Camping Parks Reservations Line to Open

Nova Scotians can take heart as a sure sign of spring is on the way. The toll-free reservation phone line and website to accept bookings for provincial park campsites is opening Wednesday, April 2.

"Nova Scotia's parks offer all the natural beauty, relaxation, and fun experienced through camping," said Natural Resources Zach Churchill. "About two-thirds of Nova Scotians are expected to visit a provincial park this year and many visitors to the province return annually to experience camping in our parks.'

The campsite reservation system is available, in English and French, at www.novascotiaparks.ca and 1-888-544-3434 between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Day-use provincial parks operate from Victoria Day weekend, May 17, until Thanksgiving Day weekend, Oct. 14. Opening dates for camping parks vary during May and June with closings in September and October.

Reservation fees are $9, with a $7 cancellation fee.

Before July 3, alcohol is not permitted in any provincial camping park.

Several camping parks have been improved.

Renovations at Graves Island Provincial Park on the South Shore are almost complete. New serviced sites are available and a new administration building will open this season.

Rissers Beach Provincial Park in Lunenburg County has serviced sites available for the first time.

The Mira River Provincial Park in Cape Breton and the Five Islands Provincial Park in Cumberland County are being redeveloped, which will close some campsites for the season. Online campground maps show campsites affected.

A Learn-To-Camp weekend will be offered July 5–6 in Blomidon Provincial Park.

For more information on Nova Scotia's provincial parks and a complete list of season openings go to www.novascotiaparks.ca .