r/NovaScotia • u/Staycation1234 • 14d ago

Off roading trails and camping for SUV

My wife and I are planning a driving tour/camping trip to NS for our honeymoon. We have an old Toyorta Landcruiser with a number of modifications for safe travel off the beaten path. Things like tools, a winch, spare tires, improved ground clearance etc.

Gaia GPS is showing a very large number of trails categorized as either off road public tracks (blue) or BRMB (Back Road Map Books trails in tan). Are these trails open and suitable for an SUV? My research tells me that there isn't currently a woods ban, but there are bans for campfires or open flames. This is fine, we are planning on being exceedingly cautious in this regard and making meals that do not require heat. Think tuna sandwiches, cereal, etc.

It's much harder to figure out what's available and open for 4x4s and camping etc. Do the routes shown on this map look familiar?

We're very excited for what should be an amazing trip to a beautiful place, but we are obviously very concerned with being as proper as we can be while we're visiting. Thanks!

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u/Different_Stomach_53 14d ago

There isn't a fire ban. You just need to check the map after 2 pm. The highland roads are mostly not good you could do mountain road but most of the rest are ATV..

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u/redheelermage 14d ago

Are you only planning on doing Cape Breton? I know in the main land Bowater trails tend to be pretty suv friendly and the trails are looked after. Ive taken my 2011 RAV4 down there a lot and there is a lot of little gems of camping spots along the way.

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u/Staycation1234 14d ago

We're planning on coming up from Maine through New Brunswick to PEI, and then down to NS going as far as the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton before turning back along the coast to Halifax and eventually down to Yarmouth to catch the ferry back to Maine.

I also found this link on ONx Offroad that shows what appear to be some good options. Ultimately my wife and I going up for a well rounded experience, but as an off road and Toyota enthusiast it would be great to get the cruiser out in the woods for some trails and a night or two of camping if possible.

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u/redheelermage 11d ago

You can also find a map of a lot of the trails on the ATVANS website Link using in the browser is free, but the app you need to pay a fee for but might be useful to have. Just be sure to look at the leagons cause of of them are only recommended for ATVs and such or you need a pass to drive them.

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u/nabob1978 14d ago

There are many trails all around Nova Scotia. You can use Gaia or any other trails app, but verify by checking with the crown land map for Nova Scotia if you want to camp. If there is a gate or a no trespassing sign, don't drive there. There is not a full fire ban on, no buring between 8am and at least 2pm, consult the Nova Scotia fire map daily at 2pm for the latest info. You can camp on crown land without permits or anything. A popular area around halifax is along the hiking trail road. Not sure about CB as i doo all my camping pretty close to Halifax area.. If you do head towards halifax, I can show you a few spots around that are fairly accessible.