Peninsular Nova Scotia is the second-smallest province in Canada and is located at the easternmost point of the continent of Canada. On the other hand, its extensive coastline is loaded with fishing coves, sandy beaches, Nova Scotia parks, lush islands, and a wide range of other beautiful spots.
When travelling from the foggy Atlantic Ocean in the southeast to the tidal salt marshes of the Bay of Fundy in the west to the Gaelic highlands of Cape Breton in the north, one encounters a terrain that has undergone a significant transformation.
Nova Scotia parks have a mild and humid climate in these maritime latitudes, making for a pleasant experience. The summer weather is bright and sunny, although the weather conditions may regularly bring fog, and there is snow in the winter.
The city of Halifax is both the capital and the biggest city in the province. The French, led by Samuel de Champlain, were the first Europeans to occupy the Annapolis Valley in 1604 when they founded Port-Royal, considered the first permanent European colony located north of Florida. They gave it the name Acadia, which is now often used to refer to all French colonies in the Maritimes.
The influence of the ocean may be seen across Nova Scotia, which is in the extreme east of Canada on the Atlantic coast. Spending time in the province’s magnificent parks and exploring on foot is one of the most acceptable ways to taste the local culture. Other ways to do so include indulging in some of the province’s mouthwatering freshly caught seafood and stomping your feet to the beat of Celtic music.
The water is virtually always in the immediate vicinity, and some of the area’s defining characteristics include the expansive coastline vistas and beaches with beautiful white sand. Of course, when there are more than one hundred provincial parks from which to choose, it might be challenging to select the best ones to visit nova scotia parks; nonetheless, the following are some of our top picks, along with the reasons why we think they are well worth a trip.
The Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Nova Scotia Parks
1. Kejimkujik National Park
Among all Nova Scotia parks, there is just one national park that makes up Kejimkujik. However, it is split into two distinct sections. Visit the central park, which is found in the island’s interior, or go to the Seaside Adjunct, located on the South Shore. Both of these locations are worth your time.
The park’s name comes from a Mi’kmaq phrase that translates to “place where fairies bloom,” which perfectly captures the park’s allure and beauty and the significance of its status as a national historical monument. The Kejimkujik National Park is located in the heart of Nova Scotia and spans around 400 square kilometres. Within the park is a small coastal annexe with a breathtaking stretch of white sand beach.
Locals refer to Kejimkujik as simply “Keji,” The area is home to a wide array of camping opportunities, including front country tenting and cottages, as well as RV sites and remote island campsites in the backcountry. In addition, Keji is an excellent destination for anyone looking to go trekking or kayaking.
The park is home to a wealth of historical Mi-kmaq, often written as Mi’kmaw, sites, many of which may be explored as part of petroglyph tours led by park rangers or First Nations workshops. In addition, the park’s position as a certified Dark-Sky Preserve makes for exceptionally breathtaking astronomy, another reason to visit.
One of the primary allures of this peaceful location is the country’s long and illustrious history of colonization by the Mi’kmaw people. This group of people has lived in this area for millennia. Visitors can learn more about Mi’kmaw culture by seeing Mi’kmaw artisan Todd Labrador as he creates traditional birchbark boats. They may also discover indications of Mi’kmaw life in the many petroglyphs throughout the area.
Because the bulk of the nova scotia parks can only be reached by canoeing or hiking, it is an excellent location for completely disconnecting from the outside world. People who want to stay completely submerged in nature may stay at one of the campgrounds located all around the park, or they can go on day hikes to get a better feel for the area.
2. The National Park of the Cape Breton Highlands
Your next trip to Cape Breton Island should include a stop at Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which is widely considered to be not just one of the most stunning parks in Nova Scotia but also one of the most attractive nova scotia parks in all of Canada.
The rolling Highlands eventually give way to the Atlantic Ocean, presenting tourists with views that are just stunning. With over twenty-six different trails to choose from, there is a wealth of new information to uncover in this beautiful area.
3. Cap Chignecto Provincial Park
At Cape Chignecto, some good hiking boots, a few boats, and a camera are all items that need to be brought along. This breathtaking park is situated near the Bay of Fundy. It provides guests with access to a variety of outdoor activities as well as panoramic views that are just breathtaking. In addition, it offers a variety of overnight accommodations, such as cottages, bunkhouses, and camping grounds, all of which are available for rent.
4. The Victoria Park neighbourhood
The magnificent Victoria Park in Truro covers an area of 1,000 acres, providing visitors with a wide variety of activities to choose from and enough space to enjoy an entire day. There is a canyon with steep sides and a variety of natural components, such as waterfalls, running rivers, hiking routes, and more. In addition, a wide selection of sports may be participated in for leisure, including swimming, cross-country skiing, tennis, cycling, and other pursuits.
