In response to COVID-19, Saskatchewan Provincial Parks will delay their campsite reservation launch and the start of the camping season until further notice. Campsite reservations were scheduled to open on April 13. The camping season had been prearranged to begin on the Victoria Day long weekend in May.
“We are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will follow the advice of health officials to adjust our business practices as needed,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said. “The health and safety of our visitors and staff is the priority. We know campers will be eager to enjoy the outdoors in our beautiful parks and we look forward to welcoming everyone back when it is safe.”
Park facilities at provincial parks were closed as of Monday, March 23, meaning there is no longer access to washrooms, visitor centres, picnic areas, as well as campgrounds and campsites.
While park offices are closed, staff are still available by phone at 1-800-205-7070 or email at parks.info@gov.sk.ca to answer questions. Group campers with reservations in May will have their reservations automatically cancelled and their fees will be refunded. In the coming weeks, Saskatchewan Parks will assess the situation then provide updates.
Also, Parks Canada has called on Canadians to support the national effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. At this time, Parks Canada has limited their activities to basic critical operations.
Parks Canada has suspended all motor vehicle access by visitors to national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas across the country – this ruling became effective at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25. All visitor services are suspended and their visitor facilities are closed.
Parking lots, vehicle services, washrooms, day use facilities, showers, visitor centres and camping facilities, including backcountry camping trails, have been closed.
Many trails and day use areas across the Parks Canada network have also been shut down for public health or public safety reasons, in an effort to safeguard ecological and cultural resources and protect the health and safety of employees. Moreover, there is a limited availability for search and rescue responses.
Highways and roadways passing through Parks Canada are still open.
