NEWS RELEASES
New Legalization Instituted At Parks Canada Campsites
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through CBC News' website.
CBC confirms that Parks Canada announced that cannabis use will be allowed at campsites within the national campground system. As Canada legalizes marijuana use, this is seen as part of a policy of providing visitors with a "consistent and predictable" experience at national parks across the country. However, pot consumption will not be permitted in the campgrounds’ common areas, including playgrounds, kitchen shelters, washrooms, trails, or roads. In some regions, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, smoking marijuana will be allowed on hiking trails, as long as those trails aren't within the campgrounds themselves.
"While Parks Canada campgrounds are public areas, the agency treats individual campsites as temporary domiciles for our visitors. For this reason, at Parks Canada campgrounds, consumption of cannabis will be permitted in campsites," Parks Canada spokesperson Marie-Hélène Brisson told CBC.
Canada’s cannabis legislation applies to national parks, historic sites, marine conservation areas, and Rouge National Urban Park (in Toronto). Some campground locations and townsites may have additional regulations or restrictions. Parks Canada provides a webpage where you can check the rules in individual provinces and territories.