Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area

Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area
Landscape of Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area
Interactive map of Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area
LocationNova Scotia
Nearest cityCole Harbour
Area8,026 hectares (19,830 acres)
EstablishedJanuary 23, 2004
Governing bodyNova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change

Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area is a protected wilderness area located in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia, Canada,[1][2] adjacent to Cole Harbour.[3] It is governed by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change.[4][5][6]

Geography

Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area comprises approximately 8,026 hectares (19,830 acres) in area. The coastline of the area has many natural features, such as islands, inlets, bays, small salt marshes, peninsulas, harbours, lagoons, headlands, and beaches. The wilderness area has exposed, granite bedrock barrens and patches of mature coniferous forest.[7]

Ecology

Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area provides habitat for several birds, seals, and whales. The wilderness area is also home to the arctic-alpine plants.[7]

Birds

Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area supports an variety of waterfowl, seabirds, and waders, including Eiders, Mergansers, Purple Sandpipers, and the Harlequin Duck.[8] Breeding, migrating, or overwintering birds include the Blackpoll Warbler, Fox Sparrows and Boreal Chickadee.[8]

History

Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area was established on January 23, 2004[1] and was expanded on November 4, 2025, by 238 hectares (590 acres) in Andrew Island, under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act.[4][9]

Access

Canso Coastal Barrent Wilderness Area can be accessed via Nova Scotia Trunk 16 and Nova Scotia Route 316, as well as minor forest trails.[10]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 2026-05-01.
  2. ↑ "Official e-Nav App EN". e-nav.ccg-gcc.evouala.com. Retrieved 2026-05-01.
  3. ↑ Centre, Nova Scotia Geomatics (2006-06-16). The Nova Scotia Atlas: Province of Nova Scotia. Formac Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0-88780-707-7.
  4. 1 2 "Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area Designation of Additional Landss - Wilderness Areas Protection Act (Nova Scotia)". novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2026-04-30.
  5. ↑ Change, Department of Environment and Climate (2009-04-01). "Wilderness Areas FAQs | Protected Areas". novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2026-04-26.
  6. ↑ Pinfold, Gardner (October 2017). "Commercial Benefits of Nova Scotia's Protected Areas" (PDF).
  7. 1 2 Change, Department of Environment and Climate (2009-04-01). "Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area | Protected Areas". novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2026-04-30.
  8. 1 2 "Canso Coastal Barrens". Nova Scotia Nature Trust. Retrieved 2026-05-01.
  9. ↑ "Provincial Government Designates 1,267 Hectares of Land in 16 Parks and Protected Areas, Including Several Local Sites | 989 XFM". www.989xfm.ca. Retrieved 2026-05-01.
  10. ↑ "511 Nova Scotia". 511.novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2026-04-30.
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