Backcountry campers at Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site in Nova Scotia will need to purchase and transport their firewood this summer, as Parks Canada has ended its long-standing policy of providing free firewood at remote campsites.
According to a statement from Parks Canada, the decision aims to encourage responsible wood use, reduce wildfire risks, and reallocate resources toward trail and infrastructure maintenance.
“Redirecting resources allows us to shift our focus to trail and infrastructure maintenance and repair, key priorities identified by visitors during management planning consultations,” the statement read, as reported by CBC on February 14.
While some national parks have banned backcountry fires altogether, Parks Canada stated that its approach at Kejimkujik seeks to maintain campfire traditions while balancing environmental and operational considerations.
Campers are advised to rely on gas or propane stoves for cooking, as fire bans may be implemented during the season. When campfires are permitted, firewood will be available for purchase at the park’s visitor center and campground kiosk.
To prevent the introduction of invasive forest pests, Parks Canada prohibits visitors from bringing outside wood or gathering natural debris within the park.
However, campers may bring heat-treated firewood, fiber logs, or processed fire bricks in their original sealed packaging.
The policy change has drawn mixed reactions from campers. Jason Warham of Halifax expressed concerns about the gradual erosion of backcountry experiences at Kejimkujik, citing the elimination of winter camping, the removal of yurts, and deteriorating trail infrastructure.
“I think this is just another step into eliminating any fire burning in the backcountry at all. And it seems that the infrastructure spending is being spent on the front country,” Warham said.
He suggested that Parks Canada could have increased backcountry camping fees to offset firewood costs.
Conversely, Sky Barkhouse of Mahone Bay, N.S., welcomed the change and is willing to carry firewood on portage trips. “In the past in the backcountry, I have had fires before. It’s a great way to kind of convene with your friends and spend time together.”
Parks Canada encourages visitors to consider alternative activities such as stargazing, storytelling, card games, art, and reading in place of campfires.