In response to continued hot and dry conditions that have increased the risk of wildfires in this particular jurisdiction, you could incur a fine of $25,000 if you hike, fish, camp, or drive in the woods due to restrictions that became effective as of yesterday, Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 4:00 in the afternoon Atlantic Daylight Time.
$25,000 Fine If You Hike, Fish, Camp, or Drive In The Woods In This Jurisdiction
The restrictions that are now in effect in the province of Nova Scotia in Canada include that:
- Hiking, camping, fishing, and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted
- Trail systems through woods are off limits
- Camping is allowed only in campgrounds
The fine for violating the restrictions is $25,000.00 in Canadian dollars, which is almost $18,191.00 in United States dollars.
Note that the restrictions are in effect for activities within wooded acreage. Access to the beaches and parks is still permitted in the province, which is almost completely surrounded by water.
These restrictions — as well as other measures — are in place on provincial Crown lands and private land until 2:00 in the afternoon on Wednesday, October 15, 2025; or until conditions allow the restrictions and measures to be lifted. Owners of private land are free to use their own properties; but they cannot host other entities to use wooded areas of their properties. Conducting forestry, mining, and any commercial activity on provincial Crown lands is also restricted, as a permit at a local Department of Natural Resources office is required.
“Conditions continue to be extremely dry. Until we get a significant amount of rain, we’re at an elevated risk of wildfires,” Tim Houston — who is the current premier of Nova Scotia — said, according to this official press release from the government of the province of Nova Scotia. “Most wildfires are caused by human activity, so to reduce the risk, we’re keeping people out of the woods until conditions improve. I’m asking everyone to do the right thing – don’t light that campfire, stay out of the woods and protect our people and communities.”
Wildfires have raged out of control in many parts of the entire country of Canada during the summer of 2025. Click here for additional information pertaining to emergencies and alerts in Nova Scotia.
“We’ve had about 100 wildfires this season”, Tony Rushton — who is the current minister of natural resources in Nova Scotia — said, according to the aforementioned press release. “They’ve all been small and put out quickly, but that could change in a heartbeat in these dry conditions. I ask everyone to co-operate, stay out of the woods and be sensible in applying these rules to help keep our people and our communities safe.”
Final Boarding Call
I was in Nova Scotia years ago and visited Peggy’s Cove and its lighthouse; enjoyed its version of smoked salmon; and stayed overnight in Halifax, which is the largest city in the province. I do not recall the province being very wooded; but the vegetation may have become more lush since I last visited there.
If you plan on traveling to Nova Scotia before 2:00 in the afternoon on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, note that you will be subject to the aforementioned restrictions and could be fined a whopping $25,000.00 if you violate them.
Photograph ©2020 by Brian Cohen.
