Residents of Nova Scotia are advised to avoid venturing into forested areas.
In response to the increased risk of wildfires caused by extremely dry and hot conditions, the province of Nova Scotia has implemented a series of restrictions on travel and recreational activities in wooded areas. These measures, which went into effect on August 5, 2025, at 4 p.m., are expected to remain in place until at least October 15, 2025, or until conditions improve.
The restrictions encompass a broad range of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and the use of vehicles in the woods. This ban applies to trail systems such as the Harvest Moon Trail and McMaster Mill in the Municipality of the County of Kings, as well as all other trail systems that run through wooded areas. Camping is only permitted within designated campgrounds and not in backcountry or wooded areas.
The restrictions also apply to provincial lands and likely extend to provincial parks, as they encompass wooded areas and trail systems. However, detailed guidance for Parks Canada sites and private lands has not been explicitly stated in the sources. Given that the provincial restrictions mainly target all wooded areas, it is reasonable to assume that these may also affect lands with woods or trails.
Violations of these restrictions carry a fine of up to $25,000. The province is urging people to avoid the woods and not to light any campfires, as most wildfires are caused by human activity. The burn ban does not apply to devices that do not burn wood, such as charcoal and gas barbecues.
Commercial activity on provincial Crown lands is also restricted. People with questions about the restrictions can call their local Department of Natural Resources office for more information.
Private landowners are discouraged from using wooded areas on their property and are not allowed to host others to use these areas. The province is encouraging everyone to take these restrictions seriously and do their part in preventing wildfires.
- The provincial restrictions on travel and recreational activities due to wildfire risks in Nova Scotia also extend to news broadcasts, highlighting the impact on outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing.
- In response to the implementation of these travel restrictions, many environmental-science-focused videos highlighting the province's natural beauty and outdoor activities may be postponed or rescheduled.
- As the weather continues to be dry and hot, the science community is monitoring the effects of these travel restrictions on wildlife habitats and ecosystems, particularly in wooded areas.