5. Point Pleasant park
One of all the Nova Scotia parks, Point Pleasant Park, is a favourite location for locals since it offers a relaxing park getaway from the bustle of the city and is only a short distance from downtown Halifax. In addition to a small beach, historic fortifications, picnic areas, and forest areas with hiking trails, lookout points, and viewing platforms, the gorgeous park also feature picnic tables.
6. Summerville Beach Provincial Park
The waters of Summerville Beach Provincial Park are renowned for their agreeable warmth, and the stretches of stunning white sand in the area are renowned for their enormous lengths. The park is also home to a wide range of species. One of the region’s most stunning beaches is located near the Quarterdeck restaurant, which is close to the provincial Nova Scotia parks and offers some of the area’s greatest dishes.
7. The Cabot Trail
A magnificent trip that extends for around 300 kilometres and takes in the northwest coast of Cape Breton Island and Cape Breton Highlands National Park is included in the itinerary. This coastal route, which winds along the edge of some of Nova Scotia’s tallest mountains, may provide some of the most breathtaking views of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
In addition to its winding roads, this route is a favourite for motorcycle trips because it presents riders with a wide array of options for taking photographs of picturesque landscapes. Some of these opportunities include cliffs, beaches, and panoramas. In addition, the route is surrounded on each side by several teeny-tiny hamlets that serve as sites of attraction for passing hikers and visitors. These towns are home to a diverse array of local artists and stores specializing in a particular product or service.
One of the most common surveys and reservations of people’s preferences for leisure activities cites hiking as one of the top choices. In addition, there are several great hiking paths, which visitors may explore on their own or with a local guide who can point out the most notable landmarks along the way.
8. The Louisbourg, National Historic Site
The Fortress of Louisburg National Ancient Site is a living history museum that recreates life in a fort from the middle of the 18th century. The site has over forty historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and businesses operating today. The town was reconstructed on the site of a French fort that was completed in 1713, and it is encircled on all sides by large defensive walls, some of which were as much as 35 feet thick when they were built.
At the reconstructed area, there is now a cast of costumed interpreters acting out various aspects of their regular life, ranging from civilian to military. Visitors can see servants prepare meals and suits, subservience authentic hot chocolate and freshly baked bread, observe merchants hawking their wares, and even feel the earth shake as soldiers fire cannons and muskets.
9. Citadel in Halifax
Tunnels that resemble a labyrinth, powder bunkers, and barracks have all been preserved up to the present day, and interpreters who are immersed in the life history of the region provide tours of the area. Reenactments and fortress guards accompanied by interpreters dressed in British reds are here. The scenario is complete with the sound of gun salutes and bagpipes playing in the background.
The Old Town Clock is a well-known tourist attraction signed by Prince Edward in 1803 and can be seen on the route leading to Citadel Hill. From here, visitors can take in stunning views of the city and the harbour.
10. Historic Garden Anne Arundel County, Maryland
Next among the list of best Nova Scotia parks is the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens which are widely regarded as one of the finest examples of display gardens to be found anywhere in North America. The gardens cover an area of 10 acres and have historical and horticultural beds that are both exquisitely conceived and well-executed. The Governor’s Garden is planted in style and with the flora of the 1740s, while the Rose Garden comprises two thousand bushes set around paths with beautiful lawns in the centre.
There are demonstration plots for modern methods and species in various regions and a winter garden with plants selected for their bark, stem form, or look that makes them pleasant in the wintertime.
The view from the walkway around the garden’s back looks out over the river banks. Unfortunately, because the gardens are often used as a location for weddings, you may need to navigate past a joyful couple and their smiling parents.
Another well-known historical monument in Annapolis Royal is the Fort Anne National Historic Site, which was first constructed by the French in the year 1643 and then occupied by the British in the decade of the 1750s. The superb walls and ramparts have retained a significant amount of their original construction, despite the fact that the only buildings that are still standing are a gunpowder magazine from the 18th century and officers’ quarters.
Conclusion
On Friday, May 20, the gates to Nova Scotia’s provincial parks will begin to open for another season loaded with opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming, and discovering the natural world.
According to Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables in Nova Scotia, “Visiting our provincial parks is a fantastic opportunity for both Nova Scotians and tourists to experience our beautiful province and appreciate everything that nature has to offer.
“We are continually investing in enhancements to our park amenities so that visitors may enjoy them to the maximum to extensible. I hope everyone has a beautiful time in our parks this year, spending time with their loved ones and friends.
Even though the last of the campsites and day-use areas won’t open until early June, a few of them should be ready in time for the three-day weekend to celebrate Victoria Day. In addition, information on a variety of topics, including opening dates, rescheduled check-in hours, and standards for the use of generators, is now available to the public.
By clicking the link, you can read the article on Nova Scotia Cities. Before you visit Nova Scotia parks, you may learn more about the province’s cities and parks here.
