Canada's Parks Day, Nova Scotia Events

A day of fun festivities celebrating Canada's Parks Day is in store for Nova Scotians and travellers visiting provincial parks on Saturday, July 16.

Family fun day events, biodiversity walks, coastal hikes, interpretive tours, and many more activities are being offered at 20 provincial parks and one protected wilderness area.

"Our provincial parks are wonderful places to spend a day immersed in nature and enjoying healthy, summer activities," said Sterling Belliveau, acting Minister of Natural Resources. "Canada's Parks Day is great time for families and friends to get together to explore and enjoy Nova Scotia's natural environment."

This year marks the 22nd annual Canada's Parks day. It was first hosted at Dollar Lake Provincial Park, Halifax Regional Municipality, in 1990 and some of the original organizations continue to return each year to take part in the celebrations.

This year, events at Dollar Lake will include a wildlife presentation, canoe paddling and lessons, and a fishing program. Whycocomagh Provincial Park in Inverness County, will feature a family fun day and the 11th annual sandcastle building competition will be held at Rissers Beach Provincial Park on the south shore.

Archery and an evening star gazing program will be offered at Thomas Raddall Provincial Park in Queen's County. Workshops on kite making and the biodiversity of mudflats will be offered at Blomidon Provincial Park in Kings County, along with a chance to meet Smokey Bear and some Nova Scotia forest firefighters.

Parks Day events are arranged by government agencies, recreational clubs, community organizations and individuals. They are co-ordinated by the Department of Natural Resources.

For more information visit: www.novascotiaparks.ca