Waterton set to reopen Monday with basic services

By Jensen, Randy on May 28, 2020.

Flowers colour the viewpoint along the Bertha trail looking along Upper Waterton Lake. Limited visitor access and basic services will begin Monday at the national park. Herald file photo by Ian Martens @IMartensHerald

Greg Bobinec

Lethbridge Herald

gbobinec@lethbridgeherald.com

Waterton Lakes National Park will be reopening to the public starting Monday, and will offer visitors access to the park, along with basic services.

Visitors will be able to access a variety of Parks Canada facilities such as some of the day-use areas including Cameron Bay, Waterton Lakeshore, Emerald Bay, Linnet Lake, Driftwood Beach, Pass Creek, Hay Barn and Maskinonge. Picnic tables are available for visitor use, along with washroom facilities, and shelters are available in some areas, but not all. Public washrooms in the Waterton village are available at the Fire Hall and Cameron Falls.

Red Rock Parkway is open for hiking and cycling only, as well as many trails are open to the public. Visitors are responsible for maintaining physical distancing on trails. Upper, middle and lower Waterton Lakes are accessible for non-motorized craft water recreation.

Parks Canada said is a news release that visiting Waterton Lakes National Park will be a different experience than it has been in the past, and visitor co-operation is required to ensure a safe experience for yourself and others.

Parks Canada is asking visitors to come prepared by bringing weather appropriate clothing and protective supplies such as hand sanitizer and masks. Obey all signs and closures, and make conservative choices when using trails and bodies of water to avoid injury and minimize the need for emergency response. Visitors are asked to be responsible and follow Alberta Health Services’ physical distancing guidelines, gathering restrictions and hygiene recommendations. If parking lots, day-use areas or facility looks crowded, seek an alternative experience.

Parks Canada is asking Canadians to be cautious in their use of these places, to observe any regional or Alberta travel restrictions and to respect any closures that are in place. Anyone participating in recreational activities should be extra cautious to avoid injury and/or getting lost to help minimize the demands placed on search-and-rescue teams and on the health-care system.

All camping facilities will remain closed until at least June 21, while Parks Canada assesses whether and how these services might resume. Interpretive activities and public events are suspended until further notice. More information to restrictions, regulations, closures and other can be found on Parks Canada’s website pc.gc.ca.

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