The migration of campers has begun in Northeastern Ontario

This three-day leave also coincides with the opening of the fishing season. There are already many lovers of this sport on the rivers of the region.

People are eager to get out. They plan activities. We see that the dome at Lac Rémi is already rentedshares the president of the organization Les Amis du lac Rémi, Denis Bérubé.

The enthusiasm of campers has forced some landowners to open their doors a week earlier than usual. Normally, they only open on the long weekend.

As of today, we are full as soon as school ends, so from the end of June until mid-August. We have almost no availability for people who want to come camping. Even rentals for people who don’t have a trailer, that too is full. We expect a beautiful summerindicates the co-owner of the campsite Twin LakesJoanne Guindon.

The Guindon family owns Twins Lake Campground in Moonbeam. From left to right: Joanne, Kevin and Annabel.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Christophe Simard

With more than 500 cabins and five campgrounds, the region is highly frequented during the summer period. Moonbeam’s population, which stands at just over 1,200, will rise to almost 4,000 during the summer thanks to holiday visitors.

It feels like we’re going back to life a bit like we had before the pandemic, even though we’re still in the middle of a pandemicsays the mayor of the municipality, Nicole Levesque.

A difficult pandemic

The last two years have left their mark on the campgrounds. Fortunately, traffic has increased as the province has eased its sanitary measures.

Once again, we anticipate that this activity will be surpassed [cette année]. We see a lot more boats, personal watercraft, kayaks and canoessays Mr. Bérubé.

The president of the Les Amis du lac Rémi group, Denis Bérubé, is organizing a membership campaign for the organization during the long weekend.

Photo: Radio-Canada / Christophe Simard

For several campgrounds, health restrictions have led to changes. Few facilities were accessible at the start of the health crisis.

” I removed weekend lots to be seasonal. It was a way of ensuring that even if I had cancellations, I would have income to replace that. »

We hope that this summer, it will be more relaxing, or back to normalshe continues.

Her husband, Kevin Guindon, is hopeful that will be the case, although some things could put a spoke in their wheels.

With the price of gasoline, it could be different. But people all say they haven’t been out for two years, so they gon’ enjoy ithe explains.

According to the owners, approximately 85% of their visitors come from Abitibi. They spend on average up to two weeks per visit.

A 100th anniversary summer

The next camping season will take place as part of the 100th anniversary of the Municipality of Moonbeam. The event will be an asset for its tourism industry, which is its main strength.

To be able to see the people of the lake in person is beneficial according to Denis Bérubé. The Friends of Lac Rémi, which brings together seasonal and year-round residents of the region, support those responsible for the festivities in their preparation.

The celebration of this historic brand and the renewed enthusiasm of campers will only help the economy.

I think we have to focus on that and on the welcome we offer to people who come to visit usaccording to Ms. Levesque.