Parks Canada to restrict vehicle access to all national parks, historic sites
Posted March 24, 2020 9:50 am.
Last Updated March 24, 2020 10:23 am.
OTTAWA – Parks Canada has announced more steps to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Effective midnight Wednesday, Parks Canada is temporarily suspending all motor vehicle access by visitors at all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas.
The move would impact local sites like Fort Langley and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site.
According to Parks Canada, the move is intended to reduce the number of visitors and respect the advice of public health experts to stay home and avoid public gatherings.
NEW: To encourage Cdns to #StayHome and minimize risks to our visitors & employees, we are temporarily suspending all visitor vehicle access to #ParksCanada places – effective 12:01 a.m. on Wed., March 25, 2020. https://t.co/x4U68Hi1GB #FlattenTheCurve #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/vEVaZogLye
— Parks Canada (@ParksCanada) March 24, 2020
In a statement posted to its website, Parks Canada is asking Canadians to stay home amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. “Anyone considering a visit to a Parks Canada location, including those in urban areas, should cancel their plans as vehicle access for the purposes of visitor use will be suspended until further notice.”
Last week, Parks Canada said it was closing all visitor services and facilities including washrooms and day-use areas until further notice.
All traditional Indigenous activities will continue as will needed highway maintenance, snow removal, dam operations and water management.
