The province is warning it may close some beaches, day-use and camping parks - as well as Shubenacadie Park - in light of the approaching hurricane.
A final decision will be made as Earl gets closer.
For university students who will move in to residence this weekend, Saint Mary's, Dalhousie and St. Francis Xavier are making plans that include putting staff on standby and testing generators.
At Acadia, the Herald reports traditional welcoming events have been moved from Saturday to Sunday.
However, organizers of the annual Wharf Rat Biker Rally in Digby say the event is going ahead. Organizers have posted on the Facebook site that they've "decided to cancel Earl instead."
Ramona Jennex, the minister in charge of Nova Scotia's
Emergency Measures Office says she is concerned about the rally which is
expected to draw anywhere from 80 to 100 thousand people, most of whom are
staying in tents.
There are concerns about the potential issues with
evacuating that many people from rural Nova Scotia
during a storm.
"I have concerns over that, but there is a procedure
and it would have to be a declared state of emergency [to evacuate the
area]," she said. "We're going to be watchful, very mindful, I'm very
aware of what's happening with the weather."
Jennex says they've already moved a mobile command centre to
the area.
She adds they're working with schools and churches in the
area to provide shelters if necessary.