Bulletins

SMITHS FALLS, ONTARIO, May 27, 2020 – Starting June 1, 2020 the Rideau Canal National Historic Site will offer limited visitor access and basic services along the entire system, with the exception of Jones Falls and Kingston Mills.

Visitors will be able to access the following services and facilities:

• lockage, boat launches, access points and mooring areas;
• day-use areas, including green spaces, picnic areas, and parking lots;
• day-use trails, including some cycling access on designated trails and pathways;
• lockstation grounds; and
• public toilets where enhanced cleaning protocols will be implemented.

Until June 1, these facilities remain closed and we ask that visitors respect these closures in order to allow canal staff to do the necessary work to prepare for opening.

Jones Falls and Kingston Mills lockstations will not open on June 1 as important infrastructure work is ongoing in both of these locations. It is expected that this work will be completed and the entire system will be open for navigation later in June. Visiting the Rideau Canal National Historic Site will be different than it has been in the past. Visitors are asked to plan ahead by checking the Rideau Canal National Historic website before they travel to find out:

• what is open;
• what they can expect, including modified lockage and mooring protocols;
• how to prepare for their visit.

The health and safety of visitors and employees is of utmost importance to the Government of Canada. Parks Canada is following the advice of public health experts and continues to make every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Visitors should follow the advice of public health experts, including necessary hygiene practices and physical distancing of two metres from others.

Parks Canada is asking Canadians to be cautious and conservative in their use of these places, to observe any regional or Ontario 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 remain closed until at least June 21, 2020, while Parks Canada assesses whether and how these services might resume. Group activities and public events are suspended until further notice.

Detailed information on Parks Canada places and the measures the Agency is taking to limit the spread of COVID-19 can be found on the Parks Canada website: pc.gc.ca. Please check regularly for updates.