Canadians are shocked after Nova Scotia announced $25,000 fines for those caught hiking, camping or fishing in the province’s woods, but the government is defending its decision.
On Tuesday, the provincial government announced the new measures, which significantly restrict activities in the woods due to the risk of starting wildfires until Oct. 15 or until the ban is lifted.
Nova Scotia’s trial systems are now “off limits,” with camping, hiking, fishing and even driving through the woods now forbidden. And those who get caught disobeying the ban, could be served with a hefty $25,000 fine.
The province clarifies that people are still allowed to visit local parks and beaches, and will not be fined for taking a short walk to get to these areas.
Parks that have woods will also be restricted, with wooded areas being closed and only non-wooded areas open to the public.
According to Premier Tim Houston, the measures address the current climate with hot and extremely dry conditions increasing the risk of starting wildfires.
“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,” he said in a statement.
Those conducting commercial activities in the woods, including forestry and mining, will now need to seek a permit from a local Department of Natural Resources, as these activities are also being restricted.
While private landowners are permitted to use their wooded areas, they aren’t allowed to invite guests into these areas.
“We’ve had about 100 wildfires this season. They’ve all been small and put out quickly, but that could change in a heartbeat in these dry conditions,” Minister of Natural Resources Tory Rushton said in a statement.
After the announcement was made, people took to social media to voice their opinions about the ban, with many confused about the measures.
“This is ridiculous. Explain to me how walking with no littering or smoking will cause a fire?” one X user questioned.
“Placing such restrictions is horrible and idiotic. It would be simple to place bans on fires, lighters, matches. Restrictions for all travel is horrendous,” another user said.
“I know this might seem extreme to some people but these forest fires are no joke, if extreme measures aren’t taken there won’t BE any forest for us to hike and camp in,” a different user pointed out.
Meanwhile, the government of Nova Scotia has been responding to some concerns and questions about the ban on X, defending its decision.
In response to a comment that called the province a “dictator in training” and accused the measure of being unprecedented, the government responded with a link to a press release from two years ago, which included similar measures.
“Just making the point that it is not unprecedented. It was actually also in place two years ago,” the government responded.
A different user then claimed the province still couldn’t impose such restrictions, saying it had “no power to restrict people from moving around, going fishing or whatever if there is not an active fire in the area.”
In response, the province provided an excerpt from the Forests Act.
“25 (1) for the protection of the woods, the Minister may at any time by proclamation set aside for any period of time a restricted travel zone in any area of woods upon which no person shall enter for the purpose of travelling, camping, fishing or any other purpose,” the province said.
FIREWORKS ALSO BANNED
A day after the restrictions were put in place, Nova Scotia announced a provincewide ban on fireworks to help prevent wildfires.
The provincial government declared that all fireworks and pyrotechnics are now prohibited in the region until the ban is lifted, with the same $25,000 fine in place for those who violate it.
The fireworks ban also applies to those who have permits.
Fireworks Banned Provincewide https://t.co/jr6DsQJAA3 pic.twitter.com/lN3fL5j1kK
— Nova Scotia Gov. (@nsgov) August 7, 2025
