The Coronavirus Pandemic is creating questions about whether parks are open, the status of permits and more. Quetico Superior Wilderness News will update this page as information is available, always check the source web sites for the latest information.
LAST UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 4, 2021
Is the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area (BWCAW) Open?
Yes – the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was open to all visitors as of April 28. To ensure the health and safety of its employees, partners and members of the public, the Superior National Forest will continue to use temporary modifications to the permit pick-up requirements for all BWCAW quota permits.
“We are happy to be fully allowing visitors into the BWCAW,” says Connie Cummins, Forest Supervisor. “We ask that visitors please continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines on staying safe and practice good hygiene and social distancing wherever they choose to visit.”
SOURCE: US Forest Service Superior National Forest Updates
SOURCE: US Forest Service COVID-19 Updates
Are BWCA Permits still available?
BWCAW permits are still available for reservation on Recreation.gov saying:
“This location will remain open for arrivals at this time. Local managers are committed to the health and safety of recreational visitors and our staff. We are following the guidelines from our agency and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions. Please continue to monitor this page for status updates.”
SOURCE: BWCA Permits on Recreation.gov
Is Voyageurs National Park open?
Yes – Voyageurs National Park is open for day use, overnight tent camping and houseboat mooring sites. National Park Service tour boat programs are operating, visitor centers are operating ‘virtually’ and some buildings may remain closed.
“Park staff would like to remind visitors that overnight tent camping reservations and houseboat permits for the 2021 summer season will become available on November 15, 2020 at 9 am CST. Park staff encourage visitors who wish to stay overnight in the park to make a reservation as soon as they know their plans. Visitors may make reservations by going online at www.recreation.gov or by calling the National Call Center at (877) 444-6777.”
SOURCE: NPS News Releases
SOURCE: Voyageurs.org Visitor Information Updates
Is Quetico Provincial Park open?
Yes – Quetico Provincial Park is open, however portions are closed due to threat of fire.
For the latest updates, see Ontario Parks Quetico Provincial Park information.
Check updates on the U.S.-Canada border travel restrictions.
SOURCE: Quetico Provincial Park Ontario Parks
SOURCE: Ontario Parks COVID-19 Alerts
Is Isle Royale Open?
Yes – Isle Royale National Park reopened on April 16, 2021
“Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State of Michigan, and local public health authorities, Isle Royale is increasing recreational access to the park. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.”
SOURCE: NPS Alerts
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