What has four canvas walls, windows, bunk beds, a door and a wooden floor? Luxury camping at Whistlers Campground.

In an effort to further increase visitor experience and entice those a little hesitate to sleep on the ground to Jasper National Park, Parks Canada has invested $80 thousand in the pilot program that provides gear and techniques to new campers.

“We’re really targeting families and people who are not sure if they want to camp or not, and just want to ease into camping,” said Gloria Keys-Brady tourism and marketing officer for JNP.

According to Keys-Brady, the funding covered the cost of the purchase and installation of three 14 in. x 20 in. tents, building the wooden floors, and hooking them up with electricity. 

The pilot program, which will influence the decision of the other mountain parks, runs from now until Oct. 11. The cost of the tents will be $47 a night including fire permit and wood. However, the proposed fee for 2010 is $90 per night.

The canvass-walled tents include futon style beds for up to five or six people, with one tent providing wheelchair access. Each tent also comes with its own cooking equipment, picnic table, food locker and fire box.

Though the experience is targeted at families new to camping, Keys-Brady said it will also help target international travellers who wish to camp but can’t  ship their gear to Jasper.

The agency will be offering newcomers orientation courses on the basics of camping, including how to set up a tent, what equipment to purchase, the appropriate ways to maintain a safe/clean campsite and how to start a fire without matches. 

To encourage use, the tents have been placed close to the amenities of the campground – washrooms, water taps and shower buildings.

Keys-Brady said that during the pilot, pets will not be allowed due to allergies and safety issues associated with having pets in the park. However, there is the possibility pets will be allowed in the future.