Overnight stays at Ontario Parks closed due to COVID-19 restrictions

Overnight stays in Ontario Parks are closed until further notice due to the provincewide stay-at-home order enacted to slow the spread of COVID-19.

This includes stays at campgrounds, backcountry campsites and roofed accommodations in provincial parks.

“We understand this temporary closure of overnight stays in provincial parks may impact your plans, however, the health and well-being of Ontarians is our number one priority,” read a statement on the Ontario Parks website.

The parks are still open for day-use activities including walking, hiking, biking, birdwatching and fishing. There will be safety measures, modifications and restrictions in place.

However, they are encouraging residents not to travel outside your area and visit your local provincial park.,

Ontario went into a “shutdown” on April 3 and issued a stay-at-home order that went into effect on April 8 in efforts to slow down the third wave of the pandemic that has led to the highest COVID-19 case counts in the province since the pandemic began.

Premier Doug Ford is expect to announce further restrictions Friday as cases hit a record daily high for the second day in a row.