Nova Scotia provincial parks are getting ready to welcome visitors for the 2026 season, with most camping and day-use locations opening this Victoria Day weekend on May 15. While the season begins across the province this week, local residents should be aware that Amherst Shore Provincial Park will open later, on June 5, 2026.
The Government of Nova Scotia is preparing for another busy year after recording a record-breaking 103,690 overnight stays at camping parks in 2025. This marked the first time the system exceeded 100,000 stays in a single year, representing a 9% increase over the previous season. Across the entire provincial system, parks attract more than one million visitors annually.
To support the growing number of visitors, the 2026-27 provincial budget has allocated $9.5 million to improve campsite facilities, update washrooms, and upgrade roads, parking lots, and trails. This spending is part of a larger $28.6 million capital plan for Nova Scotia Provincial Parks running from 2022 to 2027.
Minister of Natural Resources Kim Masland noted that the province is focused on modernizing amenities to ensure more people can access these outdoor spaces. Officials are also reminding campers to stay safe during their visits. Campfires are only permitted after 2 p.m. and before 8 a.m. when the Province’s BurnSafe map indicates green status, or between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. when the map is yellow. Residents are reminded that failing to follow these guidelines can result in a fine of $25,000.
