(TAN): Some of Canada’s national parks will reopen for partial use in June but only in those areas where physical distancing can be practised, although Canada’s Arctic waters will continue to remain out of bounds for tourists, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
“As of the beginning of June, some national parks will be partially reopening so that people in the area can use trails and green spaces where physical distancing is possible. Getting fresh air is important, but we all have to be responsible about it,” he said.
Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who is also responsible for the country’s national parks, said operations in “certain” national parks, national historic sites, historic waterways, and national marine conservation areas will “gradually” resume starting June 1.
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Visitors will be given access to some trails, day use areas, green spaces and boating, while certain field-based ecological and cultural resource protection activities will also eventually reopen in these areas, Wilkinson said. Some of the country’s national wildlife areas, including conservation activities and day use access, will also begin operating for visitors on June 1.
“As we all continue to do our part to flatten the curve of COVID-19, access to nature and the outdoors is important for our health and well-being. The Government of Canada will begin gradually re-opening national parks, national historic sites and national wildlife areas across the country for limited visitor day use beginning on June 1,” Wilkinson said.
However, camping in the parks will remain off limits until at least June 21, while the federal government evaluates whether and how it should be permitted. Meanwhile, group activities and public events will not be allowed in these grounds.
All of Canada’s national parks and historical sites have reportedly been closed since the country went into coronavirus-induced lockdown in mid-March. Visitor services and facilities along with vehicle parking that were closed in March will remain suspended until June 1, including the long weekend in May. The gradual reopenings will be accompanied by safety measures devised to ensure the wellbeing of workers and visitors, the government said.
“They will remain closed through the May long weekend while we prepare. Our priority remains the health and safety of Canadians and it will be critical that we all respect the guidance of public health experts, avoid nonessential travel and enjoy these special places responsibly. By working together, we can help keep our families, friends, and neighbours healthy and safe,” Wilkinson added.
Parks Canada took to Twitter to welcome visitors to the country’s national parks beginning June 1 with a video featuring Canadian landscapes and wildlife, and the hashtag #WeMissYouToo.
“Our places may appear quiet, but they are full of life. While we pause, nature continues. While we reflect on our stories, new ones begin,” the video said.
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