Some campsite fees spike nearly 30% as GNWT deals with increased costs

Lovers of the great outdoors will have to dig deeper in their pockets to rent a campsite this season, as the territorial government just hiked fees by as much as 27 per cent for an unpowered site.

The GNWT has a new downloadable map for campers.

That means what was once $22.50 per night, is now $28.57.

Powered sites at one of the NWT Parks campgrounds will cost 19 per cent more per night, to $33.33 from $28.

There will also be a non-refundable reservation fee of $6 which will be applied per reservation. This on a new online reservation system, the GNWT stated in a release.

Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Caitlin Cleveland stated by charging market value for campsite rentals, the government is “committed to sustaining our investments in park infrastructure and growing the user experience in all NWT parks.”

The Minister continued: “For the first time in 15 years, the GNWT will increase NWT park fees as a strategic measure to avoid undercutting private campgrounds while upholding park standards as costs continue to rise across the country.”

The GNWT stated campsite fees in the Northwest Territories remain below the national average.

These fee adjustments are necessary to uphold the standards in NWT parks as costs continue to rise across the country.

The GNWT last adjusted campground fees in 2009.

Campers will need to set up a new account at NWTParks.ca. The opening of the reservation period on April 16.