As of September 18, the Province of Nova Scotia has lifted the woods restrictions (except in Annapolis County). This means that all Shubenacadie Canal Commission sites are now open to the public.
We’d like to thank everyone for your cooperation and care during the closure period. Your support helps protect these special places for all to enjoy.
👉 For details, you can read the provincial announcement here: Nova Scotia News Release.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the waterway!
Lock 6 woodland boardwalk closed
We’re happy to share that all of our sites, EXCEPT LOCK 6, previously closed due to wildfire restrictions are now open to visitors. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the closures—it helped keep our spaces safe.
The provincial burn ban remains in effect across Nova Scotia until October 15, or until the Province provides an update. Please use extra caution in wooded areas and to call 911 immediately if you see any signs of fire.
We also ask everyone to help us keep our spaces safe and enjoyable by:
Cleaning up all garbage and packing out what you bring in
Keeping all pets on a leash at all times
We look forward to welcoming you back and appreciate your help in protecting our natural areas for everyone to enjoy.
updated Aug 6, 2025
Due to extreme wildfire risk, the Province of Nova Scotia has implemented temporary restrictions on travel and activities in wooded areas, effective August 5, 2025. These restrictions apply to all forested parkland, including trails and wooded spaces.
As a result, the following Shubenacadie Canal Commission sites are closed until further notice:
NEW: Shubie Park Update
Trails are now closed.
Access to the dock and Wildwood Water Sports kayak rentals is now permitted under a provincial operations permit (dock is approx. 120 ft / 36.5 m from the parking lot).
Portobello Incline Plane – Entire site closed.
Lock 4 Park (Fall River) – Trail closed.
Lock 5 Park (Wellington) – Trails are closed. The park and boat launch remain accessible.
Lock 6 Park (Enfield) – Entire site closed.
Please review the full provincial announcement here:
https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/08/05/travel-activities-woods-restricted-prevent-wildfires
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in keeping our parks and communities safe.
When the Shubenacadie Canal was first surveyed in 1767, it was envisioned as a vital transportation route linking Halifax with the rich agricultural lands, timber stands, and coal deposits of northern Nova Scotia and the Annapolis Valley. While the canal never fully achieved its original commercial ambitions, it has taken on a new role in recent decades—as a beloved recreational space and a living piece of Nova Scotia’s history.
Since 1984, the Shubenacadie Canal Commission has been working to preserve this unique waterway, honouring both its historical significance and its evolving role in the community.
In 2024, Mainstreet's Rob Doublett joined Commissioner Cait Green for a guided kayak tour through Shubie Park. As they paddled, they discussed the canal's storied past, its enduring importance, and the Commission’s current efforts—including our Kayak Raffle Fundraiser—to support conservation and public engagement.
You can listen to the full segment here: Take a Tour
Special thanks to Wildwood Water Sports for providing the kayaks for this