Stay-at-home order delays tourist season at 2 popular national parks in southwestern Ontario

Parks Canada saysit will delay the opening of two popular attractions in southwestern Ontario until at least June 2to fall in line with the province'sstay-at-home order.

The order forbids people from leaving their homes unless it's for work, school, exercise or some other essential service. It was recently extended until June 2in an attempt to contain COVID-19 case numbers.

Parks Canada said it would delayopeningmost visitor services at Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five Marine National Park, both close to Tobermory, to meet the provincial health directive.

The announcement comes at a time when people are cravingthe outdoors.

But the national parks, which are hundreds of kilometres away from major population centres and well-equipped hospitals, are grappling with how to safely operate as a rush of tourists is expected.

In a statement, Parks Canada's on Wednesday saida number of visitor services won't be opening for now:

• Access to visitor reception centres and buildings.
• Reserved parking areas, docks, mooring facilities and boat shuttles.
• All campgrounds, including island, front country and back country sites.
• Roofed accommodations, including oTENTiks, rustic cabins and yurts.
• All interpretation programs, experiences and guided tours.

The statement said all reservations at sites affected by the delay would be "automatically cancelled and refunded in full."

"Visitors do not have to do anything to cancel their reservation."