- Question #1 :
Are campsites and backcountry camping closed at Ontario Parks?
- Answer:
Ontario Parks is open for overnight stays on campground and backcountry campsites and in roofed accommodations including cabins, yurts and cottages. COVID-19 measures, modifications and restrictions may apply.
- Question #2 :
How should I prepare for a visit to Ontario Parks?
- Answer:
We’re counting on people to be responsible when enjoying a provincial park or conservation reserve, and continue to follow public health advice, including:
o practicing physical distancing by keeping at least two metres from others,
o wearing a face covering where required, when physical distancing may be a challenge or not possible and when entering any indoor public space,
o washing hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
Please ensure you come to the park prepared with all the supplies and personal protective items you may need for your visit including a mask/face coverings, extra water and, hand sanitizer. Postpone your visit if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to isolate. Limiting your travel is essential in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19, staying safe and saving lives.
For up to date information on what you can do to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, please visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/.
Safety of our visitors and staff is always our top priority. We have implemented measures to address overcrowding and promote physical distancing in our park spaces and buildings during busy visitation times.
This may include limiting the number of daily vehicle permits sold or the number of people permitted to use a facility or building at one time, or the number of campsites available for reservations.
You may notice that day use parking areas will not be as full, or some campsites will remain empty during your stay.
Ministry officers will be present in provincial parks to provide information, assist with emergencies and enforce provincial park rules and regulations. Additionally, these areas may be patrolled by local police or other enforcement agencies.
- Question #3 :
How do I know what facilities or activities are available at the operating provincial park I wish to visit?
- Answer:
Please click on the individual park page for the park you wish to visit for a list of facilities and activities that are being offered in each location.
For the safety of staff and visitors, COVID-19 measures, modifications and restrictions will apply.
- Question #4 :
Why isn’t the day use fee reduced if not all facilities and services are open?
- Answer:
Ontario Parks’ normal fees will apply for all camping and day use activities and services provided where normally charged. All fees collected go directly back to supporting the operation and maintenance of the entire park system.
If you plan to visit often – consider purchasing an Annual or Summer Seasonal Day Use Vehicle Permit, visit the Park Store to purchase a permit online.
- Question #5 :
Can I make future reservations for the 2021 camping season?
- Answer:
Ontario Parks accepts future reservations 5 months in advance of your arrival date. It’s important to note that reservations could be automatically cancelled at any time if required in response to future provincial or regional public health orders or restrictions.
Please continue to visit www.ontarioparks.com and Ontario Parks social media channels for the most up-to-date information.
- Question #6 :
What if I would like to cancel my future reservation due to the uncertainty?
- Answer:
We understand how the uncertainty and the possibility of future closures are impacting many people’s plans. If you wish to cancel your reservation arriving anytime up to June 30, 2021, Ontario Parks will provide a full refund. Reservation and penalty fees will not apply.
- Question #7 :
What’s the difference between a non-operating park or conservation reserve and an operating park?
- Answer:
Non-operating provincial parks and conservation reserves offer limited recreational experiences, limited access, fewer facilities and generally no dedicated staff or fee collection. Operating parks offer a variety of services and facilities, such as campground camping, roofed accommodations, washrooms, and Discovery programs, and charge fees.
Please visit the Park Locator to find a provincial park or conservation reserve near you.
- Question #8 :
How do you plan to handle physical distancing in the bathrooms and other buildings?
- Answer:
We’re counting on people to be responsible when enjoying our parks, and continue to follow all of the public health advice, including physical distancing by keeping at least two metres from others, wearing a face covering where required and when physical distancing may be a challenge or not possible and when entering any indoor public space, and wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Occupancy restrictions may be posted on comfort stations to limit the number of people permitted to enter the building at one time.
- Question #9 :
What precautions will be put in place to keep your public washrooms clean?
- Answer:
Priority for cleaning and disinfection is placed on high-touch surfaces in public areas including washrooms and other shared facilities. These areas will be cleaned and disinfected twice per day at a minimum or more in higher use areas.
- Question #10 :
How do I follow safe handwashing practices if washrooms are unavailable at non-operating provincial parks and conservation reserves? Should I wear gloves or a mask/face covering when at a park?
- Answer:
Visitors to non-operating provincial parks and conservation reserves are encouraged to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
The following measures are the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19:
• wash your hands regularly, when available, or use hand sanitizer
• practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette (e.g., sneeze and cough into your sleeve, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth).
• maintain physical distancing – keeping two meters from individuals outside your household.
• wear a mask/face covering where required, when physical distancing may be a challenge or not possible, and any time you enter an indoor public space.
• postpone your visit if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to isolate.
It’s important that you come to the park prepared with a mask/face covering, hand sanitizer, extra water, soap, and other supplies. Please visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/ for up to date information.
- Question #11 :
Are there any restrictions for camping due to Ontario’s current COVID-19 restrictions?
- Answer:
No, all normal rules for camping apply. Please visit the Camping Rules section at www.ontarioparks.com - Reservation Rules for more information.
- Question #12 :
How will Ontario Parks address overcrowding?
- Answer:
Safety of our visitors and staff is always our top priority. We have implemented measures to address overcrowding and promote physical distancing in our park spaces and buildings during busy visitation times.
This may include limiting the number of daily vehicle permits sold or the number of people permitted to use a facility or building at one time, or the number of campsites available for reservations. You may notice that day use parking areas will not be as full, or some campsites will remain empty during your stay.
Beginning in 2021, select Ontario Parks will be offering advanced daily vehicle permits, providing visitors with greater certainty when planning park visits by offering guaranteed access to the park and assisting with capacity to limit overcrowding.
Ministry officers will be present in provincial parks to provide information, assist with emergencies and enforce provincial park rules and regulations. Additionally, these areas may be patrolled by local police or other enforcement agencies.