Secret Nova Scotia

Fall is the perfect time of year to take a hike!

The northern shore of Nova Scotia has so many incredible hiking trails to choose from. From beginner level to more advanced.

Here’s a list of our favourites (in no particular order):

Debert Mi’kmawey Interpretive Trail — Debert

• The trail is a 4.4km loop
• Opened in 2003 as part of the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre project, and is a part of the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark.
• There are various interpretive panels, featuring the artwork of Dozay Christmas, which share the story of these ancestral sites.
• This ‘Paleo-Indian’ site is one of the most significant indigenous archeological sites in North America, dating back to 11,000 years before the present.
• The site represents the earliest human settlement in eastern North America.

Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail — Advocate Harbour

• Moderate/Difficult
• Located in West Advocate (2.5 hours from Truro) at the Cape Chignecto Provincial Park
• Some sections of the trail are rather steep and can be challenging, with a considerable difference in elevation (500 feet), so hikers should be physically fit. There is usually cell phone coverage at high elevations.
• This looped trail is 53kms long, and takes, on average, three or four full days to hike. If you’re not in a rush, you can stretch it out even longer to really enjoy your natural surroundings. Or, if you’re simply looking for a day trip, you can always just do a few of the sections.
• A good majority of the trail is along the coast, with breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. Keep an eye out for any side trails that will lead you down to beaches or to rocky cliff look-offs. The trail can be hiked either clockwise or counter-clockwise and is accessed by the trailhead at Red Rocks Visitor Centre. You must check in with staff before and after your hike to ensure safe travels. There are campsites and rustic wilderness cabins along the trail for hikers to stay overnight. Keep in mind there’s no running water, so bring supplies to treat it before use.

Cobequid Trail — Truro/ Bible Hill

• The trail, divided into two sections, has various rest stops along the way, and public washrooms as well.
• The sections between Old Barns, Lower Truro, and Truro are part of the Trans Canada Trail and Blue Route, and travel along the former Dominion Atlantic Railway, which was built in 1898 and operated until 1982.
• You can view the Bay of Fundy and catch the tidal bore come in twice daily (see tide schedule here).
• There are multiple trailheads in either section, with many scenic viewing points in each.

Keppoch Mountain — Antigonish

• Easy-Extreme; various trails; open year-round
• Non-Member Fees: $5 for hiking/snowshoeing, $10 for biking/skiing 
• Former ski hill that has been redesigned as an outdoor recreation facility
• Run by P.A.K. (Positive Action for Keppoch), a non-profit volunteer organization.
• With 40+ kms of multi-use trails, ranging in difficulty from “easy” to “extreme”, you’re sure to find a few to tackle no matter your skill and experience level! Most of their trails are available to hike, with many that can also be used to mountain bike, or to fat-bike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe during the winter months.
• There is a shuttle that runs on weekends to escort guests and their bikes up the mountain.
• They also have a dock at Camerons Lake for swimming, an 18-hole disc golf course, a boulder-climbing park, and they host many events throughout the year, including outdoor educational seminars, Family Fun Days, runs and races, and even an interactive theatre play each summer.

Gully Lake Wilderness Area — Kemptown

• 25km of hiking trails through forests and marshlands, and around various lakes, brooks and rivers
• The Gully Lake Wilderness Area is a protected area covering a patch of Cobequid Mountain woodlands in north-central Nova Scotia.
• Part of the Cape to Cape trail system, between Cape George and Cape Chignecto.
• Two loops and various connecting trails, with forested hills that rise to more than 300 metres above sea level, the Gully Lake Wilderness Area is a great place for a day hike. With 25km of hiking trails through forests and marshlands, and around various lakes, brooks and rivers, there’s no shortage of options. The woodlands are abound with diverse trees — sugar maple, yellow birch, and red spruce, to name a few — and offers a quality home for the endangered mainland moose that inhabit the area.

Cape George Heritage Trails — Antigonish

• Easy-Difficult
• This 33km trail includes 7 looped trails ranging from 2-12km, and 5 point-to-point trails ranging from 7-21km
• Cape George peninsula, overlooking beautiful St. Georges Bay. With elevations up to 600 feet above sea level, the panoramic views are incredible. With trails through meadows and forests and along the coastline cliffs, there’s no shortage of scenic stops. Enjoy the sounds and beauty of nature on a peaceful stroll along the shoreline, have a picnic on the beach or by the lighthouse, or relax beside a natural “Bubbling Spring.”

Rogart Mountain Trail — Kemptown

• Rogart Mountain is accessed on the opposite side of the 311 in Kemptown. The trailhead is at Sugar Moon Farms, on Alex MacDonald Road. Finish your hike with a delicious maple-inspired brunch at the on-site log restaurant and pick up some real maple syrup at the shop to take home.

Brookfield Wetland and Nature Trail — Brookfield

• Easy, flat trail; dogs welcome; open year-round
• Conveniently located just off the highway at Exit 12 in Brookfield (15 minutes from Truro)
• 1.6km crushed gravel figure 8 loop
• The ponds and trail were built in 2009 as a partnership between Lafarge Canada Inc. and Ducks Unlimited Canada. It passes through a large wetland, following a path around two constructed ponds and a wooden walking bridge to connect them. It’s a great place for birdwatchers or photographers, as there’s such a variety of wildlife to view. There are various interpretive panels along the way to educate about the functions of wetlands and the species that inhabit them.

