Cape Split Hike: One of Nova Scotia's Best Hikes

The Cape Split hike has been on my bucket list for two years, and I finally had the chance to experience it recently. This popular trail, known as one of the best hikes in Nova Scotia, certainly didn’t disappoint. As we hiked through the forested path and took in the stunning views, it became clear why Cape Split is considered one of the top hikes in the province.

The trail isn’t too technical, but the length and the views make it a rewarding hike. If you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, here’s everything you need to know about hiking Cape Split.

Cape Split Trail Info

Length: 13.2 km round trip, 15km including distance to the lookouts
Difficulty: moderate to challenging
Estimated Time: 4 to 6 hours
Type of Trail: Loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 200m
Facilities: Toilets at trailhead and 2km mark
Dogs: Allowed, but must be on a leash

Getting There

Cape Split is located in Scots Bay, Nova Scotia, within the beautiful Annapolis Valley and overlooking the Bay of Fundy.

To reach Cape Split from Halifax, take Highway 101 west towards Kentville. After approximately an hour, take Exit 11 towards Greenwich and head north through Canning towards Scots Bay. The entire drive takes about 1.5hrs from Halifax or downtown Dartmouth.

There’s a large parking area at the trailhead, providing plenty of space for vehicles. As you drive around the parking area, you’ll see the well-marked trailhead leading off into the forest.

map of cape split hike — Cape Split Trail Map

What to Expect on the Trail

The Cape Split hike is a loop trail made up of two different trails, the Minas Basin Trail and the Scots Bay Trail. It doesn’t matter which trail you choose to hike first as they will both take you to the Cape Split Lookoff.

The hike is mostly through the forest, with several stunning lookouts along the way. The highlight of the trail is the Cape Split Lookoff, where you’ll have fantastic views of the sea stacks, or spires, that have been carved out over the years by the world’s highest tides.

Side note: To see the sight of the actual highest recorded tides, head to Burntcoat Head Park, which is to the east on the Minas Basin coast.

view of rock formations "three sisters" at cape split lookoff

Our Experience Hiking Cape Split

The Cape Split hike begins by heading into the forest, and honestly, this part of the hike isn’t too interesting. It can be muddy, but the trail is wide and easy to navigate over the muddy sections.

Just after the 1km marker, the trail splits and you can choose to continue straight on the Minas Bay trail, or turn left to take the Scots Bay trail.

We decided to hike the Minas Bay trail first, as it’s a more direct route and I wanted to save the lookouts over Scots Bay to break up the trail on the way back.

The trail itself is not groomed, so you’ll need to keep an eye out for tree roots and small rocks. When it rains, which is often in Nova Scotia, the trail can become muddy. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes or boots to handle the conditions. Hiking poles can be helpful but aren’t necessary.

a boy in a red backpack and red sweater and a man with a red shirt and black backpack and hiking poles hiking on a leafy trail at cape split

Every kilometre on the trail is marked, and even most of the half kilometres are marked as well, at least on the Minas Basin Trail. Just before the 2km mark is a set of vault toilets. These are the only washroom facilities on the trail, aside from the ones at the trailhead.

Just before you reach the 3km mark is the first lookout, with a wood platform overlooking the Minas Basin. From here you can see the shore on the other side of the Minas Basin and along the coast towards Cape Split.

two boys, one in a dark blue sweater and blue backpack and one in a red sweater and red backpack standing on a wooden platform looking out over the Bay of Fundy — Minas Bay Lookoff

The second lookout is just past the 4km mark, but it was so overgrown and we could not see a thing. There is a side path here to the left that connects to the Scots Bay trail if you don’t want to hike all the way to the Cape Split lookout. This would take about 4km off the total hike, but I wouldn’t suggest it, as you’d miss out on the best viewpoint!

From here it’s another 2km before you get to that epic view. You’ll start to see glimpses of the water, but don’t get too excited as you still have a bit of hiking to go!

the Bay of Fundy seen through a break in the trees

The Minas Basin trail merges back with the Scots Bay Trail for the last few hundred metres and then you finally reach the Cape Split lookout.

There’s a large clearing here, with plenty of grass that’s perfect for sitting down and having a snack while taking in the stunning views.

two boys, one in a red sweater and red backpack and one in a dark blue sweater and blue backpack with their arms around each others shoulders are standing on the grass and looking out over the cape split lookoff — Cape Split Lookoff

Trails lead down to the edge of the cliff where you can look out at the iconic spires known as the Three Sisters. These rock formations have been carved out over the years by the Fundy tides, which are the highest tides in the world.

rock formation called the three sisters at the cape split lookoff

It’s tempting to get close, but be extremely careful, as it can be windy and there are no railings or viewing platforms here. The photo below doesn’t look like much, but it was so windy that I had to hold his hand and help him to this spot before crawling back for the photo. It didn’t look that windy from a distance!

a boy in a dark sweater and shorts with sunglasses is sitting on a flat rock that overlooks the rock formations or spires at cape split

As you head down from the meadow towards the spot in the photo above, you’ll also see this fantastic view of the gap between the rocks. My kids think this is why it’s called Cape Split!

a narrow crevice in the rocks at the top of a cliff. the shoreline and water can be seen through the split in the rocks

We spent about 30 minutes at here, taking photos and refuelling with a packed lunch for the hike back. There are no picnic tables, but plenty of room to sit on the grass, and no garbage cans so be sure to pack out what you bring in.

the coastline at Cape Split with tall cliffs reaching down to the water below. — the coast as seen at Cape Split

The Return Hike

Once you’ve enjoyed the view and taken the requisite photos, it’s time to start the trek back.

