Avoid afternoon outings to Gatineau Park, Rideau Canal, NCC suggests

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is asking people to avoid some of the region's most popular attractions during their busiest times to cut down on crowding during the pandemic.

According to the NCC, the Rideau Canal Skatewayis busiest near Dows Lake and the NACbetween 1 and 5 p.m., whileGatineau Parktends to getcloggedbetween noon and 4 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, particularly around Chelsea, Que.

The NCCis suggesting alternative timesfor visiting those destinations. For example,Gatineau Park's O'Brien, Chemin Cross Loop and Trail 53 parking lots were the least crowded last week, according to the NCC.

The NCC is also asking people to limit visits to certain destinations within Ottawa's Greenbelt to weekdays, as parking lots at sites such as Mer Bleue are sometimes full at more popular times.

The NCCrecommends usingthis interactive mapto plan your next visit, and reminds visitors to keep their distance from others, wear masks and stay home if they're feeling sick.