Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed that national parks will resume some operations in June, following the official announcement from Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson on Thursday.
Wilkinson said that some trails, day use areas, green spaces and recreational boating will be open to the public starting June 1st at national parks, historic sites, waterways and national marine conservation areas.
Trudeau said, “getting fresh air is important, but we all have to be responsible about it.”
The federal government also reminds people to stay away from the parks this Victoria Day weekend, as difficult as that might be for many Canadians itching to get outside as the weather warms.
Parks Canada originally suspended services at all national parks and historic sites on March 18th in light of the growing COVID-19 pandemic, when vehicle access was suspended and visitor centres shut down in an effort to avoid Canadians flocking to these locations.
Which parks will open across the country will be determined by individual provinces, with physical distancing measures in place, though these rules will vary by specific park as well.
“You can’t prevent Canadians from going outside when the weather is nice,” Trudeau said.
“You can only help them to do so safely.”
