The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, today announced the re-opening of Cape St. Mary’s and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserves as of Thursday, June 25.

At Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, only six people will be permitted to visit the viewpoint at any given time. Line-ups should be expected at peak times.

At Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, all hiking trails will be open and, as always, fossils may be viewed on reduced-capacity guided hikes. Visitors are encouraged to contact Mistaken Point staff by email at MistakenPointTour@gov.nl.ca or by phone at 709-438-1011 well in advance of their visit to ensure guided tours are available.

The open-air nature of ecological reserves facilitates safe physical distancing. At both sites:

• Indoor exhibits will be closed to the public until further notice;
• Visitor capacity will be reduced inside buildings; and
• When on the trails, visitors are asked to keep six feet (two meters) apart and pass other patrons on the right.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic guidelines, visitors and staff are reminded to adhere to any public health orders issued.

• Physical distancing must be maintained and entry may be denied to anyone exhibiting flu or cold-like symptoms.
• Protect yourself and your family by practicing good hygiene, washing your hands with soap and water, using hand sanitizer before and after touching common surfaces, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue, and wearing a non-medical face mask if you are able to do so.

Staff at Cape St. Mary’s and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserves are excited to welcome visitors back to the sites, which protect the province’s natural heritage and play a key role in its conservation strategy.

Quote
“I am excited to share the news that Cape St. Mary’s and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserves will be re-opening. Staff have taken a careful and cautionary approach, so people will feel comfortable and safe while visiting these venues that facilitate learning, research, and enjoyment.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources

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Learn more

Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve

Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries and Land Resources
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca