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May 27, 2020 2:34 PM -

29 national parks to reopen June 1 after COVID-19 closure

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The empty streets of Banff, Alta., are seen on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Twenty-nine national parks, including Banff in Alberta and Pacific Rim in B-C, will reopen to visitors on June 1st.

Minister of Environment Jonathan Wilkinson says the parks will open for day use, and washrooms will be open.

All national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas have been closed for weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19.

In Banff, the town and many of its businesses have been preparing to reopen June 1st.

The town's council recently decided to close two blocks of its often-crowded main street, Banff Avenue to vehicle traffic to make more room for pedestrians.

Banff is the country's busiest national park, with about four million visitors annually.

Other national parks reopening across the country include Jasper in Alberta, Riding Mountain in Manitoba and Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia.

Camping will still not be allowed in the national parks until at least June 21st.

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