Canada’s national parks to reopen for camping on Monday

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — If you are looking to camp in some of Canada’s national parks, you may have the opportunity this coming Monday.

Parks Canada is opening select national parks and national historic sites to visitors on June 22.


The agency says reservations will be required to camp. Sites will only be available for campers with existing reservations, but new bookings will slowly be accepted over the coming weeks.

“I am pleased that Parks Canada will be offering camping at a number of locations across the country,” says Jonathan Wilkinson, federal Minister of Environment.

“I encourage all Parks Canada visitors to make sure they plan ahead and prepare for their visit.”

The Ministry of Environment, which is responsible for the agency, says it is following the advice of national, provincial, territorial, and local health authorities in reopening.

“As the summer arrives, our national parks and historic sites offer spaces where Canadians can enjoy the outdoors while also respecting the advice of public health experts to keep a safe physical distance from others,” says Wilkinson.

Visitors can expect things to be different than in previous years. Roofed accommodations and oTENTiks (a cross between a cabin and a prospector tent mounted on a wooden floor) will only be available at specific locations later in the summer.

While campers will have access to some trails, day-use areas, green spaces, and some recreational boating, Parks Canada warns it is not possible to self-isolate at Parks Canada campgrounds and physical distancing is still required.

“By working together, we can help keep our families, friends, and neighbours healthy and safe,” adds Wilkinson.

Some of B.C.’s national parks opening include Glacier National, Mount Revelstoke National, and the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.

Because of limitations on foreign travel, Parks Canada says reservations from international visitors will be cancelled and automatically refunded for reservations up to August 7, 2020.

Parks Canada is encouraging visitors to check the website regularly for updates on services and reservation windows.

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