Nova Scotia’s provincial parks to celebrate Canada’s Parks Day

Nova Scotia's provincial parks will be celebrating Canada's Parks Day this weekend.

Canada's Parks Day takes place on the third Saturday of July each year and several parks in the province will be hosting events and activities.

Dollar Lake Provincial Park will have members of the Halifax Wildlife Association on hand to host demonstrations on fly-tying, fly casting, wildlife displays, reading maps, using a compass and GPS from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday. There will also be an archery range and kids games. Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to go over paddling basics for canoes and kayaks. All gear is on a first come, first serve basis and PFDs are mandatory.

Porters Lake Provincial Park will have prizes, games, hot dogs and cake for those of all ages from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday rain or shine.

McNabs Island will be hosting heritage tours on Saturday which will have a moderate level of walking. “Learn about the important role the island played as a Mi'kmaq First Nations summer encampment, a French fishing station, and as the protector of British North America.” Comfortable footwear is recommended and participants are asked to bring lunch, drinking water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Advanced registration and ticket purchase are required.

Blomidon Provincial Park will host a kite-making workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday for children of all ages. Parental supervision is required. Smokey Bear and Nova Scotia forest fire fighters will be at the park from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park will be holding Duck Day Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which will include a free barbeque, live entertainment, face painting, crafts, nest box building, critter dipping and more. Regular Park admission fees apply.

There will also be some events on Sunday.

At Graves Island Provincial Park, the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club will host an adults-only 10 km walk to historic Chester at 10 a.m. and a 5 km walk around the park's trails at 11 a.m. Sunday. There's also a potluck at 12:30 p.m.

Taylor Head Provincial Park will have a hike Sunday at 10 a.m. along the Headland and Spry Bay Trails where visitors will have the opportunity to identify plants and wildlife of the seashore, barren headland, and wetlands. The hike is expected to last around five hours and is challenging in some spots. Those planning on attending are asked to dress for weather conditions, wear sturdy footwear and bring lunch, water, binoculars, sunscreen and insect repellant.

For more information and a full list of activities, visit the Nova Scotia Provincial Parks website.

The Learn 2 Camp program will also be taking place at Dollar Lake Provincial Park this weekend, which teaches camping basics and includes a night of camping.