Nova Scotia Parks
Nova Scotia is home to many beautiful Provincial and public parks; whether in the summer or winter seasons!
bay of fundy & Annapolis valley
Anthony park
Anthony Park overlooks Cobequid Bay, making it an interesting destination for a cold winter's day. As it's part of the Bay of Fundy, you'll be able to enjoy the extreme push and pull of the tides. You can walk along the beach any tidal time, but if it's low tide you can venture out onto the ocean floor (make sure to wear waterproof boots). If you're looking for an educational experience, there are panels at the park detailing the history of the park!
Blomidon lookoff
Rising majestically from the shores of the Minas Basin, Blomidon Provincial Park is renowned for its spectacular views. Blomidon's 1875 acres include 600 ft high cliffs, a variety of habitats, striking natural features, abundant wildlife - and the world's highest tides wash its shores. These natural attractions provide excellent opportunities for camping, hiking, beach combing, photography or just appreciating nature. Picnic at the top, or the foot, or Cape Blomidon. Hike the all-season trails, 13 km, through mature hardwoods, with numerous panoramic views of the Minas Basin.
Five islands
Rising from the shores of the Bay of Fundy, Five Islands Provincial Park is one of Nova Scotia's premiere outdoor destinations. Situated 24 km east of Parrsboro, the park features 300 ft sea cliffs overlooking the world's highest tides, a spectacular setting for camping or any of the many opportunities that abound for hiking, beach combing, rock collecting, and clam digging. Red Head Trail offers four of the best views of the islands basin. Enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the west side of Economy mountain with 5.2 km of tracked trails, which are marked and mapped. Although there are no facilities or services offered in the winter months, the park is open for winter recreational activities.
cape
breton
island
battery park
Battery Provincial Park is situated on a hillside overlooking St. Peter's Bay adjacent to the St. Peter's Canal National Historic Site. The Park entrance is on the east side of the bridge at the canal. Battery features a small saltwater beach (unsupervised), an interpretive display, picnic area with ocean frontage, and 3.7 km of hiking trails.
cape Breton highlands national park
The world-famous Cabot Trail weaves through 950 sq. km of magnificent highlands and coastal wilderness in northern Cape Breton. The park offers 26 hiking trails, caping, golf, cycling, incredible wildlife, look-offs, and more.
North river
North river Wilderness Area straddles the North River Valley. This wilderness area protects more than 5000 hectares of highland plateau, uplands and rugged river valley. This area features outstanding examples of geological, fluvial and ecological processes. Mature-old deciduous forest ecosystems are found along the lower valley slopes, together with some hemlock.
eastern shore
Lawrencetown Beach
Lawrencetown Beach is a provincial beach park 19 km east of Dartmouth on Route 207 along the Eastern Shore. This popular sand-and-cobble beach is noted for its surf. Strong waves make it perfect for surfing! The park has a supervised swimming areas in July and August. Park features include ramped boardwalks, change houses, showers, and flush toilets.
Musquodoboit valley
Musquodoboit Valley Provincial Park in the Eastern Shore region is located in a field bordering the Musquodoboit River, 42 km North of Route 7. Tables are scattered throughout the area, many are shaded by large hardwoods. A playground is on site. The park provides canoeing and kayaking opportunities, as well. The large area is also perfect for snowshoeing during the winter!
Tor bay
Tor Bay Park is one of the lesser-known gems of the Eastern Shore. It's a picnic park on the point which lets you look out to the wide open Atlantic. You can walk along the beach and the boardwalks to work up an appetite for your lunch. Tor Bay park also provides educational panels about the local environment as well as the site's historical significance.
halifax metro
crystal crescent
Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park is situated in Sambro Creek. This beautiful park has 3 white-sand crescent beaches to enjoy with boardwalks to the first 2 beaches and 2 vault-toilet facilities. The park is also the trailhead for a hike to Pennant Point, 10 km each way, giving you an opportunity to explore the area's wildlife including bird watching.
