Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park A Perfect Stop

NATURAL RESOURCES--Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park A Perfect Stop

When some people want a vacation, complete with history, scenery and great experiences, they call a travel agent. Those who want to experience all this and more without breaking the bank visit Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park in Pictou County.

Located in Pictou County along the Northumberland Strait, this park provides great camping experiences at minimal cost. It is also a picturesque spot for a picnic or a swim. Just a few kilometres from the Caribou/Wood Islands ferry, it is the perfect stop on the way to or from Prince Edward Island.

Renette Robichaud, a university student from West Pubnico, says picnics at provincial parks are part of many of her childhood memories. "The fun we had at parks throughout the province helped bring our family closer together. A picnic at the park was always the first stop on any family adventure."

Visitors to the Caribou/Munroes Island park can enjoy the mile- long sand beach and warm salt water swimming. There is also a walking trail along the beach that leads to Munroes Island, which was a farm until the 1940s and is now a wilderness reserve. Eagles, ospreys, seals, herons and many other species of birds are seen on the 10-kilometre round trip. At the far end of the island you can watch the P.E.I. ferries as they pass by.

After enjoying the area's scenery, visitors can learn more about its history. Attractions in the area include the Northumberland Fisheries Museum and the Hector National Exhibit Centre in Pictou, the Museum of Industry in Stellarton and the Carmichael- Steward House Museum in New Glasgow. All are within a short driving distance.

Travellers interested in camping at one of Nova Scotia's provincial parks are not alone. In 2002, more than 11,000 reservations were made provincewide. When camping at a provincial park, visitors are likely to meet others from across the province, the country, and even the continent. Last year campers came from every province and state, as well as Puerto Rico.

For those who enjoy camping but prefer not to "rough it", the recent addition of a comfort station brings the convenience of flush toilets and showers to the Caribou/Munroes Island park. And with the town of Pictou close by, lost toothbrushes and forgotten first aid kits are nothing to worry about.

Caribou/ Munroes Island has other new services to offer campers. This year, the park will have campground hosts for the first time. These volunteers supplement the efforts of park staff to ensure enjoyable visits for all. Another new addition to the park this season is the RV camping loop. This loop will provide ample space for larger RVs and is conveniently located close to the beach.

Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park is located 11 kilometres west of the junctions of Routes 6, 106 and 376 on Nova Scotia's Northumberland Shore. It is four kilometres east of the Caribou/Wood Islands ferry to Prince Edward Island.

To make reservations, phone the park directly at 902-485-6134 during the camping season, which runs from June 20 to Oct. 13.