Discover Parks Canada Travel News June 27, 2020 2889 Parks Canada 450 000 km² of memories Whether you’re looking for adventure, fun for the whole family, or a break from the everyday, Parks Canada has 450 000 km² of protected areas with countless unique experiences to suit your needs. Discover great trip itineraries, things to do, and places to camp all across Canada. Select Parks Canada places have begun to offer some camping services and new online reservations are gradually being accepted. Roofed accommodations such as yurts and oTENTiks will only become available at select locations later in the season. Given current limitations on travel, reservations from international visitors will be cancelled and automatically refunded in full up to and including August 7, 2020. Visitors traveling outside of their home province to camp at a Parks Canada destination must follow all applicable provincial or territorial travel restrictions. Many provinces and territories are limiting access to inbound visitors and some also require mandatory self-isolation upon arrival. Please make sure you are aware of any travel restrictions or requirements and plan well in advance. Canadians who plan to travel outside of their home province to camp at or visit a Parks Canada destination must follow all applicable local and provincial or territorial travel restrictions, including requirements for self-isolation. Visit the website regularly to know what campgrounds are open, what you can expect and how to prepare. Your camping experience will be different than in past seasons but rest assured, great trips can be had while adapting to the current situation. Be a #ParksSmart visitor As Parks Canada gradually re-opens, the top priority is to keep visitors and employees healthy and safe. Be #ParksSmart so you can enjoy a safe visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes respecting physical distancing and hygiene measures. Some places have begun offering limited visitor access and basic services. Find out the status of specific locations and how to plan for your visit and stay safe during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Preparations for visitor access may take more time at some locations and the advice of local, provincial/territorial public health experts may vary. This means that levels of visitor access may differ at Parks Canada places across the country and openings at some locations may be delayed. While your Parks Canada vacation may be a little different from what you’re used to, we’re here to help you have a memorable and safe experience. Some public toilets and other visitor facilities may be open, but expect limited levels of service and limited access to visitor facilities compared to previous years. Download or print maps and other visitor information ahead of time. Purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or single location pass online before you go. Avoid popular places and times, and high-risk activities. Bring hygiene supplies, such as alcohol-based hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, a table cloth and/or picnic blanket. Bring your own water and food as facilities may be closed. La Mauricie National Park How to protect yourself and others Remember to follow public health authority guidance and advice for your area, including travel advisories. Most importantly, stay at home if you have COVID-19 symptoms, or if you’ve been in contact with someone who has symptoms or has been diagnosed with the virus. At all times, follow personal public health practices consistently such as frequently cleaning your hands with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve, and respecting physical distancing. Be aware of local or provincial/territorial public health authority recommendations on the use of non-medical masks or cloth face coverings if you will be in a crowded setting and it is not possible to maintain a 2-metre distance from others. Additionally, enjoy parks and sites responsibly. Go wild at home! Explore the sounds of the St. Lawrence beluga, delve into the secret lives of bats from Cape Breton Highlands or enjoy the celestial landscape from the Dark-Sky Preserves. Go no further than your yard with five fun nature quests that will help you discover flora and fauna near and far. You can also enjoy Parks Canada places from the comfort of home, using Google Street View and the 360 video gallery. Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site Day Trips Canadians are encouraged to stay in their own communities and avoid non-essential travel. This is a great time to explore natural and cultural treasures close to home. Did you know many Parks Canada places are close to the city? Pack a lunch and go for a day trip. With many sites less than an hour from Montreal, it’s time to start getting out in nature and enjoying our green spaces! Camping 101 Whether you will be camping at a Parks Canada location or in your own back yard, Parks Canada is ready to help you make it the best experience ever! The Learn-to Camp hub includes packing checklists, camping games, recipes, how-to videos and more! www.pc.gc.ca