Camping is back in time for Victoria Day weekend in Nova Scotia

Posted May 13, 2025 12:16:59 PM.

Last Updated May 13, 2025 12:39:27 PM.

Get the tents and portable stoves ready, it’s almost time to go camping — or at least for a nice nature walk.

Seven of the province’s 20 camping parks, and all day-use parks, will open on Friday, May 16, in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.

“Nova Scotia is blessed with incredible and unique natural spaces that are beloved by Nova Scotians, other Canadians and visitors from around the world,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. “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.”

According to the government, more than one million people visited provincial parks in 2024. There were 95,150 camper nights (paid overnight stays), a 10 per cent increase from 2023.

The province is also reminding excited campers to be mindful of fire risk, as people at provincial camp sites and other campgrounds are required to follow daily burn restrictions.

“That means campfires are only permitted after 2 p.m. and before 8 a.m. when the province’s BurnSafe map is green or between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. when the map is yellow – the same as campfires in people’s backyards,” the department of natural resources wrote in a media release. “If the map is red, campfires are not allowed.”

People who fail to follow those burn restrictions will be subject to a $25,000 fine.

Devices such as gas stoves and charcoal briquette barbeques can be used at any time, following manufacturers’ instructions.

In addition, alcohol and cannabis are not permitted at camping parks from opening day to July 1 at 1 p.m. From July 2 until closing in the fall, alcohol and cannabis are only permitted at rented campsites.

At day-use parks, campfires and smoking are never allowed.

And of course, be mindful of ticks.

The following camping parks are set to open this Friday, May 16: