Amherst Shore Provincial Park
RV Guide
Introduction
If a visit to Canada's eastern shores sits at the top of your bucket list, why not plan to take your next RV vacation at Amherst Shore Provincial Park? It's the perfect place for your next outdoor adventure.
Situated just outside the border to New Brunswick in the town of Amherst, Nova Scotia, Amherst Shore Provincial Park rests along the coast of the Northumberland Strait. The area is heavily wooded, providing privacy and seclusion for families looking for a place to catch up on some R&R.
The red sand beach at Amherst Shore Provincial Park is a popular attraction for families hoping to do some swimming. The Northumberland Strait consists of warm saltwater, making it the ideal spot to take a dip. Also present on the beach are cliffs comprised of red sandstone. They rise 12 m (40 feet) above the Northumberland Strait and are breathtaking to behold.
There are many fun activities for families to enjoy at Amherst Shore Provincial Park. The park itself is near to the town of Amherst, Nova Scotia, providing families with the luxury of rural RV living coupled with close proximity to a city where they can sample local seafood, pick up groceries, or do some shopping. The land itself also offers bountiful opportunities for walking, hiking, and even cross country skiing (in the winter months). The trails at Amherst Shore Provincial Park meander through varied and picturesque terrain with something to suit every level of fitness regardless of age, activity level, or health condition.
Amherst Shore Provincial Park is the perfect spot for an RV vacation. With lots to do in both the summer and winter months, this park is soon to become a family favorite you'll want to visit time and again.
RV Rentals in Amherst Shore Provincial Park
Transportation
Driving
To reach Amherst Shore Provincial Park from the Cobequid Pass Toll Plaza (en route from Truro), continue along Transcanada Hwy/NS-104 E to Main St/Hwy 321 N/NS-321 N in Oxford. Follow exit #6 Take exit 6 to Main St/Hwy 321 N/NS-321 N toward NS-204/Oxford/Pugwash. This stretch of highway is more rural and passes through some extremely picturesque seaside villages. When you reach the exit for Kolbec Rd/NS-301 N and the Sunrise Trail/Tyndal Rd/NS-366 W, you will discover Amherst Shore Provincial Park. An incredibly scenic drive, the Transcanada Highway section is four lanes of heavily trafficked road which later narrows down to two lane country highways that progress at a slower speed. The roads are well-maintained and kept free from snow and debris year round. Take note that the Cobequid Pass is a toll highway, and there is no alternate route to accessing this campground from Nova Scotia. Road construction is infrequent but possible in the summer months. The trip from the Cobequid Pass to the park is 92 km (or 57 miles) and takes slightly over an hour in moderate traffic conditions.
If travelling from Sackville, New Brunswick to the campground, you will find the route is 52 km (32 miles) in length.Take Trans-Canada Hwy/NB-2 E from NB-106 E and continue along this road for 2 km (1.5 miles). Carefully travel from Trans-Canada Hwy/NB-16 E to Baie Verte. From here, Highway NB-970 S and the Sunrise Trail/Tyndal Rd/NS-366 E will take you directly to Amherst Shore Provincial Park. The Transcanada Highway coming from New Brunswick is a four lane stretch of road, but all other highways narrow to two lanes and reduce speed considerably. Road conditions are favorable, traffic is light, and construction is possible but not often seen.
Parking
Parking is found directly at the entrance to the campground.
Public Transportation
No public transportation is available to Amherst Shore Provincial Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Amherst Shore Provincial Park
Campsites in Amherst Shore Provincial Park
Reservations camping
Amherst Shore Provincial Park Campground
Amherst Shore Provincial Park Campground is found within the recreational area bearing the same name. This popular RV camping destination offers 42 wooded campsites for families to enjoy. 27 of the campsites are serviced with 15 unserviced, and 2 wheelchair accessible. To ensure a space is available for you, reservations are recommended. At the time of reservation, you will be asked for the total length of your RV or trailer as well as if you require a wheelchair accessible campsite.
A seasonal camping facility, Amherst Shore Provincial Park Campground is open from mid-June through mid-October yearly. The campground offers many amenities including toilets showers, a sewage dump station, fire grills, wood, and ice. There is also a playground for children to enjoy.
Generator use is permitted, and pets are also allowed so long as they remain leashed. There is Wifi available in the administration building.
