COVID-19 and your visit to Pukaskwa National Park

Openings and services differ across the country. Please check the Parks Canada national information portal dedicated to COVID-19 for regular updates.

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.

In accordance with Thunder Bay District Health Unit, it is now mandatory for all members of the public entering the indoor premises of businesses and organizations in the district to wear a face covering (i.e. non-medical mask). This includes entry to the visitor centre.

What’s open (As of July 20, 2021)

  • Front-country camping (campgrounds and oTENTik sites) and parking lots

  • Front-country & back-country hiking trails (including the White River Suspension Bridge)

  • Back-country camping (hiking and paddling sites)

  • Kiosk & firewood sales

  • Rentals (Canoes and Stand Up Paddleboards)

  • Visitor Centre (10 am - 2 pm daily)

  • Anishinaabe Camp

  • Outdoor Interpretive Programs (advance sign up required)

  • Washroom facilities (comfort stations, showers and composting toilets)

  • Laundry facilities

  • Trailer dumping station

What’s closed (As of July 20, 2021)
  • Administrative building
Camping during COVID-19 (As of July 20, 2021)
  • Firewood will be available
  • Comfort station washrooms will be reduced to 50% capacity
  • RV users are encouraged to use self-contained waste units 

Visit our camping page for information on camping services available in Pukaskwa National Park during COVID-19.

Your safety when visiting
  • 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.

Stay informed