The Nova Scotia Nature Trust is thrilled to announce a significant conservation gain with the addition of 370 acres of spectacular coastal wilderness just outside Canso, within the Mi’kmaw district of Eskikewa’kik.

Harbour and Prices Islands consist of several small islands in an area of Nova Scotia that has seen less coastal development here in other parts of the province. However, within this Country Harbour Headlands Coastal Segment, few lands are currently protected, and Harbour and Prices are a substantial addition to a part of the province witnessing growing conservation interest.

Hiking the coastal barrens on Harbour and Prices Islands. Credit: Heather Leslie

Proximate to the Canso Coastal Barrens Wilderness Area and several other islands awaiting formal conservation designation, Harbour and Prices host a variety of habitats, including dramatic coastal barrens, softwood forest, and peatlands.

Also immediately adjacent to a globally significant Important Bird Area (IBA), the surrounding area is known for supporting an abundance of waterfowl, seabirds, and shorebirds, including Eiders, Mergansers, Purple Sandpipers and the Harlequin Duck, a species of special concern determined by the federal Species at Rick Act (SARA). Harbour and Prices themselves are known to welcome hundreds of breeding, migrating, and overwintering birds, including multiple species of nesting gulls and a Great Blue Heron rookery. In light of a decades long and staggering decline of migratory birds and the growing threats of global biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, the protection of these intact islands are critically important to providing hope for the future of Nova Scotia’s natural legacy.

News of this acquisition is not only good for nature but for people, too. The waters surrounding the islands are a popular paddler’s paradise, with many enjoying the area’s unique recreational opportunities and seclusive beauty.

In addition to public funds raised through our Hope for the Coast initiative, this land securement was made possible with the help of a generous donation by Nature’s Way Canada through their participation in  1% for the Planet, the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, part of Canada’s Nature Fund, and the Nova Scotia Crown Share Land Legacy Trust.