Provincial Parks And Reservation Areas In Ontario To Open For Limited Day-Use Access

Saturday, 9 May 2020 13:23

Starting this Monday, 520 provincial parks and conservation reserves will open across Ontario before the remaining 115 will open on Friday May 15th for limited day-use activities, which will include walking, hiking and biking.

ONTARIO - The Province is opening provincial parks and conservation reserves for limited day-use access.

The first areas will open on Monday May 11th with the remaining areas expected to open on Friday May 15th.

Right now receational activities will be limited to walking, hiking, biking and birdwatching. Visitors during the day will also be able to access all parks and conservation reserves for free until the end of the month.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement today.

"As we continue to make progress in our fight to stop the spread of COVID-19, we are carefully and cautiously reopening the province, starting with certain businesses and retailers, and now our provincial parks and conservation reserves. I encourage people to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but please do so in a responsible way. Practice physical distancing and follow the rules set out by health care officials to stop the spread of this virus."

Premier Ford was joined by Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Jeff Yurek and Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Christine Elliott.

520 provincial parks and conservation reserves across Ontario will open on Monday, and the remaining 115 will open on the following Friday for limited day-use activities. Camping and other activities are not allowed at any provincial park or conservation reserve right now. All buildings and facilities including washrooms, water taps, campgrounds, backcountry campsites, roofed accommodations, playgrounds, and beaches remain closed.

Minister Yurek says they're gradually opening parks to ensure visitors and staff are safe.

"People are eager to enjoy the warmer weather, stretch their legs and reconnect with nature. In consultation with our health experts, we're working to slowly phase-in the opening of Ontario Parks in a measured way to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff. People should take note that not all amenities will be open and plan accordingly."

Ontario Parks' staff will be conducting critical maintenance and other parks start-up procedures over the next several weeks so more recreational activities and facilities will be available when it's safe to do so.

Before planning your trip, please visit here to check the status of your local provincial park.