home? Perfect timing! The Learn-to Camp weekend is back on June 21 and 22 at the Lachine Canal National Historic Site!

Parks Canada and Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) encourage those interested in experiencing their first camping experience to come and learn the basics, cook outdoors, and benefit from the advice of experts from Parks Canada and MEC! All you need to bring is your sleeping bag and evening meal, we'll take care of the rest!

Open-air concerts for everyone
For a fourth consecutive year, the Learn-to Camp event at the Lachine Canal will be held at the same time as the Montreal Folk Festival on the Canal, a public event featuring traditional folk music by internationally renowned and up-and-coming artists. The Lachine Canal's Learn-to Camp event is the perfect choice for those who enjoy having music fill their ears. Everything you need for a truly proper awesome experience!

Register to participate!
Spaces are limited so you must register in advance. Registrations are taken on a first come, first served basis. To reserve your spot and take advantage of this unique opportunity, call us now at 1-888-773-8888. Starting at $88 for up to four people (includes tent, sleeping pads and breakfast).

Quick facts

• Îlot Charlevoix, located at the corner of Saint-Patrick and Charlevoix streets, will be transformed into a campground for a weekend bursting with activities, just a few steps away from the Atwater Market!
• Curious? Here's a sneak peek at the program: slack-lining, inflatable games, rabaska canoe rides, campfire and marshmallows, evening talks with La Mauricie National Park… enough to blow you away!
• Participants will get a chance to win a two-night stay for four people at the Wabenaki or Andrew lodges, located at the lac à la Pêche in La Mauricie National Park, or a two-night oTENTik stay for four people. Everything you need for a dream holiday surrounded by nature!

Quotes
"The Learn-to Camp initiative is a great opportunity for Canadians, especially those living in urban centres away from national parks, national marine conservation areas or in some cases, national historic sites, to discover the joys of camping. An array of activities will be available to the participants while visiting the Lachine Canal, providing them a memorable Canadian camping experience, in the heart of downtown Montreal."

Luc-André Mercier, Director, Quebec Waterways, Parks Canada

"The goal of Learn-to Camp is to provide participants with an enjoyable first-time camping experience in our natural treasure, La Mauricie National Park."

Carole Loiselle, Superintendant, La Mauricie and Western Quebec Field Unit, Parks Canada

We're also on Twitter! @LachineCanal

Video with caption: "Video: Learn-to camp at the Lachine Canal". Video available at: http://youtu.be/MyBHeof9gro

Image with caption: "Learn-to camp at the Lachine Canal (CNW Group/Parks Canada Agency - Quebec Waterways)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140602_C2017_PHOTO_EN_2414.jpg

Image with caption: "Slack-lining, inflatable games, rabaska canoe rides, campfire and marshmallows… enough to blow you away! (CNW Group/Parks Canada Agency - Quebec Waterways)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140602_C2017_PHOTO_EN_2415.jpg

SOURCE: Parks Canada Agency - Quebec Waterways

Audrey Godin-Champagne, Public Relations and Communications Officer, Quebec Waterways | Parks Canada, Tel.: [phone], [email protected]