NOVA SCOTIA: As the Victoria Day weekend approaches, residents and visitors across Guysborough, Richmond, and Inverness counties are preparing to head back to nature with the long-awaited opening of Nova Scotia’s provincial parks.
Four camping parks in the region – Boylston, Salsman, Whycocomagh, and Battery Provincial Park – will officially open for the 2025 season on Friday, June 6.
Day-use parks across the province, including those in Eastern Nova Scotia, open on Friday, May 16, offering scenic trails, picnic areas, and waterfront access for families looking to enjoy the outdoors close to home.
Provincial parks continue to grow in popularity. According to the Department of Natural Resources, more than a million people visited the parks in 2024, with 95,150 camper nights recorded – a 10 per cent increase from the previous year.
“Nova Scotia is blessed with incredible and unique natural spaces that are beloved by Nova Scotians, other Canadians and visitors from around the world,” Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said. “That’s why we continue to invest in improvements across our provincial parks, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the natural beauty Nova Scotia has to offer.”
Battery Provincial Park, nestled along the Bras d’Or Lake in St. Peters, offers stunning views, easy access to the historic St. Peters Canal, and is a favourite among campers seeking both nature and heritage.
Boylston Provincial Park, just outside the town of Guysborough, provides riverside campsites and quiet walking trails – perfect for families or solo nature-seekers.
Salsman Provincial Park, located near Country Harbour, features a scenic peninsula that juts into the harbour, offering peaceful camping spots and saltwater breezes.
Whycocomagh Provincial Park, overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake in Inverness County, is known for its breathtaking hillside views, wildlife watching, and access to nearby Mi’kmaq cultural sites.
Campers are reminded that alcohol and cannabis are not permitted at camping parks until July 1 at 1 p.m., and after that, only at rented campsites. Smoking and open fires are never allowed in day-use parks. Tick safety is critical – park-goers should wear long clothing and check for ticks after outdoor activities. Pharmacists can now assess tick bites and provide preventive treatment when needed.
With outdoor spaces more valuable than ever, the provincial parks in Guysborough, Richmond, and Inverness Counties offer a chance to reconnect with nature, unplug, and explore the stunning diversity of Eastern Nova Scotia’s landscape.
For more information on reservations, park openings, and fire safety, visit: parks.novascotia.ca.