News release

Provincial Parks to Open

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Many of Nova Scotia’s provincially operated parks will officially open for the season on Friday, May 18, in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.

"This is the long weekend that kicks off the summer season in this province, when Nova Scotians and visitors alike head for our provincial parks," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage. "Whether you are a camper, a hiker or a bird watcher, we want our parks to be available to everyone as early as possible."

The parks opening on May 18 include: Graves Island and Rissers Beach, Lunenburg Co.; The Islands, Shelburne Co.; Cape Chignecto and Wentworth, Cumberland Co.; Dollar Lake, Halifax Co.; Salt Springs, Pictou Co.; Mira River, Cape Breton; and Salsman, Guysborough Co.

Recent improvements to several of the parks have been made in an effort to improve customer service. They include a new flush toilet and shower facility at Salsman Park and newly constructed coastal and inland hiking opportunities at Thomas Raddall Park. Completion of a system of moderate to challenging trails and associated walk-in tenting opportunities at Cape Chignecto are also ready for the 2001 park season. A back country wilderness cabin is now also available at Cape Chignecto, with a second cabin and bunkhouse to be completed in July.

"Providing quality service at all our provincial parks is of great importance to this department," said the minister. "The natural beauty, combined with the park staff’s commitment to ensuring clean, safe and inviting areas, helps to ensure that visitors return to Nova Scotia year after year."

Camping fees at provincially operated parks are reviewed each year and are currently being assessed. It has been five years since fees have increased.

Those provincial parks that do not open on May 18 will open on Friday, June 8. They include: Valleyview, Annapolis Co.; Blomidon, Kings Co.; Thomas Raddall, Queens Co.; Ellenwood Lake, Yarmouth Co.; Five Islands, Colchester Co.; Amherst Shore, Cumberland Co.; Laurie and Porters Lake parks, Halifax Co.; Smileys, Hants Co.; Caribou, Pictou Co.; Boylston, Guysborough Co.; Whycocomagh, Inverness Co.; and Battery Park, Richmond Co.

Reservations can be made at all parks by directly calling the provincial park of your choice. For more information on specific parks, please contact your local department of Natural Resources office, or visit the Web site at parks.gov.ns.ca .