Planning a national park camping trip? Better book ASAP
Emma Davie | CBC News | Posted: May 20, 2017 11:00 AM | Last Updated: May 20, 2017
Kejimkujik and Cape Breton Highlands are officially open for the summer season and spots are filling up
Nova Scotia's national parks are gearing up for a busy summer in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday.
Kejimkujik National Park officially opened for the season Friday, with its first weekend booked up to 97 per cent.
"I think that's a demonstration of the kind of interest and hunger people have," said Jonathan Sheppard, park superintendent.
"National parks, national historic sites ... each and every one tells a story of significant natural and cultural history. And when you put all of those together, they really tell the story of Canada."
To celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation, the federal government announced free admission to all national parks in 2017.
Sheppard said his team has gone into overdrive planning events around Canada 150, which he hopes will reconnect Canadians with the parks.
"We know that there are a lot of people who have a real interest in national park experiences but for various reasons, there may be barriers to them actually coming and having a camping experience."
Programming geared around Canada 150
Sheppard said their programs are sticking to the overarching Canada 150 themes, such as opportunities for youth, Indigenous reconciliation, health, environment, diversity and inclusion.
Promotions officer Julie Cossette said Cape Breton Highlands National Park is offering similar programs.
She said this summer people can learn how to boil a lobster, work with scientists to study biodiversity and learn to adventure through a guided tour of the park's hidden gems.
"This is really a great opportunity to visit the area, especially to come back if you haven't been for a little while," Cossette said.
She encourages people to make their bookings soon because already the park is seeing an increase in reservations for 2017.