Quick Guide to the Cape Split Loop in Nova Scotia

Are you planning to hike the Cape Split Loop in Cape Split Provincial Park? Here’s everything you need to know about one of Nova Scotia’s best hikes!

The Cape Split Loop Trail

Quick Facts

Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Loop
Distance: 14.5 kilometres / 9 miles
Elevation gain: 421 meters / 1,381 feet
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Detailed overview: Alltrails

Description

The Cape Split Loop in Cape Split Provincial Park is a stunning hike that combines the Minas Basin Trail and the Scots Bay Trail, offering some of the best coastal views in Nova Scotia.

This moderate 14.5 km (9 miles) loop takes you around the high cliffs of the peninsula, showcasing the dramatic beauty of the Bay of Fundy.

The trail begins at the end of Cape Split Road in Scots Bay, where you’ll find a spacious parking lot with picnic tables overlooking the bay. The well-marked, dirt-packed trail is wide but can be rocky and muddy, so sturdy footwear is essential. And, if you plan on hiking in winter, microspikes are a must.

Along the way, you’ll pass several lookouts with sweeping views of the Bay of Fundy. The highlight is at the far end of the peninsula, where the trail exits the forest, opening into a meadow with breathtaking views of the endless ocean and dramatic rock pillars protruding from the sea.

This is also the perfect place for bird watching, as hundreds of seabirds fly about or perch on the flat top of the largest pillar. So, if you’re a birder, make sure to bring your binoculars!

To make the most of the park, plan to complete the hike in 3 to 4 hours, which will give you plenty of time to enjoy each viewpoint.

The point at Cape Split Provincial Park in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia. Photo by mlharing via Canva.com. — *The Point at Cape Split in the Bay of Fundy – Photo by mlharing via Canva.com*

Practical Information

Parking

There is a large parking lot at the trailhead, which is open year-round.

Park Fees

Cape Split Provincial Park is a non-operating park, so it’s unstaffed and there are no entrance fees.

Facilities

There are picnic tables, vault toilets and a trail map available at the parking lot. There are also two seasonal composting toilets located along the trail, about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the trailhead.

Opening Hours

The park gates are open year-round, so you can hike anytime. However, for safety reasons, we recommend only hiking during daylight hours. So, start your hike with enough time to return to the trailhead by dusk.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on the Cape Split Loop but must be on a leash at all times. Note that this is a long hike, so it may not be suitable for all dogs.

Trail Conditions

The trail is well-marked but is rocky and muddy in places, so make sure to have a good pair of hiking shoes or boots. And, if you’re planning to hike in winter, we recommend using microspikes.