About Cape Split Provincial Park
Cape Split Provincial Park is a 447-hectare natural environment park located in Scots Bay, Kings County, featuring a 13.2 km round-trip hike with dramatic sea cliff viewpoints over the Bay of Fundy.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Located at 999 Cape Split Road near Canning in the Annapolis Valley, Cape Split Provincial Park is one of Nova Scotia's most beloved hiking destinations. This 447-hectare natural environment park draws over 40,000 visitors annually to its crown jewel — a spectacular 13.2 km round-trip hike that ends at dramatic 60-metre sea cliffs overlooking the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides on Earth. An out-and-back route across forested highland, the trail has earned a 4.7-star rating from over 1,300 AllTrails reviews and recognition as the #1 attraction in Scots Bay.
Practical Information
Address & Location: 999 Cape Split Road, Canning, NS B0P 1H0. Located at the end of Cape Split Road in Scots Bay, Kings County, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Halifax via Highway 101 Exit 11.
Hours of Operation: Park serviced May 19 to October 9; the trails remain accessible year-round, dawn to dusk. Day-use only — no camping permitted.
Trail Details: 13.2 km round trip, 6.6 km each way (some GPS devices log more). Moderate difficulty. ~200m total elevation gain. Allow 4-5 hours; Parks NS describes it as a moderately challenging backcountry hike and recommends planning 4-6 daylight hours, back at the trailhead before dusk.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners, at least 2 litres of water per person (no freshwater sources on trail), snacks for a picnic at the lookoff, windproof jacket (the lookoff is very exposed), sunscreen and insect repellent, tick removal tool (ticks are common). Hiking poles recommended for uneven sections.
Parking: Large gravel lot at trailhead, recently expanded. Arrive before 9:00 AM on summer weekends. Free.
Safety: Cliffs at the lookoff are actively eroding with no fences or barriers. Stay well back from the edge. Keep dogs leashed. Pack out all trash. The trail can be very muddy after rain.
Getting There: From Halifax, take Highway 101 to Exit 11 (Greenwich/Wolfville). Follow the Greenwich Connector to Highway 358 through Port Williams and Canning. Continue on Cape Split Road to its end. Stop at "The Lookoff" viewpoint along the way for a sweeping panorama of the Annapolis Valley.
Cape Split Provincial Park belongs on every outdoor enthusiast's Nova Scotia bucket list. The combination of old-growth forest, the long ridge approach, and that spectacular Fundy finale makes this one of the most rewarding hikes in Atlantic Canada.
At a Glance
| Trail | 13.2 km round trip (6.6 km each way), out-and-back, moderate difficulty |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | About 200 metres total |
| Time needed | 4 to 5 hours; Parks NS recommends planning 4 to 6 daylight hours |
| Season | Park serviced May 19 to October 9; trails accessible year-round, dawn to dusk |
| Cost | Free parking at the trailhead lot; day use only, no camping |
| Highlight | 60-metre sea cliffs above the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides on Earth |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Cape Split hike?
The trail is 13.2 km round trip, 6.6 km each way, over forested highland with about 200 metres of total elevation gain. Most hikers should allow 4 to 5 hours, and Parks Nova Scotia recommends planning 4 to 6 daylight hours and being back at the trailhead before dusk.
When is the best time to hike Cape Split?
The park is serviced from May 19 to October 9, though the trails remain accessible year-round from dawn to dusk. On summer weekends the recently expanded gravel lot still fills fast, so arrive before 9:00 AM. On the drive in, stop at The Lookoff viewpoint for a panorama of the Annapolis Valley.
What should I bring to Cape Split?
Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners, at least two litres of water per person since there are no freshwater sources on the trail, snacks for a picnic at the lookoff, and a windproof jacket because the lookoff is very exposed. Add sunscreen, insect repellent and a tick removal tool, since ticks are common, and hiking poles for uneven sections.
Is Cape Split suitable for beginner hikers?
It is a moderate hike, and Parks NS describes it as a moderately challenging backcountry route, so it rewards preparation more than experience. The out-and-back course has no technical sections, but the distance, the roughly 200 metres of elevation gain and the 4 to 6 hour time budget mean beginners should start early and pace for the return leg.
Are dogs allowed on the Cape Split trail?
Yes, but dogs must be kept leashed for the whole route. The trail can also be very muddy after rain, and the cliffs at the lookoff are actively eroding with no fences or barriers, so keep pets well back from the edge and pack out all trash.
Is Cape Split safe at the cliff edge?
Treat the lookoff with respect: the cliffs are actively eroding and there are no fences or barriers, so stay well back from the edge. The exposed meadow at the end is also where the wind hits hardest, which is why a windproof jacket is standard kit even on calm days in the forest.
