The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is reopening limited camping opportunities at Long Beach.
“To help Canadians gain access to the health and wellness benefits that come from being outdoors and in nature, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is pleased to partially re-open Green Point Campground with additional safety measures in place,” a Parks Canada spokesperson told the Westerly News via email. “Visits to Parks Canada places support the local tourism economy and help Canadians develop a greater appreciation for the natural and cultural richness of this area.”
The Park Reserve reopened limited camping services for existing reservation holders on June 22, though the spots available are limited to certain sites within Green Point Campground and shower facilities will remain closed.
“Initially, camping will be available only to visitors with existing reservations. Parks Canada will gradually begin to accept new online reservations for some campgrounds in the coming weeks,” the spokesperson said.
“Existing reservation holders are visitors who booked an overnight stay in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve before this service was suspended in March as a result of COVID-19.”
Camping on the Broken Group Islands is not expected to open until July 3 at the earliest and the West Coast Trail will remain closed until at least July 17.
“Parks Canada is working with local First Nations so visitation does not put these remote communities at risk,” according to a Parks Canada media release. “The health and safety of visitors, employees, and local communities—including First Nations—is of utmost importance to the Government of Canada. Parks Canada is following the advice of public health experts and continues to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
The spokesperson added that all visitors to the Park Reserve will be expected to abide by necessary hygiene practices and adhere to social distancing of at least two metres.
“Parks Canada is asking Canadians to be cautious and conservative when they visit Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and to respect any closures that are in place,” the release states. “Anyone participating in recreational activities should be extra cautious to avoid injury or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on search and rescue teams and the health care system. ”
More information is available at the Park Reserve’s website: www.pc.gc.ca/pacificrim.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.ca
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