Stay-at-home order delays tourist season at 2 popular national parks in southwestern Ontario
Most services at Bruce Peninsula, Fathom Five Marine National Parks closed until June 2
Parks Canada says it will delay the opening of two popular attractions in southwestern Ontario until at least June 2 to fall in line with the province's stay-at-home order.
The order forbids people from leaving their homes unless it's for work, school, exercise or some other essential service. It was recently extended until June 2 in an attempt to contain COVID-19 case numbers.
Parks Canada said it would delay opening most visitor services at Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five Marine National Park, both close to Tobermory, to meet the provincial health directive.
The announcement comes at a time when people are craving the outdoors.
But the national parks, which are hundreds of kilometres away from major population centres and well-equipped hospitals, are grappling with how to safely operate as a rush of tourists is expected.
In a statement, Parks Canada's on Wednesday said a number of visitor services won't be opening for now:
- Access to visitor reception centres and buildings.
- Reserved parking areas, docks, mooring facilities and boat shuttles.
- All campgrounds, including island, front country and back country sites.
- Roofed accommodations, including oTENTiks, rustic cabins and yurts.
- All interpretation programs, experiences and guided tours.
The statement said all reservations at sites affected by the delay would be "automatically cancelled and refunded in full."
"Visitors do not have to do anything to cancel their reservation."