How to visit during COVID-19

Over the past year, so many Canadians have benefited from the health and wellbeing benefits that come from being outdoors and enjoying nature. Many national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas can be enjoyed close to home, while practicing physical distancing.

Some parks and sites may be offering limited visitor access and basic services. This means your visit will be different than in past years.

Find out which specific locations are open and how to plan for your visit and stay safe during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Before you go, be prepared

While your Parks Canada visit may be a little different from what you’re used to, we’re here to help you have a memorable and safe experience. Some public toilets and other visitor facilities may be open, but expect limited levels of service and limited access to visitor facilities compared to previous years.

• Download or print maps and other visitor information ahead of time.
• Purchase a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or single location pass online before you go.
• Avoid popular places and times, and high-risk activities.
• Bring hygiene supplies, such as alcohol-based hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, a table cloth and/or picnic blanket, and a mask or face covering.
• Bring your own water and food as facilities may be closed.

Visitors should remember that access to local services will depend on provincial or territorial restrictions implemented by the local health authority. Services may be limited in 2021 depending on local circumstances. Visitors should plan ahead before leaving home and confirm that services they may need will be open.

Be #ParksSmart

Please enjoy parks and sites responsibly:

• Wear a mask or face covering when visiting indoor public spaces at any Parks Canada place. If a Parks Canada place is within a jurisdiction where wearing a mask or face covering is mandatory, visitors will be asked to follow this requirement.
• Avoid contact with frequently touched surfaces as much as possible. Carry your own supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, toilet paper, and a cover for picnic tables.
• Let others know of your intention to pass on pathways or trails, so that you can maintain a 2-metre distance from others. Signal others using your voice or a bell. Remember to be kind and considerate of others.
• Yield to oncoming users where space is narrow. Let others move out of bridges, platforms and other narrow spaces before entering.
• Step off trails to let others pass where possible. But please try to avoid stepping on vegetation and stay on trails unless letting others pass.
• Slow down on trails. Speed increases user conflicts and risks of injuries. Adjust your distance from others based on their speed to maintain physical distancing.
• Be respectful of others. Wear a mask or face covering indoors. Keep prescribed 2-metre distance from others while lining up, and respect the maximum use capacity in facilities.
• Pack in and pack out. Keep our places clean, pick up your litter and dispose of it by using appropriate garbage containers or take your waste home.

Stay close to home and visit virtually

Canadians are encouraged to stay in their own communities and avoid non-essential travel. This is a great time to explore natural and cultural treasures close to home. Try visiting less popular parks and sites. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

You can also enjoy Parks Canada places from the comfort of home, using Google Street View and our 360 video gallery.