Seven provincial parks will open for overnight camping Friday, May 16, and the remaining parks will open in June. Most day-use parks are open for visits between the Victoria Day weekend and Thanksgiving weekend in October.
The parks opening for camping on the Victoria Day weekend are Cape Chignecto (Cumberland County), Porters Lake (Halifax County), Blomidon (Kings County), Graves Island and Rissers Beach (Lunenburg County), Thomas Raddall (Queens County) and Ellenwood Lake (Yarmouth County).
“We saw a 14 per cent increase in reservations the day we opened the reservation lines this year and we’re looking forward to a busy season,” said Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill. “Our parks offer a great experience and great value for Nova Scotians and for tourists.”
Upgrades at Five Islands and Mira River will close one camping loop in each park. With last year’s upgrades at Graves Island complete, campers have a choice of new water- and electricity-serviced sites, and there is a new park office and other benefits.
Overnight fees vary based on services available, from $19.40 a night up to $34.55. Yurts are available at Whycocomagh for $58.20 a night.
The parks will host more than 150 events this year, focusing on activities such as swimming, camping, enjoying nature and geocaching.
Learn 2 Camp is back July 5 and 6 at Blomidon Provincial Park. Learn 2 Camp reservations close at noon, June 23. For more information, e-mail parkinfo@gov.ns.ca .
Visitors should remember that dogs must be on leash. Alcohol is not allowed in any park before Wednesday, July 2.
To reserve an overnight campsite, call 1-888-544-3434 or visit www.novascotiaparks.ca .
There were about 1.5 million visits to provincial beaches and parks last year and more than 65 per cent of Nova Scotians have visited the provincial parks at least once.
Source: Release