2015 British Columbia Parks. Visitor Survey. Provincial Summary

Transcription

1 2015 British Columbia Parks Visitor Survey Provincial Summary 1

2 Contents Introduction 3 Methodology 4 Limitations 4 How this report is organized 4 Part 1 - Visitor Satisfaction 5 Part 2 - Visitor Prile 9 Age respondent Visitor Home Location Location residence Visitors with disabilities Part 3 - Trip Prile 12 Party size Number Children Length Stay Camping shelter used Previous Visits Trip purpose and planning Facilities and Services Used Visitor Spending Distance travelled Part 4 - Discover Camping Reservation System 20 Use System Reasons for not using the system Features about the system that users liked Part 5 - Visitor Preferences for Facilities and Services 21 2

3 Introduction The BC Parks Visitor Survey is conducted each year in select parks to get a better understanding park visitors views, needs, and experiences in provincial parks. Survey data is used to assess performance, identify visitation trends, inform capital planning, and guide decision-making in a number areas. There were 3382 online responses received province wide as summarized in Table 1. 1 Table 1: Number responses received by campground Region Park - Campground Responses Cariboo Lac La Hache Park - Lac La Hache 162 Cariboo Ten Mile Lake Park - Touring 91 Kootenay Kootenay Lake Park - Davis Creek* 27 Kootenay Mount Fernie Park - Mount Fernie 170 Kootenay Moyie Lake Park - Moyie Lake 139 Kootenay Rosebery Park - Rosebery 84 Kootenay Whiteswan Lake Park - Alces Lake 63 Okanagan E.C. Manning Park - Muledeer 140 Okanagan Gladstone Park - Texas Creek 176 Okanagan Mabel Lake Park - Mabel Lake 81 Okanagan Okanagan Lake Park - Okanagan North 198 Okanagan Otter Lake Park - Otter Lake 173 Omineca Carp Lake Park - Carp Lake 78 Omineca Mount Robson Park - Robson River 62 Peace Kiskatinaw Park - Kiskatinaw 49 Peace Muncho Lake Park - Macdonald 42 Skeena Lakelse Lake Park - Furlong Bay 180 South Coast Cultus Lake Park - Entrance Bay 42 South Coast Golden Ears Park - Gold Creek 101 South Coast Porpoise Bay Park - Porpoise Bay 80 South Coast Porteau Cove Park - Porteau Cove 173 South Coast Sasquatch Park - Deer Lake - Lakeside* 28 Thompson Monck Park - Monck 122 Thompson Paul Lake Park - Paul Lake* 29 Thompson Steelhead Park - Steelhead 65 Thompson Tunkwa Park - Leighton 177 Thompson Wells Gray Park - Falls Creek 107 West Coast Cowichan River Park - Stoltz Pool 48 West Coast Elk Falls Park - Elk Falls 91 West Coast Juan De Fuca Park - China Beach* 10 West Coast Little Qualicum Falls Park - Little Qualicum Falls 179 West Coast Naikoon Park - Misty Meadows* 28 West Coast Stamp River Park - Stamp River 36 West Coast Strathcona Park - Ralph River 151 * - Low sample size interpret results with caution. 1 Total responses in tables may not match this value because some respondents did not answer all questions. 3

4 Methodology The BC Parks Visitor Survey uses a mixed-mode methodology involving in-park interviews and an online questionnaire.a total 34 campgrounds across the province were surveyed in Data collection was carried out between June 1 and September 7, Respondents for the survey were randomly selected from the target population all campers in vehicle accessible campgrounds in BC Parks using a sampling plan for each campground. The sampling plan was designed to maximize sample size based on attendance trends, and ensure respondents were selected evenly from random campsites. The Park Operators approached the campsites indicated on the sampling plan, and asked an adult (18 and over) in the occupying party with the most recent birthday if they would be willing to complete the survey. As an incentive, visitors who complete the survey were entered in a prize draw to win a gift card. Willing respondents were given a postcard with a web address and a unique alphanumeric code to access the online survey. They were also asked to write down their address to enter the prize draw, and to facilitate reminders to complete the survey. Limitations While the people selected to receive a post card were randomized and reminders were sent to those who gave their address in the campground, completing the online survey is voluntary. Consequently, there may be some non-response bias in the responses (e.g. campers who had a very good or very bad experience may be more likely to respond) and so the results should be interpreted with care. Some campgrounds were not able to meet the interview targets on the sampling plan due to low attendance or insufficient resources. Swan Lake Park was included in the original sampling plan but did not receive any results, so it has been removed from the analysis. Five other parks (Juan de Fuca, Kootenay Lake, Naikoon, Paul Lake and Sasquatch) are included in the analysis, but their results should be interpreted cautiously as their sample sizes were low (fewer than 30 online returns each). How this report is organized Visitors were asked questions about their demographics, details about their trip, their satisfaction with the facilities and services provided, and their preferences, if any, for new facilities and services. This report is organized into the following sections: Visitor Satisfaction visitors views about the quality the facilities and services in the campground Visitor Prile general demographic information about the visitors Trip Prile information about the particulars their camping trip Discover Camping Reservation System specific questions about the reservation system Visitor Preferences questions about which potential future facilities and services would be most desirable 4

