Nova Scotia Provincial Parks

Helpful Tips for Visitors

Accessibility
We are commited to providing facilities and services that encourage park use by everyone, and are constantly modifying our parks and developing new facilities to meet that commitment. Over half of our parks offer some facilities for people with disabilities. Our special facilities at Lewis Lake Provincial Park, Halifax County include wheelchair-accessible fishing piers, nature trails, picnic sites, and viewing areas. For more information about accessibility, please contact the nearest Department of Natural Resources office or the Parks and Recreation Division at (902) 662-3030

Fishing and Hunting
With more than 9,000 freshwater lakes, countless streams and a long indented saltwater coastline, Nova Scotia offers many opportunities for the angler. A valid fishing license (available at NS Dept. Of Natural Resources offices and other vendors) is required to fish in inland waters. Regulations are available at point of purchase or online at the Nova Scotia Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture - Sportfishing Website.

A license is not required to fish in tidal waters, but you must adhere to the bag limits set by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

In the interest of safety, hunting is not permitted within provincial parks, and uncased firearms and bows are prohibited, unless otherwise posted.

Garbage and Recycling -- Please Help Keep Our Parks Clean!
Provincial regulations require that campers separate waste into five categories:

Refundables - most beverage (except dairy) containers
Recyclables - milk cartons, glass, metal and plastic food containers
Paper - clean dry paper such as newspaper
Organics - food waste, meat, fish and bones
Garbage - plastic/foam cups and utensils, wrappers and packaging

Pets
Pets are welcome, however, we ask that you keep other campers in mind by following these basic rules.

Keep your pet on a leash at all times.
Don't allow your pet to deface park property.
Clean up after your pet.
Pets are not permitted on the beach or in public structures.
Barking dogs will not be tolerated.

Safety in a Natural Environment
Parks are natural environments with certain risks you should be prepared for. When visiting coastal parks use caution when walking along the beach as the tide comes in quickly. Check for tide times before you head out.

When walking near cliffs, obey the signs and stay behind barriers as cliff edges are constantly eroding. Approach cliff edges only at designated viewing stations.

When swimming in unsupervised areas, approach the water cautiously and check for currents and undertow. Be aware of weather conditions that can affect waves. Always check depth before you dive.

If you encounter wildlife, enjoy it from a distance that doesn't startle or disrupt its activity. Encourage children to respect wildlife.

Weather
Our maritime location means summer temperatures range from daytime highs of 20^o - 25^o C (68^o- 77^oF) to evening lows of 10^o - 14^o C (50^o - 57^o F). Invigorating sea breezes near the coast are often best enjoyed with a sweater or light jacket. Inland the air may be 5 - 10 degrees warmer. Temperatures in spring and fall average about 10 degrees cooler. Environment Canada provides up to date weather conditions at http://weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca/forecast/maps/ns_e.html

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