Outdoor pursuitsNova Scotia’s system of 120 provincial parks encompasses nearly 35,000 hectares (86,500 acres) of forested landscapes, heritage sites and beaches (scattered along an 8050km- (5000 mile-) long coastline). A network of interconnecting scenic routes provides easy access to these areas (see
Where to Go section). Amongst the wide range of possible outdoor activities, watersports predominate. Sailing, kayaking and canoeing (along the coast or on the myriad inland kayaking routes, particularly those in
Kejimkujik National Park), swimming (notably at
Melmerby Beach in the Northumberland
Strait) and deep-sea fishing are all popular. Anglers intending to fish in Nova Scotia’s 9000 freshwater lakes require a valid fishing license, which is obtainable from any Department of Natural Resources office in the province. Tidal bore rafting is available on the
Minas Basin, located in the
Bay of Fundy (see also the
New Brunswick section), which has one of the highest tides in the world. The
Fundy Shore Eco Tour is a self-guided nature and heritage tour featuring 37 observation points. Dolphin- and whale-watching tours leave from a string of ports along the coast – those from
Digby Neck (two daily trips from June to early October) and
Westport are among the best. Fossil hunting enthusiasts may sign up for a cliff tour at
Joggins, while visitors interested in geology can look for amethyst, agate, quartz and jasper around
Parrsboro. The
Provincial Wildlife Park at Shubenacadie is home to the province’s most characteristic wildlife, which includes moose, bear, cougar, coyote, the Sable Island horse and the bald eagle (of which Nova Scotia has a particularly high population). Tourism Nova Scotia (see
General Info section) provide a range of brochures (for example, the ‘Complete Guide for Doers and Dreamers’) to help visitors with planning an active holiday. For general information about sport and activities in Canada, see
Activities in the main
Canada section.
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