The Federal Government announced Thursday that some National Parks will begin to open on June 1st.

Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, says the openings will align with guidance from provincial health authorities and will not apply to all parks. Wilkinson says services will be very limited to begin with, with the hope to expand the range in a thoughtful and prudent manner, one that is consistent with putting priority on the safety of Canadians and Parks Canada staff. Wilkinson says Canadians should check ahead on websites and social media to plan ahead accordingly. Wilkinson explains the partial re-opening will allow visitors to have access to trails, grounds, day use areas and green spaces, in cases where social distancing is possible.

At this time, Parks Canada says visitor services and vehicle access remain closed at all national parks, historic sites, heritage canals, and national marine conservation areas, including Prince Albert National Park and that includes the Long Weekend. Highway 264 to Waskesiu remains open for through-traffic only. There is no vehicle access outside of the Waskesiu Townsite.