Officials with the Fundy Trail Parkway say they are cautiously optimistic heading into this year’s season.
The 30-kilometre parkway — and all of its breathtaking views — is expected to open on May 15.
But as borders remain closed due to COVID-19, officials expect their visitor numbers will look a bit different this year.
“We’re not expecting a whole lot of visitation from outside of New Brunswick in the foreseeable future. “At the same time, the visitation from within New Brunswick will be huge,” said Greg Turner, president of the Fundy Trail Development Authority.
“Normally, we see about 55 per cent of our visitors are from the province, but we think this year that figure will grow substantially and we could be in a very good position.”
One thing which could help boost visitor numbers is the opening of the east end of the parkway for the first time.
The Sussex connector road is now complete while the connector road to Alma is expected to be finished in 2021.
Up until now, when visitors entered the parkway from the western end near St. Martins, they would have to retrace their steps and go back when they were done.
“It really wasn’t convenient, especially for folks who live in the Sussex, Albert County, or even the Greater Moncton area,” said Turner.
“It gives us a bit of newness and freshness. Of course, there’s a lot of people who have never had the opportunity to visit the parkway. This summer will be the summer to do it.”
Turner said once the Alma connector road opens next year, the parkway will be integrated with Fundy National Park, Hopewell Rocks and Cape Enrage.
He said staff are also working on four or five new additions to the parkway which are expected to open over the coming months.
For those who plan on heading to the parkway this year, Turner said several precautions will be in place to help protect visitors and staff from COVID-19.
“[Physical] distancing is number one for everybody, it doesn’t matter if they’re employees or visitors. Perhaps masks, perhaps gloves, these things are being worked on right now by the province,” he said.
Turner said they will follow any and all guidelines from the province and Public Health officials.
