Sault Ste. Marie Canal and Fort St. Joseph National Historic Sites officially kick off 2021 visitor seasons

Visitors are asked to plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON, June 9, 2021 /CNW/ – Parks Canada Agency

National historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas offer Canadians places to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being outdoors and opportunities to discover history, while respecting the guidance of public health experts.

Beginning June 14 and 16 respectively, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal and Fort St. Joseph NHS are pleased to welcome visitors for the 2021 season. Visitors are reminded to follow outdoor etiquette including respecting any closures and restrictions, yielding to oncoming users in narrow spaces, properly disposing of any garbage, and continuing to adhere to all hygiene rules.

For information on specific activities and programs being offered at the national historic sites this season, visitors are encouraged to check the websites regularly and follow us on social media.

The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians is of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. Before visiting, there are a few things that everyone should remember:

• Plan ahead. The Parks Canada website provides detailed information on what locations are open, what to expect, how to prepare, and what services are available. Be sure to check the website before you travel.
• Follow travel restrictions and respect the guidance of public health experts. We all need to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep one another safe. It is important to always follow travel restrictions, even when visiting national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas.
• Make safe choices. Choose activities that correspond with your level of experience in order to avoid injury and/or getting lost and help minimize the demands placed on emergency response, search and rescue teams, and on the health care system.
• Be self-sufficient. Pack a kit that includes extra hygiene supplies such as hand sanitizer, soap, masks or face coverings, garbage bags and a tablecloth. Although the gift shops will be stocked with light snack items and beverages, you should be prepared to bring your own water and food.
• Leave no trace. Help us keep these special places clean by using appropriate garbage containers or by taking all your garbage with you.
• Respect wildlife. Learn more about the wildlife at the site before you visit, remember to never feed wildlife, always give them space, maintain a clean campsite, respect closures and speed limits, and keep your dog on a leash at all times.

Further information and tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit are available on the Parks Canada website at: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/securite-safety/covid-19-info/covid-19-visite-visit.

Quotes

“Over the past year, so many Canadians have benefited from the health and wellness benefits that come from being outdoors and in nature. I too have taken every opportunity to get outside. National historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas offer countless opportunities for Canadians to safely connect with nature and history while following the guidance of public health authorities to help limit the spread of COVID-19. I am looking forward to the 2021 visitor season as Parks Canada places allow us to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories close to home at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal and Fort St. Joseph National Historic Sites.”

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson

Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

“We are truly lucky to have the Sault Ste. Marie Canal and Fort St. Joseph National Historic Sites in our backyards. Throughout the pandemic, they have provided an escape for community members to walk in the footsteps of history and experience the outdoors. As we continue to stay close to home to limit the spread of COVID-19, I encourage constituents to explore these local treasures.”

Terry Sheehan

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedNor) and Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

“For Parks Canada, the health and wellbeing of visitors, employees, and all Canadians are of the utmost importance. The Parks Canada team is working extremely hard to provide a safe, clean, and healthy experience at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal and Fort St. Joseph National Historic Sites and everyone can play an important role. Visitors should make every effort to plan ahead, respect travel restrictions, follow the guidance of public health experts, make safe choices, and leave no trace when visiting outdoor spaces. By working together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable 2021 visitor season for all.”

Ron Hallman

President & Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

Quick Facts

• The Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site visitor centre will open to visitor use on June 14.
• Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site will be open weekly from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday beginning June 16 until September 30^th this season.
• Four electric vehicle charging stations are available for visitors to use in the east parking area at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site.
• The Parks Canada app makes trip planning for first-time visitors to Parks Canada locations across the country even simpler. Visitors can now find Learn-to Camp content in the app and can obtain information on proper camping equipment, tips, and recipes. Visitors can even plan their entire trip itinerary and create a camping checklist.

Related Links

• Sault Ste. Marie Canal NHS website
• Fort St. Joseph NHS website
• Parks Canada website
• Parks Canada mobile application
• Top tips to respect wildlife and stay safe
• #ParksSmart Videos
• Parks Canada Discovery Pass
• Parks Canada Reservation Service
• Parks Canada Shop

SOURCE Parks Canada

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