EINP camping, day-use resumes
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Operations are slowly getting back to normal at Elk Island National Park (EINP).
More trails, roadways, day-use areas, and campgrounds have been reopened in recent weeks at the national park, located just 25 minutes east of Sherwood Park.
Following COVID-19 closures for the past few months, the Astotin Lake Recreation Area, including washrooms and the playground, reopened on June 22. The park’s campground, including shower facilities, reopened to happy campers last weekend on June 26.
“With our first weekend of camping, we had a good stream of reservations for that weekend. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t the greatest, but the campground was well attended. Indications from visitors were that they had a great time getting back outdoors here at Elk Island for their health and wellness,” said Dale Kirkland, EINP superintendent.
All camping reservations were cancelled up to June 26 and no new reservations will be taken through the Parks Canada online system for EINP.
A major drop in revenue is projected from the season closure of the site’s five oTENTiks, which typically rent for more than $90 per night. In 2019, oTENTiks proved a popular accommodation for visitors who wanted the pleasure of camping but the comforts of a cabin. The overall year saw those facilities filled 70 per cent of the time, with summer months representing the most interest with 94 per cent and 97 per cent occupancies for July and August, respectively.
Equipped sites and group camping will also not be offered this summer.
“We took the decision to keep group camping, the oTENTiks, equipped camping sites closed for the entire season because we want to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff and to minimize the risk of the spread of infection with items (from those amenities),” explained Kirkland.
Visitors are asked to maintain two metres of physical distance and wear a non-medical mask when you can’t maintain that.
Additional staff has been hired to keep up with the increased cleaning frequency guidelines.
“The health and safety of our Parks Canada visitors and our team members are our top priority. We are following the advice of public health experts while resuming all visitor access and services,” stated Kirkland, adding visitors should bring hand sanitizer, wipes, and picnic table cloths. “We’re just reminding visitors that they should be prepared and be self-sufficient when they visit the part as well.”
The roadway into Tawayik Lake Trail and the day-use area, Shirley Lake Trail, and Oster Lake (including Oster backcountry campground) remains closed. Hayburger Trail is also currently closed due to recent bear activity. All hikers and cyclists are reminded to be bear aware and bring bear spray with them when they’re enjoying their time in the park.
Haskin Canoe closed for the season
Sadly, Haskin Canoe, the privately-owned rental company located on the shore of Astotin Lake, will not be operating this summer due to COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions.
“We want people to be safe and enjoy nature. We are saddened to say that we have to remain closed,” the company stated on Facebook.
“It’s really unfortunate but I completely understand the difficulty in operating that kind of business at this time,” said Kirkland.
Any major signature summer events at EINP remain cancelled for summer 2020, as well as any interpretative activities until further notice.
New signage reminding visitors of physical distancing restrictions can be found throughout the park. Kirkland noted it’s been interesting to witness the flood of traffic and congestion in the park over the past month as people were eager to get outside after months of isolation due to the pandemic.
“Obviously, the visitor experience will be different this year when compared to previous years. We also appreciate and recognize that being in Elk Island and being surrounded by the bison and birds, going for a hike, a picnic or a paddle, it all provides a really important physical and mental health benefit for people during this time. We just ask people to be cautious and to observe and respect the guidance from public health experts.”
For up-to-date information, go to www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/elkisland.
lmorey@postmedia.com
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