Located close to the town of Windsor, this quiet campground on the Meander River offers easy access to the many cultural and natural attractions in the area.
The areas abundant gypsum deposits have influenced the landscape and vegetation in and around the park. Campsites are nestled into a mix of forest and farmland habitats. Nodding trillium, ostrich fern, black-eyed susans can be found throughout the area.
Facilities and Services
The park is open from June 15 - Sept. 24 for the 2012 Season offering a 86 site campground, picnic area, playground and walking trails. The campground has water outlets and a trailer dump station as well as a heated comfort station with flush toilets.
WiFi is available at the admin building only and the surrounding area. There will be a password needed, please see the park receptionists.
Camping reservations can be made beginning April 2, 2012. See Reservations for details and conditions.
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June 23, 2012
9:00 AM
Learn to Fish Program
L2F(Learn to Fish) program has two components: classroom presentation and outdoor session. L2F is geared towards youth, but all ages are welcome. This is an exciting, hands-on, informative program for youth ages 7 and up (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) focusing on fisheries science, recreation, healthy outdoor living and an appreciation for Nova Scotia's aquatic environment. Kids learn in class: Freshwater sportfish identification, fish habitat, what fish eat, ageing fish, how to assemble a fishing rod, terminal tackle, knot tying, safety, ethics, and respect importance of healthy living and outdoor recreation. Kids learn at the water: safety-based casting and baiting the hook, retention and catch and release techniques, sportsmanship and follow 'leave no trace principles'. Wear warm clothing and rubber boots and bring sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Sponsored by the NS Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture and the NS Department of Natural Resources. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Participants must receive confirmation from the park in order to participate in this event. To pre-register, contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.Please note that regular camping fees apply.
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June 30, 2012
2:00 PM
Lady Slipper Day
Come enjoy an easy, guided tour of Smileys Provincial Park highlighting one of nature's wonders - the Showy Lady Slipper. Don't forget to bring your camera and be sure to wear boots as the walk is quite wet! Please check with the park office for the meeting place for this event. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca
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July 1, 2012
12:00 PM
Canada Day Bicycle Parade
Celebrate Canada Day! Children are invited to decorate their bikes and join the parade through the park and then enjoy some cake! Don't forget your bike helmets! Parade will start at noon sharp with the singing of O Canada. We will meet at the Campground Host Site #50 by the comfort station, in the Cherry Loop. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.
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July 7, 2012
2:00 PM
Fishing the Bay of Fundy
Join Darren Porter, a commercial fisherman and lover of geographic history, to learn about the history of the Southern Bright, which contains the mighty Avon River, and its tributaries. Learn about fish species, commercial and recreational fishing, fossil exploration, and all the other wonders found in our back yard. Once considered North America's hot spot, a play ground and an industrial center, and one of the most important places in Canada. Come explore its potential! Meet at the park office located at the entrance to the park. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757 3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.
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July 19, 2012
Thursday to Sunday Time TBD
Aboriginal Knowledge
Join us at the Teepee with Emile Gautreau for an experience to understand the Great Creator and Mother Earth. Participate in the sharing atmosphere of the talking circle. Come away with a better understanding of environmental conservation through the eyes of another. Times to be posted at the park. Meet at the park office at the entrance to the park. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca
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July 21, 2012
Thursday to Sunday Time TBD
Aboriginal Knowledge
Join us at the Teepee with Emile Gautreau for an experience to understand the Great Creator and Mother Earth. Participate in the sharing atmosphere of the talking circle. Come away with a better understanding of environmental conservation through the eyes of another. Times to be posted at the park. Meet at the park office at the entrance to the park. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.
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July 21, 2012
9:00 PM
Bat Walk
We will be hosting a bat walk with Zoologist and bat expert, Andrew Hebda, from the NS Museum of Natural History. An event for the entire family! Dress for weather conditions and wear good walking or hiking shoes. Bring flashlights, insect repellent, and water. Please check with the park office regarding the meeting place for this event. The Bat Walk will start at 9 PM. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.
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July 21, 2012
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Family Fun Day
Celebrate Canada's Parks Day with activities that include a soap slide, hay ride, face painting, pinatas, races, displays, crafts, free BBQ and much more! Dress for weather conditions. Meet by the playground in the day-use area of the park. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.
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July 28, 2012
2:00 PM
Gold Panning
Join Prospector, Lindsay Allen, for an introduction to gold panning! Try your hand at panning and maybe even find some gold. Pans are limited, so if you have your own, please bring it along. Dress to get wet as this event takes place in the river! Please check with the park office for the meeting place for this event. Sponsored by the Nova Scotia Association of Prospectors and the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.
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August 4, 2012
2:00 PM
Homemade Ice Cream
Enjoy a taste of our rich agricultural history and observe how to milk a cow. Learn the art of making ice cream by hand, the way farmers of this area have done for generations. We will meet across from the park office. Dress for weather conditions. Sponsored by local Annapolis Valley dairy farmers and the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.
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August 11, 2012
2:00 PM
Fly Fishing
Often called a graceful art form, fly fishing can be an enjoyable lifetime pursuit. Participants will learn the fundamentals of fly-casting, rods, reels, line selection and the equipment needed to get started. Come join fly fishing expert, Brian Gilbert, as we practice casting and try to encourage a fish to come to our fly. Please check with the park office for the meeting place for this event. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.
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August 18, 2012
Sat. Aug. 18 - Sun. Aug. 19 Time TBD
Nova East Astronomy Star Party
This is the annual camping and observing weekend for the Halifax Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the Minas Astronomy Group. There will be various sessions throughout the day on how to use a telescope, astrophotography, as well as talks by guest speakers David Levy and Kathryn Gray. In the evening there will be observing sessions scheduled with the public invited until 12:00 AM (weather permitting). Pre-registration required and participation fees will be collected. Please note that regular camping fees apply. For more information contact Blair at b.macdonald@ns.sympatico.ca
or visit our website at www.halifax.rasc.ca/ne/ regarding advance registration.
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August 18, 2012
2:00 PM
Water Day at Smileys
Join the NS Department of Environment staff for an hour of fun kid's activities learning about water. Prepare to get wet!! Sunscreen recommended. There will be a maximum number of 25 participants at each of the events, so make sure to get there early. There will be signs posted with more information at the park. Meet at the park office located at the park entrance. Contact Krista at (902) 424-8944 or email hilchekg@gov.ns.ca.
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September 8, 2012
2:00 PM
Wetland Wonders
Did you know wetlands actually filter polluted water? Ponds and marshes are important habitats for many plants and animals. Put on your boots and prepare to muck around as we look for frogs, salamanders, water insects, wetland plants and much more. If we're really quiet, we may even see some turtles or other wetland visitors! Dress to get wet and dirty and for the weather! If you have a bug net or container, feel free to bring it along. Please check with the park office for the meeting place for this event. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.
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September 22, 2012
2:00 PM
Golden Gourd Hunt
Bring the kids and enjoy a "good ole" scavenger hunt! Kids will be grouped according to age, and set loose to hunt down the Golden Gourd! Come dressed for the weather and bring a grocery bag as there may be some other "treasures" along the way. Meet in the picnic park across from the park office. Sponsored by the NS Department of Natural Resources. Contact the park at (902) 757-3131 or email
smileyspark@gov.ns.ca.
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