COVID-19 and your visit to Wood Buffalo National Park
Wood Buffalo National Park
Openings and services differ across the country. Please check the Parks Canada national information portal dedicated to COVID-19 for regular updates.
GNWT Public Service Announcement – If you’re looking to camp in Wood Buffalo National Park this summer, here’s what you need to know
Important information about your visit to Wood Buffalo National Park
Fort Smith NT, May 2021 – Starting May 21, 2021, limited visitor services were restored in Wood Buffalo National Park. Visitors will be able to access the following services and facilities;
- All official hiking trails
- Day Use Areas
- Pine Lake Campground
- Pine Lake Rental Cabins
- Kettle Point Group Camp
- Fort Smith Visitor Centre
- Backcountry Camping
- Salt River Day Use Area Building (due to open mid-summer 2021)
- Kettle Point Group Camp Building
- All official hiking trails
- Day Use Areas
- Pine Lake Campground
- Pine Lake Rental Cabins
- Kettle Point Group Camp
- Fort Smith Visitor Centre
- Backcountry Camping
- Salt River Day Use Area Building (due to open mid-summer 2021)
- Kettle Point Group Camp Building
What’s Open (as of May 21, 2021)
What’s Closed (as of May 21, 2021)
The following facilities remain closed until further notice:
For up-to-date road information: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nt/woodbuffalo/visit/roads
Camping during COVID-19
What’s Open (as of May 21, 2021)
What’s Closed (as of May 21, 2021)
The following facilities remain closed until further notice:
For up-to-date road information: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/nt/woodbuffalo/visit/roads
Your safety when visiting
We strongly encourage all visitors to wear a non-medical mask or face covering when visiting indoor public spaces at Wood Buffalo National Park. An indoor public space is any space with walls and a roof that can be accessed by the members of the public.
The NWT Chief Public Health Officer has prohibited ALL travel into the NWT by non-residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Though the majority of the park is situated in Alberta, summer road access is through the NWT only. Please consult the GNWT’s COVID-19 information pages for more details. NWT Residents should consult GNWT prior to leaving the NWT to visit the park. A mandatory self-isolation period may be required upon return to the NWT.
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.
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.
Bear sightings are not uncommon. For your safety, please secure all attractants, practice leave no trace values and pack in/pack out your garbage. Wildlife may be become habituated if they are able to access human food.
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: parkscanada.gc.ca/woodbuffalo. Please check regularly for updates.
Stay informed
Parks Canada is working with our provincial and territorial counterparts, local municipalities and communities to keep visitors and residents informed and safe.
For the most up to date information, visit:
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