Wi-Fi Internet access in the wild will soon become a possibility as Parks Canada may soon offer Wi-Fi hotspots at some of its national parks across the country.
Parks Canada has confirmed that it is planning to offer Wi-Fi hotspots for its visitors at a number of its national historic sites as well as national parks.
Parks Canada revealed its plans to start Wi-Fi services at its sites, including Alberta, by the end of this year and each site may have around 50 hot spots, which may reach to about 100 in the near term.
Andrew Campbell, VP of Parks Canada, said the move is aimed to attract younger visitors to its sites. He added that the initiative is to complement visitors' experience.
"When you start to look at the hot spot and how wide they'll range, you're not going to be on the top of the mountain and on the middle of the glacier and getting Wi-Fi service," said Campbell. "It's going to be around your campground at night where you're going to communicate to your friends and family in ways that a lot of people do today, through Facebook or Twitter, putting your Instagram photo up."
With Wi-Fi Internet connection, visitors will be able to keep in touch with their friends and family. Visitors can also send pictures instantly to their loved ones.
Parks Canada suggests that on an annual basis more than 20 million visitors come to 44 of its national parks, 167 national historic sites, as well as 4 marine conservation areas. Many of these locations have partial or no 3G or 4G coverage, which means than many visitors remain disconnected once they enter the parks. Parks Canada claims that many visitors who come to its site ask for Internet access not just to contact friends and family but also to be abreast with the latest news.
Most of the areas will have free Wi-Fi. However, visitors may have to pay fees in areas where the cost of providing Wi-Fi service is high.
Some of the Parks Canada national parks that can soon get Wi-Fi service are Gwaii Haanas, Fundy, Jasper, Banff, Kootenay, Wood Buffalo, Yoho, Waterton Lakes and many more.
