WHITEHORSE—Yukon’s first new government campground in almost 30 years opens to visitors tomorrow, Minister of Environment Wade Istchenko announced this morning.
“The Government of Yukon is committed to expanding roadside camping opportunities for Yukoners and visitors to our territory,” Istchenko said. “We are proud of the work we have accomplished with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation in developing Conrad Campground, and we are excited to share this new destination with all outdoor enthusiasts.”
The 35-site campground helps meet the growing demand for recreational opportunities near Whitehorse. Over the last two years, the Government of Yukon has invested more than $1.5 million dollars on campground improvements including the development of Conrad Campground. This investment has resulted in a 19 per cent increase in the number of campsites available within a two-hour drive of Whitehorse.
The development of the Conrad Campground was one of six shared priorities identified in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and the Yukon government to support recreational land and infrastructure development in the First Nation’s Traditional Territory.
“As part of the Memorandum of Understanding, it is great to work with the Yukon government in the creation of a new campground in the Southern Lakes which should be beneficial for the tourism industry in our area,” Carcross/Tagish First Nation Khà Shâde Héni Dan Cresswell said.
The campground lies on a 44.5 hectare park reserve on the shores of Tagish Lake’s Windy Arm, about 13 kilometres southwest of Carcross on the South Klondike Highway. There are opportunities for canoeing, hiking and mountain biking, and the campground sits next to the Conrad historic site where a small town once existed in support of the Venus silver mine.
Conrad Campground services include firewood, water supply, a viewing deck and picnic shelter. Future developments include walking trails and a playground.
As of tomorrow, full services are available at all 54 Yukon roadside campgrounds.
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Learn more: Conrad Campground
Contact:
Dan Macdonald
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
dan.macdonald@gov.yk.ca
Eric Clement
Communications, Environment
867-667-5237
eric.clement@gov.yk.ca
Lucie Wright
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-667-5318
lucie.wright@gov.yk.ca
Daphne Pelletier Vernier
Carcross/Tagish First Nation
867-821-4251 ext. 8235
daphne.vernier@ctfn.ca
