6 Famous Provincial Parks In Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, there are more than 200 provincial parks, so it’s simple to locate a place to get some fresh air, exercise, and wildlife.

There is a provincial park nearby no matter where in the province you are. There are many ways to enjoy our parks all year round, from serene rest areas ideal for picnics to twisting routes for bicycling, hiking, and snowshoeing.

Naturally, Nova Scotia is home to much more than magnificent oceanfront parks.

Here Are the 6 Famous Provincial Parks Nova Scotia:

1. Summerville Beach Provincial Park

Summerville Beach, which is on the breathtaking south shore of Nova Scotia, has a mile of powdery-soft white sand surrounded by dunes and an open salt marsh. 

A wide 86 acres of open salt marshes and lovely white sand dunes make up Summerville Provincial Park, which is filled with waterfowl and several other creatures.

This is the place to go if you want to picture yourself racing across a field of foamy surf like in “Chariots of Fire.” Along the winding wooden boardwalks, explore the dunes, which are home to piping plovers that are constantly in motion.

There are fantastic restaurants and cottage rentals close by, and this place is typically not busy.

A half-mile length, sugar-white sand, and turquoise water make up the beach itself.  Visitors are asked to stay on the walkways when going to and from the beach because this is a piping plover habitat. 

Enjoy a picnic, go swimming, read a good book, or simply take a nap on a blanket while the ocean breeze keeps you cool.

2. Thomas Raddall Park

Thomas Raddall, which lies right over the harbour from Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct National Park, is a great retreat spot for bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts, making it one of the best provincial parks in Nova Scotia.

There are many areas to explore, including 82 campsites, three unmanaged white sand beaches, bicycling, and walking routes, and picnic areas covering more than 650 hectares.

Visitors to the park can also enjoy hiking along the park’s 11 km (6.8 mi) of coastal and forested multi-use trails.

Be sure to bring your binoculars because there are numerous types of feathered companions living in four adjacent migratory bird sanctuaries.

Amenities provided in the park include a disposal station, water taps, rest room with a shower, a dishwashing station, a trailhead building with a wood stove and much more. Leased pets are allowed.

They also have an enclosed building which is used for activities and programs or as a place to shelter on rainy days.

Containers for recycling and waste sorting are scattered throughout the park. Overall, you will have a remarkable experience there.

3. Smugglers Cove Provincial Park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFIbp3pTWx4

It’s simple to picture a rum-smuggling ship gliding stealthily into this protected harbour in southern Nova Scotia close to Meteghan while it’s cloaked in mist.

Dramatic beauty can be found at Smugglers Cove Provincial Park: Seaweed-covered rocks, rocky cliffs covered in thick forests, and quiet beaches dotted with big, polished stones.

Also hidden in the rocks at the base of the staircase leading to the shore is a large, naturally occurring cave. But possibly the most alluring aspect is the criminal past.

During Prohibition in the early 1900s, this was the go-to location for renegade rum runners to drop off their illicit cargo. 

Enjoy a picnic, take a trek along the cliff’s edge while keeping an eye out for gannets and cormorants, or even better, go geocaching and pretend to be a modern-day pirate in pursuit of stolen loot. In this region, kayaking and canoeing are excellent.

Pets and domestic animals are not permitted in park or beach areas and must always be on a leash.

There are rockfish conservation areas in this park. In Rockfish Conservation Areas, fishing is only permitted with the proper license.

This park offers options for scuba diving. The provincial park doesn’t have any lifeguards on duty. The park is filled with various activities for you to have a good time.

4. Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a lovely location in Nova Scotia where the mountains meet the sea and is one of the best provincial parks in Nova Scotia.

The park, which has a surface size of 948 square kilometres, was the first national park in Canada’s Atlantic province. 

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which is home to the well-known Cabot Trail, is renowned for its breathtaking ocean views, deep river canyons, and spectacular woodland plateau.

Explore leisurely coastal strolls or strenuous wooded hikes that lead to breathtaking vantage spots. Camping, swimming, cycling, golfing, and fishing are all enjoyable. 

