COVID-19 and your visit to Pukaskwa National Park
The health and safety of Canadians, visitors and Parks Canada team members is our top priority. We are only opening places and activities where risks can be managed, according to the advice of public health experts. For your safety, at all times, avoid all places, green spaces, day use areas and trails that are closed.
Please check the Parks Canada national information portal dedicated to COVID-19 for regular updates.
Update for June 1, 2020 - Gradual reopening of Parks Canada places
As of June 1, some Parks Canada places began a safe, gradual reopening of some outdoor areas at national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas. Openings will differ across the country.
This means:
- As of June 1, you may be able to access certain Parks Canada places near you.
- Access to some trails, day use areas, and green spaces at some locations will be permitted.
- Group activities and public events are suspended until further notice.
- Highways and roadways which pass through Parks Canada places will remain open.
We will continue to deliver services critical for Canadians, including highway maintenance, fire response, dam operations and water management on historic waterways, avalanche control, among others.
You are encouraged to purchase a Discovery Pass online before your visit as admission fees may be collected at the Parks Canada place you plan to visit.
Update for June 17, 2020 - Camping resumption
Starting June 22, 2020, Parks Canada will begin to offer some camping services at select national parks and national historic sites across the country. Initially, camping will be available only to visitors with existing reservations. Parks Canada will gradually begin to accept new online reservations for some campgrounds over the coming weeks.
As of June 1, Pukaskwa National Park began a gradual reopening of some outdoor areas, facilities and services. Please check our website regularly for the current status of this location and others.
Important information about your visit to Pukaskwa National Park
To help Canadians gain access to the health and wellness benefits that come from being outdoors and in nature, a number of Parks Canada places will be gradually restoring visitor access and services. Beginning June 5, 2020, visitors will be welcomed back to Pukaskwa National Park with safety being a priority. Access will be focused on the resumption of autonomous day use of trails, grounds, and other outdoor settings and include the continuation of critical services and the gradual resumption of some key field-based ecological and cultural protection activities.
To ensure the safety of visitors, residents and staff, Parks Canada is taking a phased approach to restoring access to the park. In doing so, physical distancing for the public remains a critical requirement in all areas of the park. While some of the restrictions and closures implemented in the park to date as a result of Covid-19 have been lifted, others will remain in effect at this time.
What’s open (updated July 1)
- Campground
- Campground washrooms
- Trailer dumping station
- Firewood
- Front-country hiking
- Front-country day use areas
- Front-country day use washrooms
- Visitor centre parking lot
- Kiosk
- Anishinaabe camp
What’s closed (updated July 1)
- Back-country use/camping (open Jul 15)
- Mdaabii Miikna & Coastal Hiking Trail including the White River Suspension Bridge Trail (open Jul 15)
- oTENTik tents (open Jul 15)
- Administration building
- Canoe/SUP rentals
- Fire circle programs
- Visitor Centre
- Visitor Events/Programs
- Store
Camping during COVID-19 (updated June 17)
Starting June 26, 2020, Pukaskwa National Park will begin to offer limited camping services. Visitors will have access to the following services and facilities:
- Front country campgrounds, at 50% capacity
- Kiosk will have reduced hours
- Firewood will be available
- Comfort station washrooms will be reduced to 50% capacity
- Showers will not be available
- RV users are encouraged to use self-contained waste units
Events, group, and interpretation activities remain suspended until further notice.
Backcountry camping and oTENTik reservations are suspended until July 15, 2020.
Visit our camping page for information on camping services available in Pukaskwa National Park during COVID-19.
Your safety when visiting
- Parks Canada is asking Canadians to stay home and support the national effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
- Keep a healthy space of 2 metres between you and others.
- Be extra cautious when engaging in any activities to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.
- Leave no trace when you visit outdoor spaces. Please take all your garbage with you and help keep these places clean.
- Abide by all travel advisories and area closures.