Parks & Recreation

Parks, trails, conservations areas and tourism locations showcase the best of nature and the outdoors in East Hants, providing families with an educational, fun experience!

 

  • Fundy Tidal Interpretive Park & Centre (South Maitland)
    Drop by the Interpretive Centre to find pamphlets, maps and more to help plan your tour on the 215; stroll out to the Observation Deck built right over the trestles of the bridge that originally spanned the Shubenacadie River. See the world famous Tidal Bore at your feet as it rushes up the river at the turn of the tide.
  • Dawson Dowell Park – Maitland
    Situated just at the edge of the village core of Maitland, this day-use Park provides easy access to spectacular views of Cobequid Bay and the famous Tidal Bore. Pause for lunch in the gazebo; parents will enjoy the garden plantings while the kids will love the playground facilities. An easy path over the Acadian Dyke wall will lead you to a public wharf, for an up close view of the turning tide rushing towards the mouth of the Shubenacadie River.
  • Ducks Unlimited Ponds, Wetland & Wildlife Conservation in Nova Scotia
    Ducks Unlimited maintains two ponds in the Maitland Heritage Conservation District, one behind Lawrence House Museum in Maitland (above), and one near the Fundy Tidal Interpretive Centre in South Maitland. Easy walking trails and interpretive boards provide visitors with a pleasant and informative self-guided nature experience.
  • Anthony Park – Lower Selma
    A day-use park, it's location looks directly over the waters Cobequid Bay, providing a stunning backdrop for your picnic by the wayside. Easy walking trails wind through the woods and down to the old wharf on the shoreline. Interpretive boards in the park and wharf side provide background information on the area, its natural features and wildlife.
  • Bell Park – Mount Uniacke         
    A Historic, 55-acre Nature Park, with more than two kilometres of signed trails.
  • Uniacke Estate Museum Park and Trails – Mount Uniacke
    Richard John Uniacke grew up in Ireland and wanted his country property, "Mount Uniacke," to be a working farm like the country estates he knew from back home. In 1813-1815, he built a large Georgian-style house, with accompanying barns and houses. There are six trails on the 2300 acres estate.
  • Nine Mile River Trails – Old Enfield Road, Nine Mile River
  • Burntcoat Head Park – 611 Burntcoat RD. (902-369-2529)
    3-acre park with walking trails, beautiful flower gardens, access to shoreline, breathtaking view of world's highest recorded tides, spectacular sunsets.
  • Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park – Hwy 2, Shubenacadie East (902-758-2040)
    Government operated park, featuring local and exotic wildlife, interpretive displays, and an adjacent picnic area.
  • Walton Lighthouse – Hwy 215, Walton
    The only remaining lighthouse in Hants County (c 1873). A brief history of Walton is documented on the second floor, with a telescope, and a view of Minas Basin tides can be appreciated from the third floor. There is also a walking trail to the look-off, gazebo, flower gardens and a wishing well.
  • Milford Trails

 

Camping and golfing are other great ways to enjoy nature and relax:

 

Other Outdoor Activities:

Tidal Bore Rafting – River Rafting is a unique experience for groups or the family! The powerful Zodiac-style river boats are strong enough to ensure a safe trip, but flexible enough for you to feel the full impact of "the river roller coaster"

For more Parks Tourism and Recreation information download What's Up East Hants!