Friday, January 24, 2020
Hidden gems no more! Parks Canada is using innovation and collaboration to offer new must-visit attractions at Nova Scotia’s National Parks and Historic Sites.
The federal agency is actively developing new ways for visitors to experience these special places, giving them even more reasons to come to Nova Scotia. Parks Canada works with a wide variety of partners including local small businesses, Mi’kmaw groups and Tourism Nova Scotia to create interpretive programming and interactive experiences at sites across the province.
“Our parks and sites are always working with partners to develop new and innovative programs,” says David Millar, Parks Canada Executive Director for the Atlantic Provinces. “Not only do these programs attract international visitors, but they also enable more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience the outdoors and learn about our environment and history.”
Parks Canada recently announced $1.6 million to develop facilities and public programming on Georges Island in Halifax Harbour. With its storied history and proximity to the Halifax waterfront, Georges Island is another site that has captivated visitors’ attention but visitation opportunities were limited to special events. Regular island access during summer months will be created through a joint project funded via the Government of Canada, Develop Nova Scotia, and Province of Nova Scotia’s Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program, which is administered by Tourism Nova Scotia.
Sable Island National Park Reserve has long captured the imagination of people near and far, but given its remote location and unpredictable weather, opportunities to visit the island are limited. Parks Canada will continue to work with partners and stakeholders to develop carefully managed opportunities for people to visit and experience the island.
Most recently, Parks Canada released the first management plan for Sable Island, laying out the vision for the park and charting the course for visitor experiences on the island. The strategic plan focuses on protecting Sable Island’s unique ecosystem, promoting sustainability, and giving people a sense of connection to the island through on- and off-site experiences. Parks Canada is currently in the process of developing a Visitor Experience Strategy as well as a Code of Ethics for responsible visitation. Today all visitors to the Island are required to follow strict bio-security protocols to reduce the risk of introducing plants, seeds, soil and diseases. Visitor clothing and footwear is visually inspected for any obvious seeds or insects and footwear is also cleaned and disinfected prior to travel to the island. These steps help prevent the introduction of any invasive species that could negatively impact Sable Island’s unique ecosystem.
Local business, Whynot Adventure is Parks Canada’s official Keji Outfitters at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. Whynot Adventure offers visitors guided tours and equipment rentals including camping equipment, bicycles, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. These services help ensure national and international visitors can get the full Keji experience without having to lug camping equipment on a plane. Visitors can rent a sleeping bag or opt for a full camping package with a tent, camp stove, and everything they need.
Cody Whynot, co-owner of Whynot Adventure, says the business has a great partnership with Parks Canada.
“Often our meetings with Parks Canada are buzzing with a synergistic energy I can only assume to be likened to that of an experience focused think tank. We have leveraged each other’s strengths and have assisted where limitations existed, resulting in an exceptional experience for our mutual guests,” says Cody.
Nova Scotia’s two national parks and several national historic sites have partnered with local restaurants to offer visitors Perfect Picnics. For example, at Cape Breton Highlands National Park, visitors can order a fresh picnic lunch from Aucoin’s Bakery in Cheticamp, and the Bean Barn Café and Deli or Salty Rose’s and the Periwinkle Café in Ingonish and enjoy local cuisine at one of the recommended picnic locations in the park. The Perfect Picnic is also available at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site (including Kejimkujik Seaside), as well as Port-Royal, Fort Anne and the Halifax Citadel.
Some of Parks Canada’s new projects extend beyond the physical realm. The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Fortress of Louisbourg and Halifax Citadel introduced new virtual reality exhibits that bring history to life for visitors. At the Alexander Graham Bell site, visitors can travel back in time to Baddeck in 1919 and race Alexander Graham Bell's experimental hydrofoil – the HD-4. At the Fortress of Louisbourg, visitors take on the role of a French messenger who must navigate the busy harbour at the helm of a shallop to deliver an urgent message from Mi’kmaq scouts about the risk of English spies in the area. The exhibits were both developed by Sydney-based digital technology company, VMP Group. At the Halifax Citadel, visitors can stand atop one of the two viewing platforms and get a 360-degree view of what the fort and city looked like in 1944 and learn more about Halifax’s crucial role during the Second World War.
It’s no secret to us at Tourism Nova Scotia that Parks Canada is fantastic partner. We’ve worked extensively with Parks Canada through both our Digital Content Marketing Program and World-Class Experience EXCELLerator Program. For example, Parks Canada is a partner in Candlebox Kayaking’s Seaside Adventure and Beachside Feast EXCELLerator experience at Kejimkujik Seaside, which launched this year. The experience includes a shoreline paddle and opportunity to explore the coastal ecosystem with a Parks Canada interpreter. Taste Halifax Food Tours’ Best of Halifax Foodie Adventure EXCELLerator experience starts with a private, behind-the-scenes charcuterie and spirit tasting inside Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
Parks Canada is a great example of how an organization can use new technology and partnerships to create unforgettable experiences that draw visitors to Nova Scotia.
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