While in Nova Scotia last month, hubs and I made the driver out to Cape Split Provincial Park after visiting the Lobster Pound for lunch at Hall's Harbour. While we didn't have on our hiking boots on or appropriate clothing for a 3 hour hike in 0 degree weather, we still thoroughly enjoyed the view and a brief walk. The full hike is about 14 km. And as this is an official Provincial Park, there is a pretty large parking lot with ample room for whatever vehicle and toys you have in tow. Cape Split is definitely going on my Nova Scotia bucket list to hike when we come back! read more

Cape split is one trail that should end up on everyone's "must do" list. Although it seems a bit daunting at 13 kms round trip, the majority of the hike is easy, and relatively flat. With that said, you will run into several sections of the hike where you'll gain most of the trails elevation. Plan to arrive early as the parking lot fills fast despite their being room for about 50 vehicles. There are pit toilets and picnic tables at the trailhead allowing you use the washroom and fill your tummy with protein packed meals. There isn't much to see on the majority of the hike. It's not until the end, where you begin to see glimpses of the water, where the hike becomes rewarding. The very end of the trail opens up into a large grassy space with beautiful rock outcroppings and steep cliffs. Enjoy the view as you watch the birds fly by. Enjoyable for most members of the family, the 13 kms may be the determining factor for bringing the children along, and the several steep sections may deter older hikers. If you do choose to go, bring good footwear as we encountered some mud along the way. Find the video of this trail on our YouTube channel, or visit our website for a complete trail guide at www.joshthetravelguy.ca read more

Cape Split Provincial Park Reserve - Check out the full hiking guide at www.joshthetravelguy.ca - Parks Near Me

I really enjoyed my hike to Cape Split this past weekend. I should have paid closer attention to the signage and noticed how long it was going to take (total: 14km). I wore sneakers and active wear clothing, so at least I planned that part right. You're most likely going to get your shoes dirty and or wet, the beginning of the trail is pretty muddy and it had rained the night before so there was a small river running over path for a good distance. After a few kms the path gets less ATV-ish and nicer, still tons of roots though. I would suggest packing a lunch or snack for when you reach the end. The best part was sitting on the cliff, enjoying the view and eating something. I took my shih tzu and he was able to walk/run the whole thing. He was a mess when we finished, because he loved the mud holes, and was so tired he didn't care about walking straight through them. Don't forget snacks for the dog! That slipped my mind, but luckily someone at the look off point had a big bag of them. Pack lots of water, wear comfortable sneakers and you will be fine. We came across lots of dogs, kids and people of all ages. The view is beautiful, and worth every step! read more

See all

Loved it. Despite spending copious amounts of time in the Annapolis Valley, I'd never done the Cape Split hike before this year. That was a mistake. The trail is fantastic. I'd suggest you go early as the trail gets fairly busy later in the day. It's about 2 hours to the trail end (4 hours round-trip) and if you pack/time it right, you can have a lovely picnic lunch there. The terrain can be difficult and messy. I truly don't recommend wearing your favourite and/or most expensive footwear. The day that my friends and I went, it had been raining so a lot of the trail was covered in water. Even if it weren't, there are a few muddy points throughout. I'm told that fog is pretty common at the point and that was my experience as well; lots of fog along the route. However, it made it for a spectacularly scenic walk through the woods. And it cleared off at the point just as we wrapped our picnic. Some tips: * There are walking sticks near the trailhead at the parking lot. We assumed (as did others) that they were there for everyone's use - but make sure to return it. * There aren't any restroom facilities after the parking lot so go when you can. * Look for the art project of miniature temples scattered along the trail - we missed some on the way in. It's a nice little moment of art in nature. read more

I really love this trail, I do it once a year in the summer and the view is great. It's about a 14-16 km hike and I recommend wearing comfortable shoes that you won't mind getting a little dirty as there are muddy/wet areas throughout the hike. It takes about an hr and 15 mins to get to the top and bring a snack to eat the top since you'll love taking pictures there and enjoying the view! read more

See all

I was up this way today and it is absolutely beautiful country. I didn't do the hike in all the way to cape split as I was with my parents, I will be back with the bf to do that... But we went to the beach in Scots Bay on wharf road. It's a beautiful rock beach where you can rock hound for literally hours! Also you get to experience the Bay of Fundy tides. There is also a little ice cream shop at the top of wharf road called "R" back yard ice cream... Nice little treat after looking for little treasures on the beach. If your in this area check out the look off, halls harbour and Blomidon provincial park all hidden gems in Nova Scotia. read more