The Park has 90 camping sites, two picnic parks, hiking trails, beach access, and 90 metre cliffs overlooking the Minas Basin. We have camped at Five Islands provincial park several times, and each time has been a great experience. When you arrive at Five Islands traveling from the direction of Truro, you will drive up a large hill. Once past that hill, you will start to descend again, and on your left is Bentley Branch Road.
Turning onto the Bentley Branch Rd. the drive will seem a bit long when you first drive in, but what you are doing is heading out onto a high bluff above the Minas Basin. The park features a nice beach, walking trails, flush toilets, showers, and fire pits. There are many sites with a view of the Bay. Firewood and Ice are available at the park office located at the entrance. Five Islands park is a great starting point for exploring the local area. A drive to Parrsboro is about 20 minutes away, where you will find small shops, a Tim Horton’s, a gas station, and a grocery store. There is a small convenience store located near the entrance to the park on Highway 2.
A day trip to That Dutchman’s farm and the Picnic Park at Five Islands Provincial Park is one of my favorites, and has quickly become an annual family favorite. I know spring has finally arrived when the kids start asking about when we will visiting the Dutchman’s Farm.
That Dutchman’s Farm, is an authentic Dutch cheese farm, located at 112 Brown Rd. in Upper Economy along Route 2 of the Glooscap Trail. Go for a quiet stroll through the grounds to view the heritage animals, gardens and ponds, followed by a chance to sample and purchase some of the wonderful variety of excellent and award winning Gouda cheeses made on farm. There is something of interest everywhere you look from the variety of flowering Lilly pads in the pond, to Emus and Ostrich, an afternoon at the farm, is a delightful experience. There are also longer hiking trails located at the rear of the garden for those who want to explore further. There is a gift shop, antiques, a cafe,and public washroom, all located within the main building. A large gazebo overlooks a sweeping view of the countryside and minas basin.
The day trip continues with a picnic at the Five Islands Provincial Park. The Park boasts views of the Minas Basin, islands, marsh and shoreline that are spectacular. With two picnic parks available, one near the entrance by the highway, and one located next to the beach on the shore of Minas Basin, this is a delightful place to relax and have a bite to eat and then finish off with a stroll along the beach. The scenery is uniquely varied and breathtaking. It is a truly relaxing and rewarding way to round off the day before heading for home.
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