Victoria Park — Truro

• Located centrally in Truro, this 3000 acre natural woodland park has an extensive trail system winding through tall trees, natural gorges, scenic look-offs, and cool, cascading waterfalls.
• The main trail through the park is well-groomed, and leads to various other hiking trails throughout the park, two waterfalls, and, arguably the park’s most famous feature, Jacob’s Ladder. If you’re up to the challenge, give it a go! It’s a steep set of 178 steps that leads directly up the gorge that’s sure to stretch your legs!
• The park is a large loop and most pathways will eventually lead you to a trailhead.
• Large loop; three main hiking trails — Hemlock, Vibert, and Reservoir — totalling over ten kilometres, not including the paths to get there.

Photo credit: alltrails.com | biblehill.ca | alltrails.com | alltrails.com | victoriaparktruro.ca

Yes, we all want to live in the moment. But, let’s be real: we also want that perfect, insta-worthy photo every now and again, right!?

Here are a few examples of giant landmarks throughout Central Nova Scotia that are not only perfect for the ‘gram, but also rich in history from our local communities.

*See below for details on a fun CONTEST running the month of August!

• MASTODON RIDGE — Stewiacke
  
  Marvin the Mastodon is a life-sized replica of a mastodon, located just off the highway at Mastodon Ridge, in Stewiacke, named for a nearby fossil discovery. In 1991, while preparing to mine gypsum, Stanley McMullin, a heavy equipment operator, unearthed large teeth, a tusk and bones at the nearby National Gypsum Quarry in Milford, about 15 kilometres away. A full-scale recovery plan was launched and, over a ten-month period, all remains were taken to the Nova Scotia Museum, where they were carefully cleaned, preserved, and recorded. Based on the scientific analysis, the bones are believed to be 80,000 years old and from a male animal of approximately 22 years of age. Now, 30 years after the discovery, Mastodon Ridge is a great stop for family fun. Experience the new Fun Fort, the newly upgraded 18-hole mini golf, enjoy an ice cream cone, and explore the prehistoric stone house and car. Stop in to the Visitor Centre to learn about the history of Stewiacke and surrounding areas, and to learn more about the mastodons.
  
  
• GLOOSCAP — Millbrook
  
  You’ve probably noticed the giant Glooscap statue on the side of Highway 102 at the Truro Power Centre, at exit 13A. He stands tall and strong, and is the focal point of the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre. One of the most universal symbols of the Mi’kmaq people, Kluskap (Glooscap) is an Abenaki word meaning “man from nothing.” Mi’kmaq legends and stories say that Glooscap is the first human, having been “created by a lightning bolt in the sand.” Snap a photo of the giant statue, and be sure to take in the visitor centre and museum while you’re there. You will learn about the history of the Indigenous peoples of the surrounding areas.
  
  
• STRAWBERRY MAN — Great Village
  
  If you’ve ever driven through Great Village, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the giant strawberry statue on the side of the road. Part of Millen Farms, a family-owned sustainable berry farm, the Strawberry Man grins broadly and points to the nearby farm and u-pick just down the road. You can spend a few hours at the farm taking in the sun, gathering fresh berries for delicious homemade treats, and taking a selfie with the giant strawberry. You won’t regret stopping in!
  
  
• FUNDY LIGHTHOUSE — Five Islands
  
  The first kerosene light at Five Islands Lighthouse was lit in 1914, before being removed and replaced in 1963 with a battery operated light, and then electricity in 1967. The lighthouse itself has been moved three times to avoid cliff erosion, and now stands at its permanent home at Five Islands Lighthouse Park. Grab the family, pack a picnic lunch, take a drive down the coast, and make a day trip of your Fundy adventure! The scenery is spectacular and the views are breathtaking. Five Islands Lighthouse Park is arguably one of the best viewing points for the Bay of Fundy. The panoramic view includes all Five Islands (Moose, Diamond, Long, Egg, and Pinnacle), as well as the Old Wife, the Brothers, Cape Blomidon, and Cape Split. The kids will love the unique ship-themed playground. Be sure to snap a selfie by the lighthouse, relax in the new hammocks, or take a peaceful stroll along the beach.
  
  
• THE SHIP HECTOR — Pictou
  
  Visit this living history attraction in Pictou, “The Birthplace of New Scotland”. On September 15, 1773, The Ship Hector, a three-masted cargo vessel, arrived in Pictou Harbour with 189 Scottish Highlanders on board, fleeing their homes with the promise of land and a better life in the New World. It was the first ship to directly transport passengers from Scotland to Nova Scotia, and this initial trip sparked a massive wave of immigration over the next few decades. This true-to-size replica Ship Hector and the Hector Heritage Quay interpretive centre tell the story of these first settlers. Unfortunately, the replica is currently removed from the water for an expansive restoration project, but you can still view it on the Heritage Quay grounds and see the work that’s being done!
  
  
• WORLD’S LARGEST BLUEBERRY — Oxford
  
  Oxford, a town just east of Amherst, is largely considered to be the wild blueberry capital of Canada. This nutritious fruit grows wildly and abundantly here, with no human interference. Oxley, the giant blueberry statue on Main Street represents the booming industry, greeting visitors with a wide smile and drawing them into the small community. As the blueberry capital, it’s only fitting the town would have a blueberry celebration. The Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival takes place here and in communities throughout the region during the last two weeks of August.

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*CONTEST DETAILS:

1. Take a photo of one of the above local landmarks
2. Post your photo on Instagram or Facebook between August 1 and 31.
Make sure your post is public so we can see it.
Note: If you’re not on social media, you can email your photo to us!
3. Tag us @secretnovascotia + use the hashtag #instaworthyns
4. We will ENTER YOUR NAME TO WIN A PRIZE PACK of local goodies, valued at $100.
5. We will announce the random winner on Wednesday, September 1.

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