Parks Canada adapts to COVID-19 as camping starts

Canada's environment minister has one main bit of advice as the country's second COVID-19 summer is about to begin: Camp carefully.

"We all recognize how important nature and green spaces have been to people's ability to weather this COVID storm," Jonathan Wilkinson said Tuesday. "That being said, we're still not through this pandemic."

Wilkinson said Parks Canada has brought in rules at its national parks that conform to public health orders. Those rules will vary from place to place, he said, so it will be important to check websites to keep abreast of what the restrictions are.

Parks have brought in some of their own measures as well to try to keep campers safe while enjoying the outdoors.

"There will be, in different parks, different kinds of services," Wilkinson said.

Across the country #ParksCanada places are looking forward to welcoming you back safely this summer!🙌 ⚠

When planning to visit always follow public health guidance, including travel advisories, and visit our website for updates on what services are available. #ParksSmart pic.twitter.com/2sLQNh8AeW

— Parks Canada (@ParksCanada) May 18, 2021

Kitchen shelters in Banff National Park will be closed and the visitor centre will only be reachable online and by phone. Trails in Pacific Rim National Park on Vancouver Island will only be one-way.

Some parks, such as Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve off the west coast of British Columbia, will be closed.

"There are some parks, at least in the short term, that are not going to be opening."

Guidelines may change over the course of the camping season.

"The focus for Parks Canada is that people can get out, but they do so in ways that are safe and consistent with public health guidelines," said Wilkinson.

Parks Canada learned a lot from last summer, the minister said. The agency has a much better understanding of what can be done safely and how services like cleaning can be handled.

Last year, services and parks were opened slowly as staff figured out how to offer them safely. Now, that knowledge exists at the start of the season.

"It will be a much less gradual process than last year."