National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries re-opening using a phased approach
Our connection with the natural world is critical to our health and well-being.
We are pleased to be re-opening some of our publicly accessible National Wildlife Areas across Canada. In this first phase of reopening, trails, parking lots, and some washrooms are open to support autonomous day-use activities. However, full resumption of operations and services will follow a phased-in approach.
Environment and Climate Change Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians, visitors and employees. Social and physical distancing restrictions will remain in place until further notice from local and regional health authorities.
We invite Canadians to reconnect to nature safely by following best practices based on local COVID-19 restrictions.
Visit our frequently asked questions.
For more information on the status of a National Wildlife Areas near you, consult our chart below.
Current status of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries
| Province | National wildlife area | Status |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Alaksen National Wildlife Area (and George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary) |
Alaksen NWA: The main trail is closed, parking lots and washrooms are open. George C.Reifel MBS: Trails, parking lots and washrooms are open. |
| British Columbia | Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area (and Vaseux Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary) |
Trails and parking lots are open |
| Saskatchewan | Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area (and Last Mountain Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary) |
Trails, parking lots and washrooms are open |
| Quebec | Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area | Trails, parking lots and washrooms are open. Interpretive activities are suspended until further notice. |
| Quebec | Lac Saint Francois National Wildlife Area | Trails, parking lots and washrooms are open. Interpretive activities are suspended until further notice. |
| Quebec | Baie de l’Ise Verte National Wildlife Area | Trails, parking lots and washrooms are open. Interpretive activities are suspended until further notice. |
| Quebec | Pointe de l'Est National Wildlife Area | Trails and parking lots are open. Interpretive activities are suspended until further notice. |
| Quebec | Pointe au Pere National Wildlife Area | The trail and the parking lot are open. |
| Quebec | Îles de l'Estuaire National Wildlife Area | Closed for the season |
| New Brunswick | Shepody National Wildlife Area | Trails and parking lots are open |
| New Brunswick | Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area | Trails and parking lots are open |
| New Brunswick | Tintamarre National Wildlife Area | Trails and parking lots are open |
| Nova Scotia | Chignecto National Wildlife Area (and Amherst Point Migratory Bird Sanctuary) |
Trails and parking lots are open |
| Nova Scotia | Wallace Bay National Wildlife Area | Trails and parking lots are open |
| Ontario | Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area | Trails, parking lots and washrooms are open |
| Ontario | Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area | Trails, parking lots and washrooms are open |
| Ontario | Big Creek National Wildlife Area | Trails, the Big Creek Unit parking lot, and washrooms are open |
| Ontario | Mississippi Lake National Wildlife Area | Trails, parking lots and washrooms are open |
| Ontario | St. Clair National Wildlife Area | Trails, parking lots and washrooms are open |
| Ontario | Long Point National Wildlife Area | Thoroughfare Unit beach is open to the public. Long Point beach is currently closed. The remainder of the NWA is also closed to the public, except for permit holders. |
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