With the Bay of Fundy to the west, and the Minas Basin to the east, the Blomidon Provincial Park in southern Nova Scotia offers some of the province’s best coastal views. Blomidon Park, and the famous look-off area, rise high above the sea level on the small peninsula that separates the basin from Fundy.
Blomidon Provincial Park’s camping areas are situated atop the cliffs in a dense and fertile forest. To add to the list of natural attractions in the area, Blomidon Park is on the eastern edge of the Annapolis Valley. This means that to the east, the views from the park include the Bay of Fundy along with an expansive river valley. The unique and beautiful views from Blomidon are open to day use visitors and campers.
Hiking the Cliffs of Blomidon & Cape Split
Whether you’re in this part of Nova Scotia for an overnight stay, camping, or stopping by on a road trip, the hiking trails and viewpoints of Blomidon Provincial Park are worth every step!
- The “lower” part of the park includes the beach area near the park entrance and the trailhead for the park’s more challenging hike on the Lower Jodrey trail. There are many steep sections to the trail with a rewarding lookout area over the cliffs.
- Use either the 2.8km Upper Jodrey or the 2.2km Woodland Trails to reach the park’s best lookout area on some of the highest parts of these cliffs. The Look-Off trail loop adds another 1km to the route.
- The Borden Creek trail is the best way to explore the lush forests beyond the red and rocky cliffs. This trail might fill a full afternoon at 7km out-and-back.
- More adventurous hikers can take to the full-day hike at the neighbouring Cape Split Provincial Park (~30 km from Blomindon). The day use only park leads hikers along the tall cliffs of Cape Spit as far out as it reaches into Fundy. On this hike, and any others in the area, it is especially important to stick to designated paths as the cliffs erode and the tides rapidly change. The trail creates a loop around Cape Split with several incredible viewing areas.
Beach Days & Picnics
At higher tides, the beach area is mostly rocky and pebbled, with the sandy areas revealed as the tide recedes. No matter the case, the open and public beach area is a perfect picnic area, place to relax with headphones or a book, or as a place for a dip on a hot summer’s day.
Beach access is near the entrance to the park and down a short flight of stairs (no beach access in winter). From here are stunning views of the larger cliffs around the park.
Also, near the entrance to the park (~17 km), but on the outside, is the Blomidon Lookoff. This easy-to-access roadside stop provides sweeping views of the water along with the Annapolis Valley.
Seaside Camping & More Accommodations
There are a variety of campsite settings for a trip to Blomidon Provincial Park: choose between sites out in the open, partially wooded, or completely sheltered by trees. And if camping isn’t much your style, there are accommodations near the park which might be more suitable.
- The rustic camping does not include site services, but the campground has amenities to make the stay much cozier. These include tables and firepits at each site, washrooms with showers, drinking water, and firewood sales. The large campground boasts 95 sites for tents, RVs, or trailers, as well as a group campground.
- Choose between other nearby accommodation options to the south of Blomidon Provincial Park. This includes bed and breakfasts, historic or boutique inns, or larger hotels. All along the Annapolis Valley are communities for exploring and getting to know, or for a place to stay, visit the area’s Wolfville, Kentville, or Greenwood for accommodation and dining options.
Planning your Trip – Blomidon Provincial Park
What: Blomidon Provincial Park covers the cape and cliffs that divides the Bay of Fundy with the Minas Basin in central Nova Scotia. Rising 183 metres above the sea level, the cliff areas are notable for their height as well as the reddish colour of the cliffs. The seasonal park offers a great chance at oceanside camping, a beach and large day use area, and several hiking trails. Those trails are lined with the park’s signature views over the water and the world’s highest tides.
Location and how to get there: 3138 Pereau Road, Blomidon
110km northwest of Halifax via NS-101 and NS-358
Best time to go: May to October for camping and day use
Cost: Camping $26.70 per night; Camping reservations open on April 8.
For more information:
Blomidon Provincial Park