COVID-19 and your visit to Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

Starting June 1, some Parks Canada places will begin to offer limited access and services while maintaining physical distancing measures. Information will be updated regularly.

Only places and activities where health and safety risks can be managed will be available for visitation. We are asking visitors to be cautious and conservative in their use of these places, to observe travel restrictions, respect closures, follow the guidance of public health experts, and to make every effort to keep one another safe.

Opening details will differ across the country. Please check the Parks Canada national information portal dedicated to COVID-19 for regular updates.

Parks Canada and COVID-19 (updated May 27, 2020)

The health and safety of Canadians, visitors and Parks Canada team members is our top priority.

Being outdoors and in nature brings a number of health and wellness benefits., It is important that people have access to natural spaces where they can go to get exercise and fresh air in settings that facilitate physical distancing.

On June 1, 2020, Parks Canada will begin a safe, gradual opening of some outdoor locations in national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.

This means:

  • Starting June 1, visitors will be permitted to access some trails, day use areas, and green spaces at some locations. Until then, all suspensions of visitor services and closures of facilities announced in March remain in place.
  • For their own safety, visitors should not try to access locations that are closed.
  • All camping facilities remain closed until at least June 21, 2020, while Parks Canada assesses whether and how these services might resume. Group activities and public events will be prohibited until further notice. All existing reservations set to take place prior to June 21, 2020, will be automatically cancelled and refunded in full.
  • Highways and roadways which pass through Parks Canada places will remain open.

Important information about your visit to Bar U Ranch National Historic Site

Bar U Ranch National Historic Site is offering limited visitor access and basic services.

Information on what is open, what services, activities and facilities are available, what visitors can expect, and how to prepare for your visit is listed in the sections below.

Information will be updated regularly.

Visiting Bar U Ranch National Historic Site will be different than it has been in the past. Your cooperation is required to ensure a safe experience for yourself and others.

All visitors and staff are required to follow physical distancing protocols.

What’s open (updated June 1, 2020)
  • Parking lot
  • Admission to the national historic site and access to public washrooms
  • Site grounds, and a new walking trail offer from the historic core through the entire site
  • Some staff will be working on traditional ranching tasks throughout the historic core of the national historic site
What’s closed (updated June 1, 2020)
  • The Bar U Ranch gift shop and food service facilities are closed until further notice
  • Access to the interior of the historic buildings is closed until further notice
  • The horse-drawn wagon shuttle from the Visitor Centre to the historic core is suspended until further notice
  • There will be no 'cowboy coffee' or baked goods offered on site until further notice
  • Group activities, special events and facility rentals are suspended at the Bar U Ranch this summer
  • The Bar U Ranch volunteer program is suspended until further notice
Special events

In accordance with provincial health orders, special events are suspended at the Bar U Ranch this summer. The Heavy Horse Weekend scheduled for September 19 and 20 may proceed.

Your safety when visiting
  • Visitors should follow the advice of public health experts, including necessary hygiene practices and physical distancing of two metres from others
  • The priority of the government is the health and safety of Canadians and limiting the spread of COVID-19. Parks Canada is asking Bar U Ranch National Historic Site visitors to come prepared by bringing their own food, water, weather-appropriate clothing and protective supplies such as hand sanitizer and masks
  • Please take your garbage with you to help keep the Bar U Ranch clean and tidy
  • No pets are allowed on the site or in the visitor centre for the safety and the security of your pet, our livestock and yourself
  • Ticks and other small insects are found on site at the Bar U Ranch. Protect yourself from Lyme disease

Stay informed