New Scotland hiking trails were closed due to the risk of forest fires

For the first time in recent memory, hiking routes of New Scotland are closed due to the risk of forest fire and extreme drought. The Canadian province has issued a complete prohibition of hiking, field trips and forest access in national and provincial lands.

The closure entered into force on Tuesday, August 5 at 4 PM AST and will remain in place until at least October 15, or until the conditions improve.

New Scotland, located on the Atlantic coast of Canada, east of Maine, is known for its forested landscapes, resistant coasts and many hiking trails. With a growing reputation among the backpackers, the province is home to the Kejimkuik National Park, the Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail and part of the International National Park of the Apalaches in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Why are Nova Scotia hiking trails?

The province is currently experiencing severe drought conditions, with weeks of warm and dry weather left by highly flammable forests. According to him Canadian drought monitorMuch of Nueva Scotia faces moderate to severe drought, and the authorities say that the risk of forest fires is high and generalized.

«The conditions continue to be extremely dry. Until we have a significant amount of rain, we have a high risk of forest fires,» said Prime Minister Tim Houston. «Most forest fires are caused by human activity, so to reduce the risk, we keep people outside the forest until conditions improve.»

More than 100 forest fires have already occurred this season. While everyone has been small and quickly extinguished, the authorities say that could change «in a beat» in the current conditions.

In addition to hiking and camp restrictions, the prohibition also applies to forestry, mining and other commercial activities in public areas of public property administered by the province. Companies and people who carry out this type of work must request permits through the Department of Natural Resources.

Any trapped violating the restrictions faces a fine of $ 25,000 cad.

What is affected by the prohibition of hiking in Nueva Scotia?

The prohibition includes all hiking in public lands, all field camps, any use of vehicles on forest roads and commercial and recreational activity in forested areas administered by the province. Private owners can use their own property, but cannot organize guests or allow others to access their wooded land.

While the beaches, the areas of daytime use and some parks remain open, the trail systems and the field areas, even within those parks, are out of the limits. There is also a total prohibition of fires, prohibiting fires, solid fuel stoves and open flames throughout the province.

The most emblematic walk of Cape Breton Highlands, The Skyline Trail, is now out of the limits under the prohibition of fire risk throughout the province, since it travels through vulnerable forest areas. Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Impact on hikers, tourism and local culture

The closure occurs in the height of the New Scotland travel season. Companies, guides and outdoor accommodations are already informing cancellations. Some travelers have had to discard the hiking trips of several days or modify the country’s itineraries on vacation less immersive on the beach.

Although not as internationally known as British Columbia or Alberta, New Scotland has become an increasingly popular destination for hikers looking for a quieter and more coastal wild experience, with a mixture of cliffs, old forests and sea views. The closures are a reminder that the risk of forest fires is no longer limited to the west of the United States or Canada, and that climate change is remodeling outdoor recreation even in traditionally humorously wet and wooded regions such as the Atlantic of Canada.

Generalized drought: Much of New Scotland faces moderate to severe drought. Dry conditions have pushed the province to prohibit access to the forest and travel in the field. Photo: Canadian drought monitor

Stay updated

The situation is being monitored closely and updates will be published by local and federal agencies. Before making travel plans, verify Nova Scotia Burnsafe map and restrictions and Canada parks Water and parks alerts.

«We ask everyone to cooperate, stay out of the forest and be sensitive,» said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources of Nueva Scotia. «We all have a role to play to support our safe communities.»

This website contains affiliate links, which means that the walk can receive a percentage of any product or service that you buy using the links in the items or ads. The buyer pays the same price that would do it differently, and his purchase helps to support the continuous objective of the walk to address his quality backpack advice and information. Thanks for your support!

For more information, visit the page about this site.