Until 2021, there was only one trail, and hikers had to return the same way they came. Now, with the addition of the Scots Bay Trail, you have the option of doing a loop trail and seeing more views over the Bay of Fundy. While it’s still a forested trail, the Scots Bay Trail offers three additional lookouts along the coast.

About 1.5km back along the trail, you’ll reach Big Cove Lookoff #2. My kids were worried that we had missed the first lookout, but they must have numbered the lookoffs as if you were hiking from the trailhead, not from the Cape Split lookout.

It’s a small lookout area with a wood railing and some great views of the Bay of Fundy.

a man with a black backpack and a hat and two kids are looking out over the Bay of Fundy at the Big Cove Lookoff — Big Cove Lookoff #2

About a kilometre later, you’ll reach the sign for Big Cove Lookoff #1. There’s a short hike off the main trail, maybe 100-150m, but I’m not great at estimating and didn’t think to check on my watch. These lookouts have signs warning not to go down, as the tides can rise quickly and the rock faces are steep.

View of the coast at Cape Split as the cliffs descend to meet the water at a point that juts out into the water — Big Cove Lookoff #1

Just before the 10km marker is the Lobster Hole Lookoff. There’s a side trail to the lookout, and it adds about .7km to the total hike but it’s worth it. The trail is steep, but not unmanageable and I found hiking poles to be really helpful here.

the view from lobster cove lookoff. the coastline is rocky and evergreen trees are seen next to the rocks all the way to the water's edge — Lobster Cove Lookoff

From here, the hike continues through the forest, crossing a couple of short bridges, until the 12km mark, where the trail joins the Minas Basin trail. There was a sign for the Scots Bay Lookoff, but unlike the other viewpoints, there was no defined lookout point and we couldn’t see anything. We actually started to hike down a small trail but it clearly wasn’t part of the main trail so we turned back.

From the spot where you join the Minas Basin Trail, it’s just over a kilometre back to the parking lot.

How long to hike Cape Split?

It’s recommended to allow 4-6 hours to complete the full loop trail. We finished the hike in 4.5 hours, which also included a half-hour lunch break at the Cape Split Lookoff.

A note about the Cape Split hike distance: The trail map shows that the hike is 13.2km if you complete both trails as a loop. Our GPS tracked us as hiking 15km, but we also hiked to all the lookoffs, which may have added to the total distance. The first two lookoffs on the Minas Basin Trail are right on the trail, but the lookoffs on the Scots Bay trail are just off the trail and may have added the extra 1.8km.

Tips for Hiking Cape Split

Length: The Minas Bay Trail is slightly shorter at 6.2km, whereas the Scots Bay Trail is 7km (plus additional distances to the lookouts)

Facilities: Vault toilets are available at the trailhead and another set at the 2km on the Minas Basin Trail. There are no garbage cans on the trail, so be sure to pack out what you pack in. There are garbage, recycle and compost bins at the trailhead.

Weather: You’re in Nova Scotia, and the weather can change quickly, especially along the coast. It’s a good idea to bring layers and even a light rain jacket. During the 4.5 hours we were on the trail, we experienced sun, grey clouds, cool breezes and even a light sprinkling of rain while we were at the Cape Split Lookoff. And it was beautifully sunny on the drive to and from the hike.

Bugs: As you’re hiking through the forest for a few hours, you’ll want to be prepared with bug spray. The bugs are particularly bad in late spring, but we hiked this trail at the end of June and didn’t find the bugs to be bad at all. Be sure to check for ticks as well after finishing the hike.

Kids: The trail is long but not too technical, and kids can hike it. Be careful at the Cape Split lookout, as there are high cliffs and no railings. My kids were 9 when we hiked the trail and had no problem completing it.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be on a leash.

two boys, one in a red backpack and one in a blue backpack are hiking with a man wearing a red shirt and black backpack on a dirt trail through the forest

What to Do Near Cape Split

If you’re looking for other things to do in the area after the hike, there are several great options.

The Lookoff: Not to be confused with the lookoffs on the trail, this is THE lookoff. You’ll pass by it on your drive to or from the Cape Split trailhead, but I’d recommend stopping after the hike. There’s parking just on the side of the road, where you can take in the view, or grab an ice cream from the shop across the road (It’s open during summer months).

Blomidon Provincial Park: If you’re looking for a place to camp, this is a great spot to stay before or after your hike.

Wolfville: There’s plenty of things to do in the nearby town of Wolfville. Wander through the charming downtown, or stop for a meal or snack after the hike. If you’re looking to stay in the area overnight, there are quaint bed and breakfasts or cozy hotels, perfect for relaxing after your day on the trail.

The Tattingstone Inn on Main Street is an excellent choice, or nearby in Canning, the Farmhouse Inn B&B is another great option, with a fantastic breakfast to fuel you either before or after your hike.

Final Thoughts: Hiking Cape Split

Cape Split is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Nova Scotia. The trail itself isn’t too technical and offers a nice blend of forest trail and coastal views. We thoroughly enjoyed our time on this hike, and it’s easy to see why it’s so highly recommended. While the hike wasn’t physically challenging, its length made it a rewarding trail experience. If you’re looking for a memorable outdoor experience in Nova Scotia, Cape Split should be at the top of your list. So lace up your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and get ready to explore one of the province’s most beautiful trails.

For more information on the park and trail, these links may be helpful:
Cape Split Provincial Park
All Trails: Cape Split Trail (although the distance stated in All Trails is not accurate)