Cape Breton Island 
There are undoubtedly several, maybe dozens, of beautiful lookoff points and viewing areas around the Bay of Fundy shores. Several are easy to access, too, or only require a short hike before arriving at the views over the water and cliffs. Some areas around the Bay of Fundy and the Minas Basin, are, contrastingly, quite remote. And no area around these Nova Scotian shores is quite as remote as Cape Split.
Credit: Nova Scotia Tourism
The cape is a 7km stretch of a small peninsula which helps to separate the Minas Basin from the rest of Fundy. And, like many other areas, a drive into the Cape Split region will offer many opportunities to stop for views, sightseeing, and taking photos. One of the more notable of those lookoffs is the Blomidon lookoff and Provincial Park.
And once on Cape Split, the vehicle roads come to a terminus, and hiking trails begin. There are no roads on Cape Split, but two long hiking trails- both of which lead to the far tip of Cape Split. Hikers have access to free and ample parking at the trailhead, which is also the location for the first set of outhouses.
Those planning to hike the full length of Cape Split should plan for 4-6 hours of daylight and for possibly muddy conditions. Even in the height of summer, the Cape Split Trails are often muddy in sections. And as always, bring plenty of sun protection, water, snacks, and always bring out anything you bring into Provincial Park/trails.
Protecting the Old Growth Forest, Coastline, and Cultural Sites
As a Provincial Park, Cape Split is relatively young. It was designated as such in 2019 due to the area’s natural and cultural significance. Along Cape Split are historically and culturally significant spots for the Mi’kmaq people. And those natural areas that cause need for protection are some of the sights to uncover along the Cape Split Trails.
Much of these trails run under the cover of Cape Split’s old growth forest of mixed trees, as well as some more rare plant types. Plus, this elevated cliffside area is part of the Annapolis Valley’s northern border. Along with being part of the Valley’s North Mountain, it is also one of the most ecologically intact parts of the Mountain. The coastline features that are also protected by the park are visible from the trails’ main lookoff areas: be prepared to see the world’s biggest tidal ranges, the rocks and seastacks eroded by the saltwater, the Bay of Fundy, the Minas Basin, all from one hike!
Minas Basin Trail
This trail follows the north shore of Cape Split and the waters of the Minas Basin. Follow the cliffs for about 6.2km before reaching the Cape Split Lookoff. Along the way are more viewing areas over the water!
- The Minas Basin Lookoff is just over 2.5km into the trail followed by The Fundy Shore Lookoff about 4.2km into the trail. These lookoff provide dramatic views of the Minas Basin over imposingly tall and rocky cliffs. Viewing platforms help hikers to get the best possible views while staying a safe distance back from the cliffs.
- Either lookoff point also act as a way to create shorter Cape Split hikes; create a 5km hike by going to the Minas Basin Lookoff and back, or an 8km hike out of the Fundy Shore Lookoff and back.
Scots Bay Trail
The views from the Scots Bay Trail differ a bit from those along the Minas Basin or northern route. Where the cliffs into the Minas Basin are a bit more dramatic, those around the Scots Bay Trail are a bit more gradual, if the tides are low. During low tide, long stretches of sandy beach are revealed at the bottom of the cliffs, some of which are smooth and cascading layers of rock, rather than the dramatic seastacks around other areas of the Cape.
- Lobster Hole Lookoff is where you’ll see the smoother rocks cascading from the tops of the cliffs and down into the water. On a clear and calm day, the bright blues and greens of the ocean waters create dramatic contrast with the dull colours of the rocks- and awesome photo ops!
- The Big Cove Lookoffs are where you’re likely to see a long stretch of beach at the base of the cliffs. During high tide, however, Big Cove’s waves crash right up to the base of the rocks.
Hiking out to the Cape Split Lookoff
Both the Minas Basin and Scots Bay Trails lead out to the Cape Split Lookoff. Additionally, the two separate trails can combine to create a loop around Cape Split.
- On the Minas Basin Trail, the Cape Split Lookoff is 6.2km into the trail.
- And on the Scots Bay Trail, it is 7km from the start of the hike.
- So, for a full loop around Cape Split, including a trip to the Cape Split Lookoff, will turn into a 13-15km trek.
- Much of both trails that lead to Cape Split Lookoff are under the cover of dense mixed forests as you travel near the cliff edges. But once you arrive at the end of those two trails, the Cape opens up into a vast meadow. From here are incredible views of the unique coastline features like the eroding cliffs or sea stacks, carved over centuries by the world’s highest tides.
Blomidon Provincial Park
The campground at Blomidon Provincial Park is the perfect basecamp for anyone looking to spend a full day on the Cape Split Trails. Along with overnight accommodations, the park boasts a beautiful beach area, shorter hiking trails, the Blomidon Lookoff, and picnic areas. The Blomidon beach offers views into a different part of the Minas Basin as the Cape Split lookoff areas do and offers a chance to witness the world-famous tidal ranges of the region.
Planning Your Trip – Cape Split Provincial Park
What to See & Do: Cape Split Provincial Park is a day-use only area west of Scots Bay and the overnight campground at Blomidon Provincial Park. The entire Cape Split is closed off to vehicles, but open year-round for hikers to enjoy. And from spring to fall, hikers have access to outhouses along the trails. The park helps to protect the fragile Bay of Fundy shores, an old growth forest, and help hikers with amenities like outhouses, maps, and trail or distance markers. The Provincial Park also ensures safe viewing of the dramatic lookoff areas with fences, platforms, benches, or picnic tables.
One of the top ways to make the most of your trip to Cape Split Provincial Park is by hiking its two scenic trails—Minas Basin and Scots Bay—which lead to breathtaking cliffside lookoffs over the Bay of Fundy. Explore old-growth forests, dramatic sea stacks, and coastal meadows, then base your visit at nearby Blomidon Provincial Park to enjoy beach views, shorter hikes, and a front-row seat to the region’s powerful tides.
Location and how to get there: 999 Cape Split Road, Scots Bay
Follow Cape Split Road all the way to the end from Scots Bay.
Cape Split Provincial Park is located 125 km (1 hr 30 min drive) from Halifax.
Best time to go: open year-round; outhouse facilities on the trails available May-October
Cost: free
For more information:
