A popular provincial park in Nova Scotia is closed during the peak of tourism season after it sustained significant damage from Arthur.
It is unclear when Cape Split in the Annapolis Valley will reopen to eager hikers and visitors, but the cleanup will cost thousands of dollars.
“We were worried it might be because of the storm, but we were hoping it would be open,” says hiker Shiloh Minor. “I thought they maybe would have had it cleaned up by now.”
The wooded trail near Kentville spans 16 kilometres and leads hikers to a spectacular cliff-side view of the Bay of Fundy, making for a three-to-six-hour trek.
But downed trees from post-tropical storm Arthur are blocking parts of the trail, and trees just outside the trail are on the verge of falling.
“We didn’t really expect the damage that occurred,” admits park technician Jordan Post.
Since the trail is an ecologically-sensitive area, the cleanup process will be slow and careful, and could take anywhere from two to four weeks to complete.
“Unfortunately, this is the peak season for tourism and we do understand it’s an inconvenience for a lot of people,” says Post. “We’re trying our very best to get it up and running as soon as we can.”
Local businesses that cater to hungry hikers are already noticing a drop in business.
“I’ve noticed I’m not seeing as many tourists,” says bistro owner Dee Cook. “I’m just not, and I’m not seeing the American tourists. I’ve only seen one.”
Despite the “closed” signs and blockades, some hikers are still braving the parts of the trail they can still access.
The government is now searching for a contractor to start working on the site.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Amanda Debison
