Cold beer and camping go hand-in-hand for many Canadians, but a new survey suggests most people would still support part-time prohibitions in National Parks.
The poll, conducted by NRP Research Group and Peak Communicators, found 53 per cent of Canadians in favour of banning booze in National Parks on long weekends over the summer.
Support was highest in B.C. and Alberta, where 60 per cent of respondents supported bans, and lowest in Quebec, where only 44 per cent did.
“The results suggest that although for some drinking is an essential part of the camping experience, others are willing to put the enjoyment of all park users over their own enjoyment,” pollsters said in a release.
Saskatchewan has been enforcing similar temporary bans for years, and campers in the province have already been told not to drink in provincial parks on the Victoria Day long weekend.
Banff National Park in Alberta also has an alcohol ban in place for long weekends, and violators risk being fined or even thrown out.
Other parks, including Jasper National Park, only ban drinking after a certain hour. Officials said 90 per cent of problems reported in the park are booze-related.
One-third of the NRG poll respondents across Canada said they oppose alcohol bans on long weekends. Support increased with age, with 62 per cent of those over the age of 55 in favour.
The survey was conducted online with 1,000 respondents from May 6 to 8.
Have your say: Should alcohol be banned in National Parks on long weekends?
