Snow delays openings at P.E.I. National Park

Spring was late coming to P.E.I. this year, and even with late May temperatures reaching into the high teens snow is still causing problems in P.E.I. National Park.

Trails are still closed, and upgrades to the campground at Stanhope have been delayed.

"It's prevented us from getting in there and getting some of our work done early in the spring," said Parks Canada visitor experience manager Tara McNally MacPhee.

"As of the weekend there was still some areas where there was two to three feet of snow on the trail, and where there wasn't snow there was quite a lot of water lying on the trail so the conditions are just very soft, and it could be very devastating to the trail if we were on it right now."

One million dollars in upgrades at the Stanhope campground were already expected to delay the start of the camping season. Waiting for the snow to melt so crews can get to work has now pushed back the opening until mid-July.

The park has also had to delay the installation of wheelchair ramps to beaches until the ground firms up.

Sand and snowballs

Visitors, however, seem to be taking the snow piles in stride.

The Free family, visiting from Calgary, was surprised to encounter snow on the trail as they walked to a beach.

"Obviously I wasn't expecting it cause I'm wearing sandals," said Christina Free.

"I'm not going to go walking through the snow-covered trails, but it's still beautiful out. The weather is nice."

"It didn't bother me at all," added Tim Free.

"I just came out and saw the beach and the ocean. Just gorgeous. We'll come back again."

Parks Canada officials say, as the Free family did, when you're dealing with mother nature, you have to adapt.