5 Part 1 - Visitor Satisfaction Respondents were asked to rank 13 park services park services using a five-point scale from 1 (Poor) to 5 (Excellent) as shown in Figure 1. A respondent is considered satisfied if they provided an answer either Above Average or Excellent for a given service. A summary table by campground is found in Table 2. Respondents were also given the opportunity to provide additional comments on each service. Further comments about park services are found in Appendices D and E the individual campground reports and not reported here. Score Poor Below Avg Avg Above Avg Excellent Your sense security Satisfaction Rating: 78 % Mean : 4.2 Value for fee Satisfaction Rating: 58 % Mean : 3.8 Responsivness staff to visitor concerns Satisfaction Rating: 82 % Mean : 4.3 Maintenance natural surroundings Satisfaction Rating: 81 % Mean : 4.3 Friendliness and courtesy staff Satisfaction Rating: 88 % Mean : 4.5 Park Service Control noise Condition facilities Satisfaction Rating: 73 % Satisfaction Rating: 74 % Mean : 4.1 Mean : 4.1 Cleanliness restrooms Satisfaction Rating: 74 % Mean : 4.1 Cleanliness grounds Availability services and facilities Accessibility rated by self identified disabled respondents Accessibility rated by ALL respondents Satisfaction Rating: 87 % Satisfaction Rating: 59 % Satisfaction Rating: 13 % Satisfaction Rating: 44 % 50% 0% 50% % Figure 1: Ranking Park Services Mean : 4.4 Mean : 3.8 Mean : 2.2 Mean : 3.2 5

6 Table 2: Satisfaction Rating by Campground and Service 6 Campground Accessibility rated by ALL respondents Accessibility rated by selfidentified disabled respondents Availability services and facilities Cleanliness grounds Cleanliness restrooms Condition facilities Control noise Friendliness and courtesy staff Maintenance natural surroundings Responsivness staff to visitor concerns Carp Lake Park Carp Lake Cowichan River Park - Stoltz Pool Cultus Lake Park - Entrance Bay E.C. Manning Park - Muledeer Elk Falls Park Elk Falls Gladstone Park Texas Creek Golden Ears Park - Gold Creek Juan De Fuca Park - China Beach Kiskatinaw Park Kiskatinaw Kootenay Lake Park - Davis Creek Lac La Hache Park - Lac La Hache Lakelse Lake Park - Furlong Bay Continued on next page Value for fee Your sense security

7 Table 2: Satisfaction Rating by Campground and Service 7 Campground Accessibility rated by ALL respondents Accessibility rated by selfidentified disabled respondents Availability services and facilities Cleanliness grounds Cleanliness restrooms Condition facilities Control noise Friendliness and courtesy staff Maintenance natural surroundings Responsivness staff to visitor concerns Little Qualicum Falls Park - Little Qualicum Falls Mabel Lake Park - Mabel Lake Monck Park Monck Mount Fernie Park - Mount Fernie Mount Robson Park - Robson River Moyie Lake Park Moyie Lake Muncho Lake Park - Macdonald Naikoon Park Misty Meadows Okanagan Lake Park - Okanagan North Otter Lake Park Otter Lake Paul Lake Park - Paul Lake Continued on next page Value for fee Your sense security

8 Table 2: Satisfaction Rating by Campground and Service 8 Campground Porpoise Bay Park - Porpoise Bay Porteau Cove Park - Porteau Cove Rosebery Park - Rosebery Sasquatch Park - Deer Lake - Lakeside Stamp River Park - Stamp River Steelhead Park - Steelhead Strathcona Park - Ralph River Ten Mile Lake Park - Touring Tunkwa Park - Leighton Wells Gray Park - Falls Creek Whiteswan Lake Park - Alces Lake Accessibility rated by ALL respondents Accessibility rated by selfidentified disabled respondents Availability services and facilities Cleanliness grounds Cleanliness restrooms Condition facilities Control noise Friendliness and courtesy staff Maintenance natural surroundings Responsivness staff to visitor concerns Value for fee Your sense security

9 Part 2 - Visitor Prile Age respondent The mean age the respondents to the survey is 49.2 years old. Because visitors under the age 18 were not eligible to participate in the survey, this number does not reflect the average age all visitors. The distribution the age the respondents is shown in Figure 2. Mean age RESPONDENT: 49.2 years 0.02 density Age (years) Figure 2: Histogram age respondent to survey 9

