News release

Blomidon Provincial Park Receiving Upgrades

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Government is planning to invest $670,000 in upgrades at Blomidon Provincial Park in Kings County.

The upgrades are part of a multi-year parks improvement plan and will include improvements to trails and the installation of new electrical services to campsites. Additions will also include a dishwashing station, toilets and an administration building. The damaged steps to the beach will be replaced by a natural walkway.

"Blomidon Provincial Park has had a great season, with more visitors and local park users enjoying its many campsites, wonderful views, and wooded walking trail," said Keith Irving, MLA for Kings South, on behalf of Natural Resources Minister Lloyd Hines. "As the season's end approaches, we recognize the successes, innovations, and improvements this year that have boosted our parks' popularity."

This year, the provincial park saw about 4,350 campsite bookings, an increase of 344 from 2015. This is an increase of nine per cent.

Renowned for its spectacular views, the park rises 180 metres (600 ft.) over the Minas Basin, and offers a 70-site campground with both woodland and open sites, two picnic areas, a nearby beach for swimming, and hiking trails through woods.

Provincial parks enjoyed record participation this year. About 70,000 campsite bookings have been made in provincial parks this year, a 24 per cent increase over 2015.

The parks system saw many improvements and popular new programs this year, including:

  • a new, more user-friendly parks reservation website making online campsite reservations easier, resulting in the busiest opening day ever
  • two free nights offered to Grade 4 students in the form of a coupon that were used by 825 families
  • a discounted campsite rate for veterans who served Canada or any Commonwealth country was introduced this year, and more than 10,500 of campers took advantage of either the veterans discount or the seniors discount
  • a Learn 2 Camp program organized by Scouts Canada for first-time campers at Blomidon Provincial Park. Seven families participated, including two families who are new Canadians
  • there were 83 campground hosts units this year, who help to make visitors feel welcome while helping campers find local events and features that match their interests. Sixteen out of 20 provincial camping parks participate in the campground host program.

Nova Scotia has 130 camping, day-use, and beach parks. More information about provincial parks is available at http://parks.novascotia.ca.