How to prepare for your attendance at a Park recreational event
It’s advisable to phone or email the event contact person to confirm the event is on schedule. You may also want to confirm the location in the park where participants meet to start the event.
Some events require pre-registration and a confirmation to be issued to participants.
Some events require a registration fee.
Parental supervision is required (except for youth day-camps).
Leashed pets may be permitted at some events. Please check in advance.
A rain date has been set for some events. If in doubt, check with the event contact person.
Tips for an enjoyable event
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Closed-toe footwear with good tread is advised. No open toes or flip-flops.
- For water-based events such as clam digging or fishing, boots or other water-proof footwear is recommended.
- Dress in layers. Coastal locations and those at higher elevations can have significantly cooler temperatures than inland areas or low elevations.
- Follow the weather forecast and bring raingear if necessary.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and drinking water.
- Depending on the length of the event and the exertion level required, carry snacks and lunches to keep your energy up.
Get the most out of events by bringing supporting equipment such as:
- For hikes: walks, birding: binoculars, field guides
- For storytelling: camp chairs
- For clam digging or sand castle building: buckets, shovels, digging tools
- For evening events: flashlight
- Your camera
Some skills sessions such as fishing, paddling, or biking may require that you bring your own equipment and safety gear such as PFDs and helmets.
If your event involves hiking
Event leaders may rate the challenge of their hikes in different terms. Please visit their websites for detailed descriptions of their rating systems.
Preparation for long or backcountry hikes
Before You Arrive
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.
- Dress in layers for various weather conditions. Wear sturdy hiking footwear.
- In your pack, carry a map and compass or GPS, communication device, flashlight, First Aid Kit, insect repellent, sun protection, and food and drinking water.
- Bring a walking stick and a whistle or other noisemaker. This is bear, moose, and coyote habitat.
- Leave valuables at home rather than in your vehicle.
Plan Your Route
- Stay on established trails.
- Approach cliffs only at designated viewing areas. The cliff line is constantly eroding and may be unstable.
- Boil, filter, or treat all water before drinking.
Cape Chignecto: Keep food away from your tent; hang it in a tree 4 metres (13 ft.) high so large wildlife cannot consume.
Be Cautious on the Beach
Monitor tide times. Incoming tides are fast and unpredictable. Leave the beach one hour before high tide. You can return to walk on the beach one hour after high tide. Weather conditions may change quickly.
Cape Split: shoreline exploration is not recommended.
Please Respect the Environment
- Keep Dogs Leashed at all times.
- Pack Out all garbage and recyclables.
- Note outhouse locations and plan accordingly. In an emergency, dig a hole and bury human waste at least 100 metres (300 feet) away from watercourses.
- Do not put garbage in the outhouses.
- Do not bathe or wash dishes in streams or other watercourses.