It's a Good Day For Backcountry Campers

Monday, 1 June 2020 06:24

Starting today, people in Ontario can go backcountry camping at Ontario Parks and recreational camping on Crown land.

ONTARIO - People can start to enjoy the outdoors as backcountry camping will be available at Ontario Parks today.

Backcountry camping will be available at Ontario Parks, including access points, paddle and portage routes and hiking trails.

Day-use activities in Ontario Parks will also be expanded to include picnicking and off-leash pet areas.

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Jeff Yurek says by going backcountry camping, people can enjoy the outdoors but maintain physical distancing measures.

"We are all eager to get outside this time of year, and backcountry camping will give people a low-risk way to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors while following physical distancing rules. We're counting on people to be responsible when enjoying our parks and continue to follow all of the public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19."

Under current provincial restrictions, no more than five people are allowed at a backcountry campsite unless they live in the same house.

Closures to overnight camping and some day-use activities at provincial parks and conservation reserves have been extended to June 14th and they'll continue to be looked at.

All buildings and facilities such as campgrounds, roofed accommodations, visitor centers, will also stay closed. Some washroom facilities may be available, however.

Ontario is also reopening recreational camping on Crown land while they remind visitors to continue to listen to public health advice as the best defense against COVID-19, such as practicing physical distancing, wearing a face mask and washing your hands frequently.

Camping on Crown land does not include shared facilities and is a low-risk way for people to enjoy the outdoors.

Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, John Yakabuski says the health of everyone remains a priority.

"Even as we begin to reopen camping so that Ontarians can enjoy our beautiful outdoors, people's health and well-being remain our top priority. We have to work together to ensure we open our province in a responsible, cautious manner. We are starting to contain the virus, but we cannot risk undoing all of the progress that we have made by reopening the province too quickly."

Fees for Ontario Parks for day-use and access to backcountry camping will start being collected as of today. Reservations or registrations in advance will be required at most of the 20 operating provincial parks where backcountry camping will be offered. You can visit here to learn more.

Critical maintenance is being conducted by Ontario Parks, along with other park start-up procedures, and making sure they are implementing operational and safety protocols so that more recreational activities and facilities can open when it's safe to do so.