Opening of Nova Scotia Provincial Parks

It is time to start lacing up your hiking shoes, dusting off your sleeping bag and double-checking your map.

Nova Scotia Provincial Parks are about to open for another season of outdoor recreation.

Park staff are preparing for the new season, as residents and visitors are again expected to take advantage of nature's breathtaking scenery, relaxing campsites and activities for all ages.

"Our province's parks have spectacular views, great facilities and are fun for the whole family," said Natural Resources Minister David Morse. "We are looking forward to a season of safe and healthy active living at our parks."

Cape Chignecto in Cumberland County will open on Friday, May 11, and Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park in Colchester County opens on Tuesday, May 15.

All day-use parks and the following camping parks open Friday, May 18:
Blomidon -- Kings County Dollar Lake -- Halifax County Five Islands -- Colchester County Porters Lake -- Halifax County Graves Island -- Lunenburg County Rissers Beach -- Lunenburg County Thomas Raddall -- Queens County The Islands -- Shelburne County Ellenwood Lake -- Yarmouth County

The day-use portions of the following camping parks open on May 18, but the parks do not open in full until Friday, June 15:
Amherst Shore -- Cumberland County Battery -- Richmond County Boylston -- Guysborough County Caribou -- Pictou County Mira River -- Cape Breton County Salsman -- Guysborough County Smileys -- Hants County Valleyview -- Annapolis County Whycocomagh -- Inverness County

For the comfort and safety of all campers, an alcohol ban will again be in effect at some provincial parks.

For more information about the alcohol ban, provincial parks and for online campsite reservations go to the website at http://parks.gov.ns.ca . Reservations can also be made by toll-free telephone services, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., at 1-888-544-3434.