B.C. campers take their tech with them
How do you like your camping? Free from technology ... or a little bit of both worlds?
It's the perfect weather this weekend to get outside and enjoy the province's rugged beauty in all its natural glory.
For many, camping is all about getting close to nature and spending quality time with the family, but an increasing number of campers say they want to stay plugged in.
Cultus Lake near Chilliwack, B.C. is catering to more and more of these tech-happy campers. The park offers seasonal campers a free wireless connection, while those camping overnight pay $2 per device.
At any given time, manager Allison Levesque says there are 80 to 100 people online using their phones, laptops and tablets to stream movies, watch Netflix, listen to music, check emails and even do business.
Camper Dale Owens says he's been coming back to Cultus Lake for 26 years and brings all his devices with him ... phone, iPad, laptop, satellite TV — all the comforts of home. The family even has full laundry service in its trailer.
Camping better without distractions
But Abbotsford mother of three Corice Peters says she wouldn't dream of letting her three children go online when they're out camping.
"The sun, the water. There's so much adventure here for the kids. They can catch fish. My son's in sailing lessons today." she said.
People like Peters say Owens is missing out on the camping experience, but Owens disagrees.
"You can do work, and relax and have fun at the same time," he said. "It's multi-tasking."
Plugged-in campers say they're getting the best of both worlds.