You are here

Home » Parks Canada Prepares For Second Season During COVID Pandemic

Parks Canada Prepares For Second Season During COVID Pandemic

Share
By NPT Staff - May 19th, 2021
Enjoy the sunset at Kouchibouguac National Park, but keep your distance from others.

Enjoy the sunset at Kouchibouguac National Park, but keep your distance from others/Parks Canada

Get outdoors but follow public health guidance for COVID-19 and stay safe. That’s the message as Parks Canada prepares to kick off its 2021 visitor season over the May long weekend.

“The Parks Canada team is working extremely hard to provide a safe, clean, and healthy experience and everyone can play an important role,” said president and CEO Ron Hallman in a news release. “Visitors should make every effort to plan ahead, respect travel restrictions, follow the guidance of public health experts, make safe choices, and leave no trace when visiting outdoor spaces.”

In 2020, Parks Canada operated campgrounds at a reduced capacity, adjusted the capacity and visitor flow of indoor spaces such as visitor centres, historic buildings and washrooms, and modified interpretative activities, all to ensure that people could continue to enjoy nature.

This season will once again be different than previous years. Visitor access and services will vary across the country depending on local circumstances and only services where health and safety risks can be properly managed will be opened.

Kayaking at Thousand Islands National Park.

Kayaking at Thousand Islands National Park/Parks Canada

Visitors are asked to:

• Plan ahead. The Parks Canada website provides detailed information on what locations are open, what to expect, how to prepare and what services are available.
• Follow travel restrictions and respect the guidance of public health experts to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep one another safe. Always follow travel restrictions, even when visiting national parks and national historic sites.
• Make safe choices. Choose activities that correspond with your level of experience to help minimize the demands on the health care system, emergency response and search and rescue teams.
• Be self-sufficient. Pack a kit that includes extra hygiene supplies such as hand sanitizer, soap, masks or face coverings, garbage bags and a tablecloth. Bring your own water and food.
• Leave no trace. Use appropriate garbage containers or take all your garbage with you.
• Respect wildlife. Learn more about the wildlife in the park or site you will be visiting, remember to never feed wildlife, always give them space, maintain a clean campsite, respect closures and speed limits, and keep dogs leashed at all times.

“National historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas offer countless opportunities for Canadians to safely connect with nature and history while following the guidance of public health authorities to help limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “I am looking forward to the 2021 visitor season as Parks Canada invites Canadians across the country to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories close to home."

Parks Canada protects a vast network of cultural and natural heritage places that include 171 national historic sites, 47 national parks, five national marine conservation areas and one national urban park.

New and improved visitor experience opportunities this season, including the first front country campground in Mount Revelstoke National Park, a renewed visitor centre developed in collaboration with local Indigenous peoples in Riding Mountain National Park, and new and improved hiking trails in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.