Nova Scotia has restricted activities in the woods and banned open fires because continued hot, dry conditions have greatly increased the risk of wildfires.

Restrictions are in place as of August 5 at 4pm until October 15, or until the Province lifts the restrictions. There is a $25,000 fine for violating these restrictions.

What are the Restrictions:

• Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted. You can still access beaches and non-wooded parks, but not trail systems. Camping is allowed only in official campgrounds, such as provincial parks and private campgrounds.
   
• No open fires in any area of the province at any time of day. Campgrounds must follow burning restrictions. 
   
• Businesses must follow restrictions on travel and activities in the woods. Please close any areas of your business that require movement and activity in the forest. Do not permit burning, including campfires, on your property. Tour operators should ensure guided tours do not include activities in the woods.
   
• People can use a short trail from a parking lot to a beach but cannot take a long hike through the woods to get to beaches or lakes. Sportfishing is permitted in areas that can be accessed without travelling through the woods.

Links and Resources:

- Parks Status Overview : https://novascotia.com/parks-status-overview/
- Fire restrictions: https://novascotia.ca/alerts/
- Wildfire Prevention Restrictions: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/08/05/travel-activities-woods-restricted-prevent-wildfires

Messages for Travellers:

Businesses should help ensure travellers are aware of the current restrictions and encourage them to take advantage of the many other exceptional experiences Nova Scotia offers. You can consider using some of the following messaging when discussing the restrictions with your customers:

• To help prevent the start of wildfires, everyone must stay out of the woods. This includes hiking, camping outside of official campgrounds, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods and accessing trails systems. 
   
• There are many ways to explore Nova Scotia’s scenic natural landscapes. Beaches, coastal parks and campgrounds all offer exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors without travelling in the woods. 
   
• There is a province-wide ban on open fires (bonfire, campfires). However, you can still use your charcoal and gas barbeques and gas stoves following the manufacturer’s instructions.
   
• There is a $25,000 fine for violating these restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions for Travellers & Answers: 

Is Nova Scotia currently experiencing wildfires?
At this time, there are no major wildfires in the province. Measures have been put in place to prevent the start of wildfires because of exceptionally hot and dry weather conditions.
If there were to be a wildfire emergency, information will be shared athttps://novascotia.ca/alerts/ and on our trip planning website.

Can I still visit Nova Scotia, is it safe to visit? Are there still things I can do?
Yes, we are excited to welcome visitors to Nova Scotia! There is no concern for safety, these measures are intended to help prevent the start of wildfires. The restrictions only apply to activities in wooded areas. Nova Scotia is known for its incredible coastal experiences and there are many ways to explore our scenic natural landscapes. There are also many events, attractions and activities that will ensure a memorable trip and don’t require travel in the woods.

What are the current restrictions on activities in the woods?
Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted.
You can still access beaches and non-wooded parks, but not trail systems.
Camping is allowed only in official campgrounds, such as provincial parks and private campgrounds.
No open fires are permitted in any area of the province at any time of day. This includes bonfires and campfires. You can still use your charcoal and gas barbeques and gas stoves, following manufacturer’s instructions.

Can tourist accommodations (resorts, cottages, chalets) in a wooded area continue to operate?
Tourist accommodations can operate as long as guests only access their accommodations and they do not engage in any activities in the woods.

Can I still go camping in the woods?
No, camping is permitted only in official campgrounds like businesses and provincial parks.

What outdoor activities are allowed while restrictions are in place?
You can visit beaches, coastal parks and non-wooded parks, and camp in official campgrounds. You can use a short trail from a parking lot to get to a beach. Sportfishing is allowed in areas that can be accessed without travelling through the woods.

What is considered an open fire? Am I allowed to use a BBQ or gas stove?
There is a ban on open fires in all areas of Nova Scotia at all times of day. Theban on open fires will be in place until October 15 or until the Province lifts the restrictions. All provincial, municipal, and private campgrounds must follow the burning restrictions. The fine for violating the ban is $25,000.
The ban applies to open fires such as campfires, bonfires, fires in chimeneas and any other fire that is not enclosed and uses wood as the fuel. Non-woodburning devices like charcoal and gas barbeques and gas stoves are allowed to be used, following manufacturer’s instructions.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the restrictions?
If you have specific questions about where the restrictions apply, please contact the nearest Department of Natural Resources office: https://novascotia.ca/natr/staffdir/offices.asp