RVwest Insider

Wi-Fi in the wilderness

by Kimberly Shellborn
A lone bird flying over Waterton Lake in Waterton National park at sunset.
A stunning sunset shared only by the wildlife in Waterton National Park. — Photo by Kimberly Shellborn

Canada’s national parks conjure up images of majestic beauty, awe-inspiring wildlife, bubbling streams, roaring waterfalls, peace and tranquility. But the images can now include cell phones and selfies, Facebook and Twitter, iPads and iPhones.

Soon you will be able to plug in to social media and all the videos you want on the Internet, since Parks Canada has plans for installing Wi-Fi hotspots in many national parks and historic sites.

This has sparked a lot of controversy throughout Canada.

On the one side, you have the nature lovers who want to get to the outdoors to get away from it all—including their electronic devices.

On the other hand, you have those who are so attached to their electronics that they can’t go more than a few hours without checking mail, posting something to Instagram, sending texts or googling to see a map of where they are. Many even want to update their vacation in real time on social media like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google Plus.

Then there are many in between the two extremes.

Will you be bringing your tablet and smartphone on your camping adventures this summer?

Related Articles

Martin Brandt (l.), CEO Erwin Hymer Group, and Bob Martin, CEO Thor Industries, at the Caravan Salon 2019 in Düsseldorf.
RVwest Insider

Thor Industries and Erwin Hymer Group present vision for shared future

The first seven months have given both CEOs a clear view of the opportunities and potential for the first truly global player in the caravanning industry. 

Indigenous tourism partners gather at the Tsuut’ina Nation Culture Museum to announce the formation of Indigenous Tourism Alberta.
RVwest Insider

Province supports new Indigenous tourism group

The Alberta government is funding a new tourism association that will help Indigenous entrepreneurs and their communities start tourism businesses and create jobs. 

>