The North Aspy River and the Chéticamp River flow through the park. The Skyline Trail is one of the park’s 26 clearly defined hiking routes.

Three different hawk species, two different owl species, northern gannets, kestrels, Bicknell’s thrush, and bald eagles can all be seen from this park.

Various animals that can be seen are white-tailed deer, beaver, mink, coyote, skunk, black bear, garter snake, wood turtle and much more. You can also try various activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, cycling, fishing, golf and camping.

They also have various programs such as Sweet Discovery where Mary Louise narrates aloud from her book of illustrations, talks about the Mi’kmaq people’s bond to nature, and indulges in some delectable maple syrup.

This program examines the interaction between people and trees while recognizing the value of our natural environment.

Learn about this remarkable place’s natural and cultural legacy by taking part in an interpretive program.

5. Blomidon Provincial Park

Blomidon Provincial Park, which rises spectacularly from the Minas Basin’s shoreline, is recognized for its breathtaking views.

The 759 hectares (1,875 acres) of Blomidon contain 180 m (600 feet) high cliffs, a range of habitats, stunning natural features, numerous species, and the highest tides in the world, which wash the shores of the island.

These natural destinations offer fantastic chances for camping, hiking, beachcombing, photography, or simply taking in the scenery. Picnic at Cape Blomidon’s summit or base.

Mud is the best when you’re a kid, so going to the park is a great family outing. And there is a lot of stuff in this park, particularly at low tide when you may walk for miles on the ocean floor.

Additionally, it has stunning cliffs, an abundance of wildlife, a variety of ecosystems, and stunning vistas. Although you might spend hours strolling on the mud flats, the park is actually traversed by five paths.

The Borden Brook Trail is 3.6 km long, however, there are trails as short as a 1 km circle. You can also hike the 13 km all-season pathways through mature hardwoods for many panoramic views of the Minas Basi.

In proximity to the Bay of Fundy, which has the greatest tides in the world, sits Blomidon Provincial Park. Where the mud finishes, dramatic cliffs that can reach 600 feet in height begin. 

You need to use caution when travelling through the Bay of Fundy’s mud flats. Although they are entertaining to watch, tides come in at speeds that most humans could never match.

6. Cape Chignecto Provincial Park

In Nova Scotia, Cape Chignecto Provincial Park has some of the best-unspoiled nature. Experience the sea cliffs that tower 180 meters (600 feet) above the ground.

Enjoy this stunning view of the Bay of Fundy’s coastline in the distance. You can watch the tides change from your couch.

Experienced hikers can spend many days exploring the backcountry in this unique location. For experienced hikers, Cape Chignecto also offers day hikes.

Two quick trails in the day-use area allow visitors to observe the cliffs and the bay without having to travel far. Your efforts will be well worth it to see the Bay of Fundy.

These are some of the first parts of larger, multi-day wilderness hikes. They are reachable from the guest entrance on West Advocate. From a quick 15-minute walk to the beach to a strenuous 24 km (15 miles) trip, there are many walks available.

The day-use area near the entrance to Eatonville Harbour offers a few less strenuous possibilities. A short stroll on an easy track will take you there, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Three Sisters sea stacks.

There are no drive-in camping areas. Numerous walk-in or hike-in locations can be found all across the park.

There are camping spaces near the Advocate main entrance and the Eatonville day-use facility. The multi-day Coastal path has a number of camping areas. You can also reserve cabins and bunkhouses.

The sea kayaking excursions offered at the park are amazing. For those who desire a multi-adventure and are skilled at sea kayaking, beach camping is an option.

Day tours are also offered by nearby vendors. Before going anywhere near the bay’s waters, make sure you are informed of the tidal schedule. Knowing the tidal schedule is crucial because the tides come in pretty swiftly.

There is a huge range of restaurants in Nova Scotia. From upscale dining to family-friendly eateries, bars, and pizzerias. Everyone can find something.

These were 6 famous Provincial Parks Nova Scotia offering different types of activities such as hiking, picnic spots, camping, kayaking, and much more. You will have an enriching experience on your visits there. 

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