The Province is restricting travel and activities in the woods because continued hot, dry conditions have greatly increased the risk of wildfires.
The restrictions, effective as of 4 p.m. August 5, include:

  • hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted
  • trail systems through woods are off limits
  • camping is allowed only in campgrounds.

These and other measures are in place on provincial Crown and private land until October 15 or until conditions allow them to be lifted. The fine for violating the restrictions is $25,000.

Quick Facts:

  • the restrictions were put in place through a proclamation under the Forests Act
  • people with questions about the restrictions can call their local Department of Natural Resources office
  • a province wide ban on open fires started on July 30 and will remain in place until October 15 or until conditions improve; the fine for violating the ban is $25,000

Please stay out off all wooded trail systems, if it is wooded consider is closed.

Additional Resources:

Woods restrictions proclamation: https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/wildfire/woods-proclamation_2025-08-05.pdf
News release – Provincewide Burn Ban in Effect: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/07/30/provincewide-burn-ban-effect
Department of Natural Resources offices: https://novascotia.ca/natr/staffdir/offices_map.asp
Natural Resources on X: https://x.com/NS_DNR

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