Many will be able to take in this view of the Englishman River Falls as the provincial park reopens. (submitted/Amara Johnson)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

out and about

Provincial parks re-opening throughout mid-island area

May 14, 2020 | 5:54 AM

NANAIMO — More outdoor recreation options are now available just in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.

Most provincial parks across B.C. re-open for day use on Thursday, May 14 after closing in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Included are numerous parks in the mid-island area, such as Arbutus Grove, Englishman River Falls and Gabriola Sands.

The Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park, just off Nanaimo’s coast, is technically listed as closed with no date to re-open, however a statement from BC Parks clarified the park is open for those who have their own means of getting to the Island, such as a kayak or boat.

The ferry to Newcastle Island was suspended in mid-March and there’s no details yet revealed on when it will resume.

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Thursday’s re-opening does not include overnight stays at provincial campgrounds.

Restrictions on those facilities are due to lift June 1 with social distancing measures in place to increase space between campsites and limit the number of guests.

Shared facilities such as cooking and showering will remain closed.

National parks and historic sites are set to re-open some time after the long weekend.

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