Graves Island

 

2012 Season - May 18 - Oct. 8

Graves Island

     

Visitor Notices: The Department of Natural Resources is redeveloping parts of the Graves Island Provincial Park.


Graves IslandPark Info: Joined to the mainland by a short causeway, the island is typical of many of the small islands found along Nova Scotia's Atlantic coast. This quiet ocean-side campground has long been a popular vacation spot for Nova Scotians and visitors alike.

The campground is an excellent base for outdoor adventures including ocean kayaking and biking along the South Shore as well as day tripping to the area's many attractions.

Facilities and Services

The park is open from May 18 - Oct. 8 for the 2012 Season, offering a 84 site campground, walking trails, picnic area, swimming area, playground and boat launch. The campground has water outlets and a trailer dump station.

WiFi is available at the admin building only and the surrounding area. There will be a password needed, please see the park receptionists.

Camping reservations can be made beginning April 2, 2012. See Reservations for details and conditions.

Walk in Tenting Sites
The large walk-in tenting sites are located along an woodland roadway, a short walk (100 m) from the main parking lot. These sites offer a sense of remoteness in a convenient location.

 



Programs and Events

May 19, 2012
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Bird Watching
Join local birder James Hirtle for a guided hike through the park's trail. Bring your binoculars for a chance to see and hear waterfowl, songbirds and birds of prey. You will be amazed at how many species you might find in just 2 hours! Suitable for all ages. Meet at the group-use trail head shelter building. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact Alan at (902) 634-7514 or (902) 521-2399 or email whitear@gov.ns.ca . Rain date: Sunday, May 20 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

 

June 30, 2012
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Marsh Monsters
Ever wonder what lives in a pond? Get ready to grab a net and bucket to discover what really lives in wetlands! Bring your rubber boots and get ready to catch, identify, and discover all the excitement surrounding wetlands! Meet at the group-use shelter in the day use area of the park. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact Alan White at (902) 634-7514, (902) 521-2399 or whitear@gov.ns.ca Rain date: Saturday, July 7 from 10 AM to 12 PM.

 

July 21, 2012
10:00 AM
Family Fun Day
Join Graves Island in celebrating Canada's Parks Day! In keeping with this year's theme "Real Nature, Real History, Real Experiences!" there will be a historical presentation on Graves Island and surrounding area including local First Nation history starting at 10 AM. Families are also welcome to join in on a guided nature hike at 1 PM to learn about local plants and wildlife. The hike will also include a scavenger hunt. Meet at the Group Use Trail Head Shelter. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact Alan White at (902) 634-7514 or (902) 521-2399, or email whitear@gov.ns.ca. Rain date: Sunday, July 22 at 10 AM.

 

July 22, 2012
10:00 AM and 11:00 AM
Chester - Graves Island Walk and Potluck Picnic
Join the Dartmouth Volksmarch Club for a 5 or 10 km hike. The 5 km walk begins at 11 AM and takes place on well groomed trails, very little hills. The 10 km begins at 10 AM and also takes place on well groomed trails with some significant hills. Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots and bring water, snack and a contribution to the potluck lunch. Meet at the park. Take Exit 7 from Hwy 103, then Hwy 3 to East Chester and Graves Island Provincial Park. Please note that a $1 registration fee will be collected prior to the walk. Contact Margaret at (902) 454-9280 or visit www.dartmouthvolksmarchclub.com.

 

September 29, 2012
1:00 PM
Halloween Activities
Why wait for October 31st? Join us for Halloween in September. Carve a pumpkin and wear your Halloween costume for a chance to win a prize. Pumpkins are limited so carving will be on a first come, first serve basis. Meet at the Group Use Trail Head Shelter at 1 PM. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact Alan White at (902) 634-7514, (902) 521-2399 or email whitear@gov.ns.ca. Rain date: Sunday, September 30 at 1 PM.

 

       

Nearby Attractions

Chester, 3 km
Lunenburg (World Heritage Site)

  • Ross Farm Museum, New Ross
  • Nova Scotia Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, Lunenburg
  • DesBrisay Museum, Bridgewater
  • East River Provincial Park
  • Hubbards, Queensland, and Cleveland Beach Provincial Parks
  • South Shore Exhibition (last week of July), Bridgewater

For more information on these and other attractions, please consult the Nova Scotia
Doers and Dreamers Guide
or visit one of the many Visitor Information Centres.

 



Click here for a park map


How to Find Us
Located on Route 3, it is 3 km (2 mi.) east of the villlage of Chester and about 5 km west of Exit 7 on the Hwy 103. Our civic address is: 230 Graves Island Rd, East Chester.

Graves Island

 

GPS Coordinates

X utm:
403229.306579

Y utm:
4935412.46731

 

Longitude:
64°13' 7.11" W

Latitude:
44°33' 55.98" N

If you require information about the park, please Contact Us.


       


informationwalk-in camping sitesboat launchPicnic TablesTrailer Dumping StationPlayground Camping Potable Water Swimming Walking Trails Comfort Station Vault Toilet