News release

Nova Scotia Provincial Parks Set to Open

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Many of Nova Scotia's provincial parks will open on the Victoria Day weekend, May 20-23.

"Every year as the weather improves in the spring people look for places where they can enjoy the outdoors, and what better place than one of our provincial parks. These are places that were planned, designed and established for Nova Scotians to enjoy," said Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt. "More than a year ago our parks were battered by Hurricane Juan and the subsequent blizzard. It has taken department staff a lot of time and effort to restore the parks so that they can be ready for use. We owe them our gratitude. Because of them, we can enjoy camping, hiking, swimming and picnicking, and all the other activities our parks offer."

Many of the parks will open on Friday, May 20. The Victoria Day weekend traditionally kicks off the summer season in Nova Scotia for many outdoor activities.

Camping parks that open on May 20 include:

  • Dollar Lake, Halifax Regional Municipality;
  • Graves Island and Rissers Beach, Lunenburg Co.;
  • Thomas Raddall, the Region of Queens Municipality;
  • The Islands, Shelburne Co.;
  • Five Islands, Colchester Co.;
  • Blomidon, Kings Co.; and
  • Ellenwood Lake, Yarmouth Co.

Cape Chignecto will open early this year, on May 13.

The remaining campgrounds will open on Friday, June 17 including:

  • Salsman and Boylston, Guysborough Co.;
  • Laurie, Halifax Regional Municipality;
  • Mira River, Cape Breton Regional Municipality;
  • Caribou-Munroes Island, Pictou Co.;
  • Battery, Richmond Co.;
  • Amherst Shore, Cumberland Co.;
  • Smileys, Hants Co.;
  • Valleyview, Annapolis Co.;
  • Whycocomagh, Inverness Co.

"This time last year we were working to repair damage from Hurricane Juan and the blizzard. Happily, park users will be able to see the results of the work this year," said Mr. Hurlburt. "Visitors, however, can expect to see remnants of the damage as that is now an important part of the natural history of many parks."

Porters Lake Provincial Park, which was devastated by Hurricane Juan, is one example of the damage parks suffered. Construction activity continues at the park, which is expected to re-open a few weeks later than other camping parks.

Fees in the 20 provincial campgrounds remain the same this year at $14 for basic service and $18 for semi-serviced, which includes flush toilets and showers. Reservations can be made at all camping parks by calling the park of choice directly on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For more information on specific parks, call the Department of Natural Resources' parks phone line at 902-424-5937 or visit the department's website at parks.gov.ns.ca .

The Provincial Wildlife Park in Shubenacadie opens seven days a week beginning May 14. Fees at the Wildlife Park are $4 for adults, $1.50 for youth aged between six and 17 years old, and those under six years of age are free. Discounted group rates are available.