Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point Hike

The Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point Hike was on my bucket list for a while. It’s said to be one of the top coastal hikes in Nova Scotia, and after hiking it, I can see why!

It’s an easy hike, with gorgeous views and plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery. There’s stunning views of waves crashing against the cliffs, trails through the coastal barrens and uniquely shaped rocks to hike over.

This quickly became one of our favourite coastal hikes, in the running with Cape Split and Duncan’s Cove, and one that we definitely plan to hike again.

If you’re thinking about hiking this trail for yourself, here’s everything to know about hiking Gaff Point and Hirtle’s Beach.

child with blue backpack hiking along a narrow trail on the barrens at Gaff Point trail Nova Scotia

🥾 GAFF POINT Hike Info
Distance: 6.5km, 4 miles, round trip
Type: Out and Back, but part is a loop before you head back
Time Needed: 2-2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – family friendly but not stroller accessible
Dogs: allowed

Gaff Point Hiking Trail Map

sign with map of gaff point hiking trail and tips for using the trail.

Hike Description

There are three parts to this hike:

a 1.5 km hike along the beach (this is the Hirtles’ Beach part of the hike)
a 3.5 km loop around Gaff Point
the 1.5 km return hike along the beach

Finding Hirtles Beach Trailhead

From the parking lot, look out towards the ocean and take the boardwalk on your right to the beach. This is where the hike begins.

wooden boardwalk curving towards the right at the edge of the ocean

The Hike

Hirtle’s Beach

The section of this hike along Hirtle’s Beach is gorgeous. There’s lots of rocks and pebbles, but also a narrow path at the edge of the beach, which makes for easier walking.

It’s also a good idea to be aware of the tide. This isn’t a hike where you’ll have to know the tide times, but you won’t be able to walk on the sand beach at high tide.

When you reach the end of the beach, there’s a path that leads up through a field and is an easier option to take when the tide is in. It’s private property though, and you can only access the field if the horses aren’t out.

The other option is to stay close to the water and walk along the rocks. This area isn’t as wide at high tide but is still passable.

a vertical view of the cliffs leading down to a narrow section of pebble beach and the water can be seen in the far left side. — Follow the rocks by the water if the horses are out in the field.

When you reach the end of the beach, you’ll see the Gaff Point Trailhead. It’s marked with a plaque, but if you’re close to the water, you might miss it. We did the first time, so I’d suggest best to keep an eye towards the trees.

large round pebbles are scattered along the shore and into the water. the water is calm and there are trees and forested area to the right — If you miss the trailhead, you’ll end up in this beautiful area

Gaff’s Point

Once you pass the Gaff’s Point trailhead, the trail goes through a forested trail to a clearing on the top of the cliff. There’s path here that goes to down to a cove with a secret beach, and apparently there are ropes to get down. We didn’t do this, as it wasn’t the best weather out, but we plan to come back and do this in the spring or summer.

A little farther along the trail, you’ll reach a fork where the loop trail begins. You can choose to hike in either direction; it doesn’t really make a difference. Either way, you’ll see the same scenery.

We chose to go to the left to start. This part of the hike starts through a wide forested trail, and like many forest trails, be sure to watch your footing, as there are raised roots and uneven ground.

a boy with a red backpack and orange shorts walks along a forest trail over the exposed roots.

But then you come to the coast and the views are absolutely gorgeous! This first part of the trail is higher along the cliffs, and you can see the surf against the rocks below.

waves crashing against black cliffs on the gaff point trail

As you continue towards the point, you can see the different layers of rock that are pointing up on such an incredible angle.

thin layers of rock pointing up on an angle and almost vertical by the time it reaches the trees. this is part of the route when hiking gaff's point trail.

The trail continues around the point and here you’ll be walking on a trail close to the water. It’s beautiful, windswept and reminded me of hiking at Polly’s Cove, near Peggy’s Cove. If you’re looking for more trails like this, check out hikes near Halifax.

Not all of this section of the trail is on a cleared path though – there’s a few areas that head over the rocks and are marked by yellow paint. Keep an eye out so you know you’re following the path!

a yellow marker on a rock indicating that the trail continues along the rock formations. trees are to the left and the ocean is to the right

The trail then returns to the woods and continues to the start of the loop. You’ll pass close by pine trees, making it feel, and smell, like you’re in a Christmas tree farm.

Did you know? This area of the province is known for its Balsam fir trees, and nearby Lunenburg is considered the Balsam Fir Capital of the World.

two boys, one with a blue backpack and one with a red backpack walk along a narrow trail in the forest surrounded by pine trees

Once you complete the loop trail, it’s a short walk back to the beach, and then from there, continue along the beach to the parking lot. If it’s a nice day, this is a great spot to spend a bit more time. When the waves are strong, there are often surfers here and on calm days in the summer, it’s a popular place to paddleboard.

The entire hike took us around 2 hours, and that included some photo stops and of course, spending some time near the water. The boys could run and chase the waves for hours!

two boys running along rocks at the edge of the ocean at hirtle's beach

Tips for Hiking Hirtle’s Beach and Gaff Point

Check for ticks after hiking. This area is prone to ticks, so take precautions. Wear long pants or use bug spray designed to repel ticks, and check your clothes and body thoroughly after the hike.
Wear proper footwear. This is not a hike you can safely do in flip-flops or thin sandals. The terrain includes rocks, uneven ground, and coastal paths, so sturdy hiking shoes or boots are essential.
Bring a sweater or light jacket. It can be considerably cooler along the coast so it’s a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket, even if it seems warm out. The weather can also change quickly. We started our hike when it was sunny, and by the time we were finishing, dark clouds had rolled in and it was a few degrees chillier.
Pack out what you bring in. There are no garbage cans along the trail, so be sure to carry all your trash back out with you.
Facilites are limited. There are no washrooms along the trail. The only facilities (vault toilets) are at the parking lot, so plan accordingly before you start your hike.

How to Get to Gaff’s Point

From Halifax, take Highway 103 to exit 11, head south toward Lunenburg, then take Highway 3 west to Highway 332 (NS-332W). Continue past Riverport and take a right on Kingsburg Road to Hirtle Beach Road. Turn right here and follow it to the parking lot.

It’s approximately 25 minutes from Lunenburg, or 1.5 hours from Halifax. Full directions from Halifax are found here.

Where to Stay Nearby

If you’re looking to stay nearby, there are some great B&B’s in Lunenburg, Mahone Bay or Chester. The Rum Runner Inn and Salt Shaker Deli & Inn are great options in Lunenburg.

Alternatively, Bridgewater has more options for hotels, including the Days Inn and Best Western Plus.

rock coastline along gaff's point trail - jagged rock formations at the waters edge with round pebbles along the path and a few pine trees to the left of the trail

Final Thoughts: Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point Hike

Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point Hike is a great trail and one of our favourite hikes in Nova Scotia. It’s got fantastic views, easy hiking, and as it’s near Lunenburg and Mahone Bay, it’s easy to combine this hike with an afternoon along the South Shore. If you’re exploring more of the province, consider hiking the Skyline Trail or the Franey Trail in Cape Breton.