As per the government of Nova Scotia’s announcement - hiking, camping, fishing and use of vehicles such as ATVs in the woods is banned as of 4 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2025, due to an elevated wildfire risk.

Camping in campgrounds is still permitted, but trail systems through woods are off-limits under the new rules. This includes the Back Harbour Trail and the Bay-To-Bay Trail. It does not include the Lunenburg Harbour Walk.

While the restrictions are in place, people can still access beaches and parks, but not the trail systems. Private landowners are free to use their own properties but cannot host others to use wooded areas of their properties.

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.

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