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Ontario Parks And Sites Prepare To Open

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By Jennifer Bain - June 11th, 2021
Pukaskwa National Park is a wilderness park south of Thunder Bay.

Pukaskwa National Park is a wilderness park south of Thunder Bay/Parks Canada

As Ontario has finally lifted its stay-at-home order and prepares to cautiously start reopening this week, its national parks and national historic sites are starting to announce launch dates.

In the northern part of the province south of Thunder Bay and north of Sault Ste. Marie, Pukaskwa National Park will start welcoming visitors on June 11. Ontario’s only wilderness national park boasts pristine and rugged wilderness as well as six electric vehicle charging stations.

“We are truly lucky to have Pukaskwa National Park in our neighbourhood,” said Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay – Superior North. “It gives everyone a way to experience the beauty of Northern Ontario. When restrictions ease, I hope everyone has a chance to visit the park and see the beauty of Pukaskwa first-hand."

Parks Canada urges people to plan ahead, checking its website for detailed information on what locations are open, what to expect, how to prepare and what services are available. Its app offers learn-to camp content, details on proper camping equipment, tips and recipes.

The Rideau Canal National Historic Site begins in Ottawa.

The Rideau Canal National Historic Site begins in Ottawa/Jennifer Bain

Meanwhile, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, and its visitor centre, opens June 14. The Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site, about an hour away, opens June 16. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday  to Sunday until September 30.

Visitors must follow outdoor etiquette, respect any closures and restrictions, yield to oncoming users in narrow spaces, properly dispose of any garbage and follow all hygiene rules. For details on specific activities and programs being offered at each site this season, check the websites and social media regularly.

In southern Ontario, the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site, which turns 101 this year, launched its 2021 navigation season on May 28. The Rideau Canal National Historic Site season launched the same day.

All visitors (boaters and land-based) must follow rules that include mandatory masks for service, social distancing, cashless payment whenever possible and no large gatherings. When locking, boaters must maintain two metres (about 6.5 feet) distance from staff and other boaters.

Ontario has a three-step reopening plan that launches June 11 with step one.

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