10 Visitor Home Location Figure 3 plots the approximate home location visitors from North America. Figure 3: Approximate home locations visitors from North America. Darker shading represents more visitors. 10

11 Location residence About 78% parties were from British Columbia. The distribution the origin the campers is shown in Figure Where From 14% AB 78% BC 2% Other Canada 2% Overseas (outside Canada/USA) 3% USA 50 Figure 4: Distribution Origins Campers Visitors with disabilities Visitors were asked if someone in their party had a disability, and to rate the parks accessibility for people with disabilities. About 6% respondents reported that someone in their party had a disability. Table 3 shows the accessibility ratings all respondents, while Table 4 shows the ratings from just those with a disabled party member. Table 3: Ranking accessibility campground from ALL respondents Ranking Freq % Excellent Above average 70 2 Average Below average Poor Table 4: Ranking accessibility campground from respondents from who selfreported a disability Ranking Freq % Excellent 9 5 Above average 12 7 Average Below average Poor

12 Part 3 - Trip Prile Party size The mean party size was 3.3 persons. Figure 5 shows the distribution party size. 40 Average party size Percent Party Size Figure 5: Distribution Party Size Number Children About 47% parties included at least one child (17 years or younger). In total, about 31% all campers were children. The distribution the number children is shown in Figure Percent Number children Figure 6: Distribution Number Children 12

13 Length Stay Respondents spent an average 3.9 nights camping at the campground where they were surveyed. The distribution the number nights camping is shown in Figure Average number nights Percent Nights camping Figure 7: Distribution nights spent camping. Camping shelter used The two most common forms shelter used were Travel trailers and Tents as shown in Figure Percent Travel trailer Tent Motor home Tent trailer Truck camper Van Unknown Type shelter Percentages may add to more than 100% because some respondents used more than 1 shelter Figure 8: Types shelters used 13

14 Previous Visits About 57% respondents had stayed previously at the campground where they were surveyed (Figure 9). 0/ Yes No 25 Stayed previously? 43% No 57% Yes 50 Figure 9: Did the party stay overnight previously? Trip purpose and planning Respondents were asked whether the park was their main destination, or a stopover en route to a different destination. They were also asked whether their trip was planned or spontaneous. Results are summarized below including a breakdown the decision to visit this campground against the destination this trip. Table 5: Purpose visit to campground Purpose Freq % Main Stopover Table 6: Planning visit to campground Purpose Freq % Planned Spontaneous Decision Planned Spontaneous Destination Stopover Main 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% % Figure 10: Decision to come to this campground vs. the destination the trip 14

15 Facilities and Services Used Respondents were asked which services, if any, they used during the camping trip. The distribution services used is found in Table 7. The proportion campers who used the Sani Station for each shelter type is shown in Table 8. Table 7: Distribution services used Service Freq % None Sani-station Firewood purchase(s) Concession purchase(s) Other Equipment rental(s) 62 2 Table 8: What percent shelter users used the sani-station Shelter % Motor home 32 Tent 12 Tent trailer 8 Travel trailer 29 Truck camper 17 Unknown 50 Van 14 Visitor Spending Respondents were asked how much they spent on their camping trip (including camping fees, transportation, food, firewood, etc.) Visitors reported spending an average $581 (median $300) on their camping trips. The distribution the amount spent is shown in Figure Mean amount spent: $581 Median amount spent: $300 density Reported amount spent ($) Figure 11: Distribution amount spent on this camping trip 15

16 Distance travelled Respondents reported travelling an average 502 (median 240) km to get to this campground. distribution the distance travelled is shown in Figure 12. The Distribution travel distances Mean distance traveled: 502 km Median distance traveled: 240 km Reported travel distance (km) Figure 12: Distribution distance travelled to get to this campground. 16

17 Table 9: Prile summary by campground 17 Age Party size Number children Length stay Amount spent Distance travelled Median km Reservation made Disabled party member Parties using tent First time visitors Main destination Campground Mean Mean Mean Mean days Median $ % % % % % % Carp Lake Park Carp Lake Cowichan River Park - Stoltz Pool Cultus Lake Park - Entrance Bay E.C. Manning Park - Muledeer Elk Falls Park - Elk Falls Gladstone Park - Texas Creek Golden Ears Park - Gold Creek Juan De Fuca Park - China Beach Kiskatinaw Park - Kiskatinaw Kootenay Lake Park - Davis Creek Lac La Hache Park - Lac La Hache Lakelse Lake Park - Furlong Bay Continued on next page Planned trip

