Province Making Improvements to Provincial Parks
The Islands Provincial Park will get water system upgrades as part of a $12.8-million investment in provincial parks this year. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)
NOTE: The list of projects and funding amounts follows this release.
The Province is investing to make visiting provincial parks more enjoyable through improvements to roads, trails and accessibility.
“Our provincial parks are loved by Nova Scotians and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to spend time at the beach, in the woods and on the water,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources. “That’s why we’re investing in improvements that make our parks safe, enjoyable and more accessible while also boosting tourism and supporting local businesses.”
Dollar Lake Provincial Park is one of the parks getting upgrades. It is in the third year of a multi-year redevelopment. The Department is investing $1.6 million in 2025-26 in upgrading 38 campsites with water and electrical services, adding an accessible campsite and building new washrooms with barrier-free design features.
This year, a total of 40 parks are getting improvements such as paved roads, natural playgrounds, washrooms, beach access, trail improvements and parking lot, water and septic upgrades.
By investing in provincial parks, the Province is opening up more opportunities for Nova Scotians and visitors from around the world to enjoy the province’s beautiful woodland and coastal environments.
Dollar Lake Provincial Park will see 38 campsites upgraded with water and electrical services, with an accessible campsite added and new washrooms built with barrier-free design features. (Province of Nova Scotia / File)
Quotes:
“TIANS applauds government’s investment in Nova Scotia’s provincial parks system. These parks play an important role in our communities for all Nova Scotians to enjoy and are a star attraction for our visitors. Our natural heritage is incredibly important to our province’s $3.5-billion tourism economy, and today’s announcement helps fortify these special places.”
— Darlene Grant Fiander, President, Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
- the $12.8-million investment in 2025-26 is part of the capital plan commitment of $28.6 million for provincial parks from 2022-2027
- 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
- campfires are not allowed in day use parks, and the daily burn restrictions must be followed at camping parks; there is a $25,000 fine for violations
- people should take precautions to prevent tick exposure when they’re outdoors, such as tucking in shirts and pulling socks over pant legs
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia provincial parks:
- advisories and other parks information: https://parks.novascotia.ca/
- campsite reservations: https://novascotia.goingtocamp.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NSProvincialParks/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/novascotiaparks/?hl=en
Capital Plan 2025-26: https://beta.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/documents/1-2044/capital-plan-2025-2026-en.pdf
Nova Scotia BurnSafe map: https://novascotia.ca/burnsafe/
Tick safety: https://novascotia.ca/ticksafety/
Information on pharmacist assessment of tick bite: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/healthcare-services.asp
2025-26 improvements to provincial parks:
- Amherst Shore – new pit toilet and water system improvements; $30,000
- Battery – coastal monitoring, water system upgrades; $250,000
- Blomidon – new serviced campsites, new service area with waste station and water fill up; $1.5 million
- Cape Chignecto – bridge repairs on trail and Eatonville Road; new toilets and shower; new accessible cabin and toilet; $350,000
- Crystal Crescent – new parking lot, trail connection, entrance sign; $645,000
- Dollar Lake – campsite upgrades, paved parking lots, new washroom and lifeguard building, improvements to concession areas, accessibility improvements to the day-use area and beach access; $1.6 million
- Dominion Beach – beach nourishment pilot project and coastal monitoring program; $1.1 million
- Ellenwood Lake – upgrades to road and culverts, boat launch, retaining wall and water system improvements; $100,000
- Graves Island – causeway upgrades; $1.6 million in provincial funding, $1 million in previously announced federal funding
- Heather Beach – parking lot improvements, beach access upgrades, new lifeguard building; $100,000
- Laurie – complete bridge repairs; $50,000
- Martinique Beach – new road and parking lot, new lifeguard building and toilet/change house buildings; $1.8 million
- McNabs and Lawlor Islands – improvements to Garrison Pier; $450,000
- Mira River – new natural playground; $250,000
- Pondville Beach – new parking lot, new toilet/change house building, beach stabilization with recreational access; $1.1 million
- Porters Lake – road paving upgrades, culverts and trail improvements; $800,000
- Rainbow Haven Beach – coastal study and new entrance signs; $60,000
- Rissers – completion of bridge work, upgrades to day-use entrance and beach access; $250,000
- Smileys – new natural playground, new accessible toilet, emergency egress upgrades; $250,000
- The Islands – water system upgrades; $30,000
- Thomas Raddall – entrance building upgrades, water system improvements; $100,000
- Valleyview – water system upgrades; $30,000
- Whycocomagh – new dump station; $200,000
- all camping parks – internet service improvements; $100,000
- multiple day-use parks – new entrance signs; $50,000