'It's going to be alright': Tourism operators along the Cabot Trail say they’re optimistic for summer
Phase 2 of Nova Scotia's COVID-19 reopening plan means most Parks Canada sites along the Cabot Trail were able to welcome back visitors on Wednesday – opening the door for an increase in tourism this summer.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to some of the most iconic tourist experiences, providing some of the prettiest views in the Maritimes.
(Photo courtesy: novascotia.com)
One food truck driver in Chéticamp, N.S. who went into business about one year before the COVID-19 pandemic began, says the opportunity for tourists will be a game-changer.
"That's what we kind of rely on," said Serge Paul Camus who owns a food truck. "Tourists coming around, stating in town and supporting local food."
The Chéticamp Campground sits just inside the entrance to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
According to Parks Canada, reservations for early summer are booking up quickly.
"Reservations after next week, up to Canada day and beyond into July are looking really great," said Kelly Deveaux with Parks Canada.
Yvette Lelievre is the tour guide at the Les Trois Pignons – a museum in Chéticamp showcasing Acadian culture and traditional rug hooking.
She says visitors within the park means more traffic for the museum.
"Obviously having people around where they can go to restaurants, they can go to B&B's and motels and have them around where they can enjoy the region and spend a little time, and a little money," said Lelievre.
According to Parks Canada, some things like tour group sizes and campground availability are still under reduced capacity in order to allow for physical distancing and COVID-19 public health guidelines.
"We ask that our visitors do plan ahead," said Deveaux. "Take the time to prepare for your visit. Make yourself aware of any travel restrictions."
Those along the Cabot Trail say they hope the increase in tourism will help make up for lost time and money.
"I'm going to be back to normal now," said Camus. "It's going to be alright, I'm not going to have to worry about paying bills."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn’t over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball’s highest scorer Caitlin Clark’s first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
Bayer recalls hydraSense baby product over 'potential contamination'
Bayer announced Thursday it is recalling two lots of its hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Easydose due to a potential contamination.
N.L. gardening store revives 19th century seed-packing machine
Technology from the 19th century has been brought out of retirement at a Newfoundland gardening store, as staff look for all the help they can get to fill orders during a busy season.
Cat found on Toronto Pearson airport runway 3 days after going missing
Kevin the cat has been reunited with his family after enduring a harrowing three-day ordeal while lost at Toronto Pearson International Airport earlier this week.
Grandparent scam suspects had ties to Italian organized crime, police allege
A group of suspects that allegedly defrauded seniors across Ontario and other parts of Canada using a so-called emergency grandparent scam appear to have ties to 'Italian traditional organized crime,' according to an investigator involved in the OPP-led probe.