Nova Scotia National Parks
Welcome to Nova Scotia, a place where the Atlantic Ocean’s powerful waves crash into the rugged shoreline, the rich history of Canada’s First Nations and European settlers converge, and the diverse landscapes range from rolling highlands to picturesque coastal villages. Nova Scotia, located in Eastern Canada, is one of the three Maritime Provinces, known for its high tides, delicious seafood, and warm hospitality.
This province is home to over 5,000 lakes and more than 7,000 kilometers of coastline adorned with historic lighthouses and beautiful sandy beaches. The terrain varies from the low-lying coastal plains to the hilly landscapes of Cape Breton Island, offering a wealth of biodiversity and stunning views.
Nova Scotia’s national parks preserve these natural beauties and encapsulate the essence of this maritime province’s diverse ecosystems. These parks, notably Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Kejimkujik National Park, provide visitors with the opportunity to discover Nova Scotia’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife. From the pristine coastal waters and verdant forests to the rich Mi’kmaq heritage and Acadian culture, exploring the national parks of Nova Scotia promises a truly unforgettable journey through Canada’s eastern gem. Let’s begin this exciting voyage of discovery.
Map of National Parks in Nova Scotia
List of National Parks in Nova Scotia
Below is a list of these magnificent national parks in Nova Scotia, all offering distinct experiences, from exploring ancient forests and stargazing in dark sky preserves to discovering Indigenous history and enjoying the stunning coastal views. Dive in, and plan your next adventure in Nova Scotia’s national parks.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a captivating treasure located on Cape Breton Island’s northern tip, where the mountains meet the sea. The park covers over 950 square kilometers, showcasing a dramatic landscape of towering cliffs, deep river canyons, rolling plateaus, and vast stretches of forest. The world-renowned Cabot Trail winds through the park, providing breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and the rare Canada lynx. Popular activities include hiking one of the 26 trails, driving along the scenic Cabot Trail, beach-combing, golfing at the famous Highlands Links, and snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in winter. From breathtaking ocean vistas to peaceful forest walks, Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a testament to Nova Scotia’s extraordinary natural beauty.
Kejimkujik National Park
Known affectionately as “Keji,” this national park, located in the southern part of Nova Scotia, is a sanctuary of old-growth forests, crystal-clear lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Covering over 400 square kilometers, the park is also a celebration of the Mi’kmaq culture, with ancient petroglyphs and traditional canoe routes testifying to thousands of years of Indigenous heritage. Keji offers a variety of outdoor activities, including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and camping. It’s also a Dark Sky Preserve, making it a haven for stargazers. Its seaside adjunct presents a contrasting landscape with rugged coastline, white sand beaches, and abundant coastal wildlife, including seals and a variety of seabirds. Whether you’re exploring the backcountry, witnessing the fall deer rut, or gazing at the Milky Way’s vast expanse, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site offers a unique blend of natural and cultural experiences.
Sable Island National Park Reserve
Sable Island, an isolated sand island located about 300 kilometers southeast of Halifax, is often referred to as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” due to its treacherous waters and history of shipwrecks. The island, however, is a unique jewel, recognized for its ecological importance and designated as a national park reserve.
This narrow, crescent-shaped island is home to the world’s largest breeding colony of grey seals and the iconic Sable Island wild horses, which have roamed freely on the island for hundreds of years. The vast beaches, undulating sand dunes, freshwater ponds, and extensive areas of marram grass provide a unique habitat for a range of species.
Visitors to the park can witness the dramatic meeting of land, ocean, and sky, explore the sand dunes, and discover the rich history of the island, including stories of shipwrecks and life-saving efforts. However, visiting Sable Island is not easy due to its remote location and the weather conditions. All visits require permission from Parks Canada and must be carefully planned in advance. Despite its isolation, Sable Island’s raw natural beauty and biodiversity make it a captivating and unique part of Nova Scotia’s National Parks.
