Starting next Monday, June 22, you’ll be able to camp at 31 national parks across Canada including in Yoho National Park, Glacier National Park, and Mount Revelstoke National Park in British Columbia.

For now, camping will only be open to people with existing reservations. Many national parks reopened on June 1 as restrictions were lifted after things were closed in mid-March, but camping remained off limits as Parks Canada worked out how to bring that back in a safe way.

“We are all doing our part to flatten the curve and limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.

“As the summer arrives, our national parks and historic sites offer spaces where Canadians can enjoy the outdoors while also respecting the advice of public health experts to keep a safe physical distance from others.”

Over the coming weeks, people will be able to make new online reservations for some campgrounds. Reservations from international travellers including people from the United States until August 7 will be cancelled and automatically refunded in full because of ongoing travel restrictions.

“Canadians who plan to travel outside of their home province to camp at or visit a Parks Canada destination must follow the applicable provincial or territorial travel restrictions including any requirements for self-isolation,” Parks Canada said, in a statement.

“It is not possible to self-isolate at Parks Canada campgrounds.”

Parks Canada is encouraging campers to visit check its website for more detailed information including on what locations are open, what to expect when you get to the park, how to prepare for a visit, and what services may be available.

Camping in B.C.’s provincial parks resumed last month, with only provincial residents able to make reservations this summer.

 

Here is a list of parks that are opening their campgrounds in Western Canada:

British Columbia:

• Kootenay National Park
• Yoho National Park
•  Glacier National Park
•  Mount Revelstoke National Park
• Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
•  Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Alberta:

• Elk Island National Park
• Waterton Lakes National Park
• Banff National Park, including Lake Louise
• Jasper National Park
• Wood Buffalo National Park

Saskatchewan:

• Prince Albert National Park
• Grasslands National Park

Manitoba:

• Riding Mountain National Park

Northwest Territories:

• Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve
• Wood Buffalo National Park
• Nahanni National Park Reserve

Yukon:

• Kluane National Park and Reserve