Ontario parks are closing down events and visitor centres – and will even refund your bookings up to end of April – but as of now, they continue to be open for camping and day use.
“In response to Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recommendation to immediately suspend large events and public gatherings of over 250 people, Ontario Parks has cancelled all planned events until further notice. All public Ontario Parks buildings, such as visitor centres, will be closed as well,” said a joint media statement by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
They said in response to Covid-19 that “public safety and the well-being of our visitors and staff in Ontario’s provincial parks is our top priority”.
“Outdoor recreational opportunities including camping and day use will still be available at operating parks,” they added.
The statement said appropriate cleaning measures continue to be undertaken to reduce risk to staff and visitors within buildings. Ontario Parks will also enhance cleaning of public areas that remain open, including washrooms.
Individuals or groups wishing to cancel their current reservations for arrivals up to April 30, will be provided a full refund or the opportunity to change their reservation depending on availability, with no penalty, it said.
Ontario Parks will monitor developments and reassess on April 1 and April 15, it added.
Additional Resources:
- Visit the Ontario Parks website for a list of operating parks and updates.
- For more information on reservation cancellations or changes where available, contact the Ontario Parks Reservations Call Centre at 1-888-668-7275 from 7 am to 9 pm. Eastern Time. To receive a penalty-free refund, do not cancel or change reservations online.