18 Table 9: Prile summary by campground 18 Age Party size Number children Length stay Amount spent Distance travelled Median km Reservation made Disabled party member Parties using tent First time visitors Main destination Campground Mean Mean Mean Mean days Median $ % % % % % % Little Qualicum Falls Park - Little Qualicum Falls Mabel Lake Park - Mabel Lake Monck Park - Monck Mount Fernie Park - Mount Fernie Mount Robson Park - Robson River Moyie Lake Park - Moyie Lake Muncho Lake Park - Macdonald Naikoon Park - Misty Meadows Okanagan Lake Park - Okanagan North Otter Lake Park Otter Lake Paul Lake Park - Paul Lake Continued on next page Planned trip

19 Table 9: Prile summary by campground 19 Age Party size Number children Length stay Amount spent Distance travelled Median km Reservation made Disabled party member Parties using tent First time visitors Main destination Campground Mean Mean Mean Mean days Median $ % % % % % % Porpoise Bay Park - Porpoise Bay Porteau Cove Park - Porteau Cove Rosebery Park - Rosebery Sasquatch Park - Deer Lake - Lakeside Stamp River Park - Stamp River Steelhead Park - Steelhead Strathcona Park - Ralph River Ten Mile Lake Park - Touring Tunkwa Park - Leighton Wells Gray Park - Falls Creek Whiteswan Lake Park - Alces Lake Planned trip

20 Part 4 - Discover Camping Reservation System Use System About 49% respondents said they made reservations for their stay (Table 10). Table 10: Distribution reservations campsite Reserved? Freq % Dont know 57 2 No Yes Reasons for not using the system Among visitors who said they did not make a reservation, Table 11 summarizes the reasons. The most common reason for not making a reservation was I didn t think a reservation was necessary as I usually get a first-come, first-served campsite. Table 11: Reasons why reservations were not made Reason Freq % I didn t think a reservation was necessary as I usually get a first-come, first-served campsite Other The reservation service is not fered in this campground The cost is too high Campsites were already booked or unavailable for my desired dates I don t know how to make a reservation Features about the system that users liked A summary the most liked features the reservation system is shown in Table 12. Among those respondents who did make a reservation, the most liked feature the Discover Camping Reservation system was Ability to select specific campsites.. Table 12: Features liked about the system Feature Freq % Ability to select specific campsites Peace mind/convenience planning ahead Ability to see pictures and campsite measurements Ability to book up to 3 reservations in one transaction Other

21 Part 5 - Visitor Preferences for Facilities and Services A number proposed facilities for the park were ranked by respondents according to their desireability (Figure 13). The least desired facility was Cabin rentals while the most desired facility was Mountain bike trails based on the average score given to each facility. A summary percentage respondents who said these facilities were desirable or essential by campground is found in Table 13. Score Not acceptable Undesirable Do not care Desirable Essential Mountain bike trails % desirable or essential : 43 Electrical hookups in campsites % desirable or essential : 44 Proposed Park Facility Cycling trails (hard surface) Convenience souvenir store Canoe or kayak rentals % desirable or essential : 43 % desirable or essential : 26 % desirable or essential : 44 Camping equipment rentals or sales % desirable or essential : 15 Cabin rentals % desirable or essential : 16 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% % Figure 13: Ranking Proposed Park Facilities 21

22 Table 13: Summary visitor preferences for facilities and services by campground Campground Cabin rentals Camping equipment rentals or sales Canoe or kayak rentals Convenience souvenir store Cycling trails (hard surface) Electrical hookups in campsites Mountain bike trails Carp Lake Park Carp Lake Cowichan River Park - Stoltz Pool Cultus Lake Park - Entrance Bay E.C. Manning Park - Muledeer Elk Falls Park Elk Falls Gladstone Park Texas Creek Golden Ears Park - Gold Creek Juan De Fuca Park - China Beach Kiskatinaw Park Kiskatinaw Kootenay Lake Park - Davis Creek Lac La Hache Park - Lac La Hache Lakelse Lake Park - Furlong Bay Little Qualicum Falls Park - Little Qualicum Falls Mabel Lake Park - Mabel Lake Monck Park Monck Mount Fernie Park - Mount Fernie Mount Robson Park - Robson River Moyie Lake Park - Moyie Lake Continued on next page 22

23 Table 13: Summary visitor preferences for facilities and services by campground Campground Muncho Lake Park - Macdonald Naikoon Park - Misty Meadows Okanagan Lake Park - Okanagan North Otter Lake Park - Otter Lake Paul Lake Park - Paul Lake Porpoise Bay Park - Porpoise Bay Porteau Cove Park - Porteau Cove Rosebery Park - Rosebery Sasquatch Park - Deer Lake - Lakeside Stamp River Park - Stamp River Steelhead Park - Steelhead Strathcona Park - Ralph River Ten Mile Lake Park - Touring Tunkwa Park - Leighton Wells Gray Park - Falls Creek Whiteswan Lake Park - Alces Lake Cabin rentals Camping equipment rentals or sales Canoe or kayak rentals Convenience souvenir store Cycling trails (hard surface) Electrical hookups in campsites Mountain bike trails