St Lawrence Parks:
A quick update for anyone planning camping at the St Lawrence Parks. They have loosened their rules a bit and now align pretty much with the MNR Parks. Initial messaging from the Parks Commission indicated that rest rooms would be closed, however that has changed and only showers and laundry are closed. Restrooms are open with a maximum occupancy of 4 people. Not really an issue as there were very few tent campers.
We were there for the lead up to Canada Day, and can report that the park was probably at about half capacity. As expected, all waterfront sites were occupied, but mid park sites had high availability.This is in Woodlands Campground; McLaren and Farran are probably different as they have a fair proportion of seasonal sites. Milles Roches campground will not be opening. The public beaches along Long Sault are only opening for limited hours and on limited days of the week, however the in campground beaches are available for campers. All playground equipment and picnic areas are cordoned off and closed.
We were puzzled that the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary remains closed. They claim for flooding, not COVID-19, but the area is so dry that it is under a fire ban, so that seems a little discordant. Considering how quiet the walking trails are through there, I personally would rate it a safe activity if they would open up (perhaps better to make the trails directional though as they tend to be loops anyway).
Upper Canada Village reopened (limited) on Canada Day. However, advanced and timed reservations are required for crowd control. I suspect that the reciprocal ticket offer with the campgrounds will be gone for 2020 as a result (we used to get 1 free admission per registered camper per visit).
For those in Eastern Ontario there are some really great recreation opportunities there.
Here's a quick shot of our Maddie's first experience kayaking this week:
ETA: Also should mention a change in registration procedure. Rather than have campers come into the office, for the busy times they have staff collecting names and details at the entrance. Campers are asked several questions about COVID status. You are then sent off to your site and they come by later with your post and vehicle permits. This seems like a pretty well streamlined process. Wondering if the MNR operated provincial parks are doing something similar? Some of those park offices are tiny and can get very congested.