Five Islands Provincial Park

Five Islands Provincial Park

Five Islands Provincial Park is one of Nova Scotia's most breathtaking coastal destinations, offering a front-row seat to the highest tides on Earth. Located on the shores of the Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy, this 1,000-hectare park takes its name from five iconic offshore islands — Moose, Diamond, Long, Egg, and Pinnacle — each with its own unique character and legends rooted in Mi'kmaq folklore.

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2026 Operating Season

The park is open from June 5 to October 12, 2026, with the warmest visiting months being July through September. Park staff and services are available during this period. The grounds remain accessible for day use throughout the season.

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Camping at Five Islands

Five Islands Provincial Park offers 92 campsites across four categories:

| Site Type | Count | Description |
|-----------|-------|-------------|
| Unserviced | 46 | Basic tent or RV sites with no hookups |
| Serviced (2-way) | 36 | Sites with water and electrical hookups |
| Walk-in | 10 | Tent-only sites, short walk from parking |
| Group site | 1 | For organized groups (reserve ahead) |

Reservations: Book through novascotia.goingtocamp.com. Reservations are strongly recommended during July and August, when the park frequently reaches capacity on weekends.

Amenities: Showers, dump station, playground, firewood and ice sales, and Wi-Fi at the park office. The park office is your first stop for check-in, information, and supplies.

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Day-Use Area

The day-use area features ample parking, picnic tables with scenic views, a change room facility, and direct beach access. It's an ideal spot for families, with the playground nearby and plenty of green space for kids to run.

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Beaches and Swimming

The park features a saltwater beach on the Minas Basin, with tidal mud flats and a rocky/cobble shoreline that's characteristic of the Bay of Fundy coast. Swimming is unsupervised and at your own risk — the tides here are extreme, so always check tide tables and never swim near the incoming tide. The best beach-going experience is at mid-to-low tide when the sand flats are exposed.

Important safety note: The Bay of Fundy has the world's highest tides (up to 16 meters / 52 feet). The water rises rapidly — always keep an eye on the tide and don't get stranded on mud flats or rocks.

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Hiking Trails

Three hiking trails offer diverse experiences for all fitness levels:

1. Coastal Trail (90 m cliffs with lookoff)
The park's signature trail leads to a dramatic 90-metre cliff-top lookoff with jaw-dropping views of the five islands, the Minas Basin, and Cape Split in the distance. This is the best trail for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset when the red cliffs glow in the golden light.

2. Red Head Trail (2.2 km)
A moderate 2.2-kilometre loop that takes you through mixed Acadian forest to a headland with panoramic views of the bay. Look for wildflowers in spring and migrating songbirds in fall.

3. Economy Mountain Trail (3.8 km)
The park's most challenging hike at 3.8 kilometres (one way), ascending through mature forest to the summit of Economy Mountain. The reward is a stunning 360-degree view of the entire Five Islands region, the Cobequid Bay, and beyond. Allow 3-4 hours round trip.

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World's Highest Tides

Five Islands Provincial Park sits within the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark, giving you front-row access to the highest tides on the planet. The tide rises and falls approximately 12-16 metres (40-52 feet) every 12 hours and 25 minutes. At low tide, you can walk the ocean floor; at high tide, the water reaches the base of the red sandstone cliffs. Check the tide tables before your visit and plan to experience both extremes if possible.

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Practical Information

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| Address | 618 Bentley Branch Road (Hwy 2), Five Islands, NS B0M 1K0 |
| Phone | (902) 254-2980 |
| Park website | parks.novascotia.ca/park/five-islands |
| Reservations | novascotia.goingtocamp.com |
| Operating season | June 5 – October 12, 2026 |
| Accessibility | Accessible restroom with shower, accessible parking available |
| Dogs | Permitted on leash — clean up after your pet |

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Plan Your Visit

• Combine with: A drive along the Bay of Fundy shore and stops at Parrsboro, the Fundy Geological Museum, and Cape d'Or
• Nearby accommodation: Five Islands is a 30-minute drive from Truro and approximately 1 hour from Halifax
• Camping gear: If you're new to camping, check out our Nova Scotia Camping Guide for tips and packing lists
• Best time to visit: July to September for warm weather; September offers fewer crowds and excellent hiking conditions

Plan Your Stay:

• Book nearby: Search Hotels on Booking.com