Amherst Shore Provincial Park Campground offers lots of things for families to do. Among the most popular activities are walking, hiking, swimming, beachcombing, picnicking, and cross country skiing (in season).
Seasonal activities in Amherst Shore Provincial Park
Off-Season
Cumberland County Museum
The town of Amherst is home to the Cumberland County Museum. At 26 km (16 miles) from Amherst Shore Provincial Park, it is a short but scenic drive to reach this popular cultural destination.
Learn more about Canada's rich history by visiting Grove Cottage, the beloved family estate of Senator R.B. Dickey, who bears the distinction of being one of the four fathers of Canada's Confederation. The museum pays tribute to local artifacts which represent the historical importance of Cumberland County and its contributions to industrial and social developments spanning a number of centuries.
A property that is incredibly beautiful, you can enjoy a walk through stunning gardens after your visit to the exhibits has concluded.
Hiking
Amherst Shore Provincial Park attracts hikers of all skill levels from all across the world. Though you are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting the perfect trail, there are two in particular that earn a thumbs up from visitors. The property's main hiking trail is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) in length and travels along Annabelles Brook and through a vast sampling of woods until it culminates at the Northumberland Shore's red sand beach.
The other fan favorite trail is a 4 km (2.5 mile) loop trail that traverses through dense tree growth. This area is particularly beautiful in the late fall months but is also stunning with a covering of freshly fallen snow.
Cross country skiing
Though many parks shut down during the winter months, Amherst Shore Provincial Park remains open for those who enjoy cross country skiing. There are many different trails skiers can choose from. Among the most popular are the main hiking trail which encompasses 2.5 km (1.5 miles) of terrain and runs the length of Annabelles Brook, winding through areas of coast-bound woods until it reaches the shores of the red sand beach.
There is also a 4 km (2.5 mile) loop trail which is lined with magnificent displays of aspen, hemlock, birch, and spruce trees. Hike here in the late fall months to enjoy a spectacular display of color and return in the winter to cross country ski and enjoy snow covered branches and the picturesque landscape.
In-Season
Northport Beach Provincial Park
A beautiful park which features a redstone sand beach, Northport Beach Provincial Park is a great place to spend a day enjoying the diverse Nova Scotia landscape. Take a swim and explore along the coast in search of seaside treasures. At the end of your day, stop by the picnic areas to enjoy a packed lunch at one of the provided tables.
The beach is accessible to the public via a set of stairs. The warm water is both soothing and refreshing and experiences only a gentle tide. During low tide, sandbars become evident and provide the perfect opportunity for dipping your toes in the calm, clear waters.
This park is located 7 km (4 miles) from Amherst Shore Provincial Park.
Tidnish Dock Provincial Park
Another scenic park located on the Northumberland Shore, Tidnish Dock Provincial Park is the home base for the eastern section of the historic Chignecto Marine Transport Railway. A highly ambitious railroad undertaking, the Chignecto Marine Transport Railway encompasses 28 km (or 17 mile) comprised of double tracks which run from the Bay of Fundy's Fort Lawrence to Tidnish Dock.
Though no longer operational as a rail line, a section of the old railway is in use as a walking trail that is 3.7 km (2) miles) in length and connects the Tidnish Visitor Centre to the Tidnish Dock Provincial Park. Travel along this path to discover a keystone bridge of local historical significance and a more modern suspension bridge which rises over the Tidnish River.
Among the amenities found at this park are a beach, picnic tables, a change room, and toilets.
You will find Tidnish Dock Provincial Park a 13 km (8 mile) drive from Amherst Shore Provincial Park.
Swimming
The red sand shores of the beach at Amherst Shore Provincial Park draw visitors from far and wide. With a sandy coastline along the shores of the Northumberland Strait, this saltwater body is warm and clear, making it the ideal spot for a day of sun and surf in a slice of Nova Scotia paradise. There is no lifeguard duty offered at this beach except in the months of July and August, so take care to only swim when the waters are calm. The swimming conditions are generally excellent, and the beach and surrounding area is incredibly picturesque.
The shore is the perfect place to gather seashells or seaglass as a memento of your visit to this seaside haven. Dogs are permitted on the beach but must remain on a lead at all times.