Long lake provincial park
Long Lake Park is the perfect destination for groups that can't decide on what to do for the afternoon! There are trails to explore, wildlife to observe, and much more! The park is also located close to downtown Halifax, s you can explore the city and the great outdoors in the same day!
sackville lakes
Sackville Lakes Provincial Park is a 283 ha natural environment park located in Lower Sackville, Halifax County. The park offers an attractive forest setting in a near-urban environment for walking, hiking, and walk-in lake access for canoeing or kayaking. Visitors will wander through stands of near-old growth forest, along wetlands and past drumlins. Trails within the park are being developed and managed by a local community group. Accessible vault toilets are located in the parking area.
northumberland
arisaig
Arisaig Provincial Park is a small picnic park located near the community of Arisaig, 27 km North of Antigonish in the Northumberland Shore region. The park overlooks the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait and offers a fascinating window of life on earth 443 to 417 million years ago. These sedimentary rocks are rich in fossils and features that have helped geologists interpret the ancient environment of this area. A 1.6 km loop trail provides access to many interesting features. The shoreline includes a viewing platform and several access points to the beach.
beaver mountain
On clear days, you can not only see Antigonish County but Cape Breton Island in the distance as well. The park is located in James River, Antigonish County. The park has a small picnic area with beautiful views of Antigonish and Cape Breton Island, as well a well-marked trail system. The 6 km trail system offers everything from leisurely paved walkways to fairly challenging unpaved hills - great for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, wildlife observation or long hikes or quiet walks in the woods. Park amenities include parking, picnic areas, fresh water taps, vault toilets, rest areas with benches and an interpretive kiosk with details of the park, its hiking trails and the area's natural history.
salt springs
Salt springs is nestled against the banks of the West River in the Northumberland Shore region and is a popular picnic stop for visitors to this region of the province. The park has tables next to the highway convenient for a quick stop, as well as tables along the West River on the edge of a large open field. Group use is available. Park amenities include picnic tables, water taps, and vault toilets.
south shore
Fancy lake
Fancy Lake Provincial Park is a small picnic park on the shores of Fancy Lake in Conquerall Mills on the South Shore. The park offers a lunch stop and an opportunity for a swim in fresh water and to explore the area's wildlife. Other park activities include canoeing, kayaking, and sport fishing.
Graves island
Joined to the mainland by a short causeway, Grave Island is typical of the many small islands found along Nova Scotia's Atlantic coast. The park offers a 3 km coastal walking trail overlooking the picturesque Mahone Bay, as well as a spacious picnic area. This quiet oceanside campground has long been a popular vacation spot for Nova Scotians and visitors alike. The park is an excellent location for outdoor adventures including sea kayaking and biking along the South Shore, as well as day tripping to the area's many attractions.
port l'hébert
Port L'Hébert Provincial Park is a 71 ha outdoor recreation park located off Hwy 103 near Port Joli. The site features a 2.1 km looped trail through hardwoods and granite boulders left by retreating glaciers and providing a pleasant walk with a n attractive view of the coast. The adjoining waters of Port L'Hébert are designated as a federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary thus waterfowl viewing opportunities abound. Potential for cross-country skiing. Services include a parking lot, picnic area and vault toilets.
yarmouth & acadian shore
ellenwood lake
Ellenwood Lake Provincial Park, 282 acre site located in Deerfield offers swimming, sport fishing and hiking. Swimming at the day-use area is supervised in July and August. A 2 km trail provides a relaxing hike for most age levels and hosts a wide variety of plant life, birds and animals. In the winter, it's perfect for cross country skiing and snow shoeing.
mavillette beach
Mavillette Beach Provincial Park, located in the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region, is a 1.5 km long sandy beach backed by fragile marram grass-covered dunes protected by boardwalks. Low tide exposes sand flats; then the hot sand warms the water. Supervised swimming on Saturdays and Sundays in the months of July and August, the park facilities include change houses, vault toilets, freshwater taps, bird watching platforms, interpretive panels, and a parking area and boardwalks to access the beach. The beach has a fragile ecosystem so it's important to follow all the designated walkways and rules to protect the land!
smugglers cove
Smuggler's Cove Provincial Park located in Meteghan in the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region is a picturesque picnic park with tables in an open field overlooking a small cove and cave. Smuggler's Cove was a prime location for the smuggling of liquor during prohibition in the 1920s. The cove fills with ocean water during high tide and becomes inaccessible but can be reached during low tide. There is a path to viewing platforms, and visitors may proceed down the 80 step stairway to the ocean floor during low tide. Interpretive panels on site explain the history of the area. This area is also a treasure trove of geocaches that you can find through various apps.