About Cape Split Provincial Park
Cape Split Provincial Park is a 447-hectare natural environment park located in Scots Bay, Kings County, featuring a 13.2 km loop trail with dramatic sea cliff viewpoints over the Bay of Fundy.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Located at 999 Cape Split Road near Canning in the Annapolis Valley, Cape Split Provincial Park is one of Nova Scotia's most beloved hiking destinations. This 447-hectare natural environment park draws over 40,000 visitors annually to its crown jewel — a spectacular 13.2 km loop trail that ends at dramatic 60-metre sea cliffs overlooking the Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides on Earth. Upgraded in 2021 from a simple out-and-back to a full loop, this trail has earned a 4.7-star rating from over 1,300 AllTrails reviews and recognition as the #1 attraction in Scots Bay.
Practical Information
Address & Location: 999 Cape Split Road, Canning, NS B0P 1H0. Located at the end of Cape Split Road in Scots Bay, Kings County, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Halifax via Highway 101 Exit 11.
Hours of Operation: Open year-round, dawn to dusk. Day-use only — no camping permitted. Vault toilets open mid-May to mid-October.
Trail Details: 13.2 km loop (some GPS devices show 16-19 km). Moderate difficulty. ~200m total elevation gain. Six lookout points via the 2021 Scots Bay Trail addition. Allow 4-5 hours; Parks NS recommends at least 5 hours.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots or trail runners, at least 2 litres of water per person (no freshwater sources on trail), snacks for a picnic at the lookoff, windproof jacket (the lookoff is very exposed), sunscreen and insect repellent, tick removal tool (ticks are common). Hiking poles recommended for uneven sections.
Parking: Large gravel lot at trailhead, recently expanded. Arrive before 9:00 AM on summer weekends. Free.
Safety: Cliffs at the lookoff are actively eroding with no fences or barriers. Stay well back from the edge. Keep dogs leashed. Pack out all trash. The trail can be very muddy after rain.
Getting There: From Halifax, take Highway 101 to Exit 11 (Greenwich/Wolfville). Follow the Greenwich Connector to Highway 358 through Port Williams and Canning. Continue on Cape Split Road to its end. Stop at "The Lookoff" viewpoint along the way for a stunning panorama of the Annapolis Valley.
Cape Split Provincial Park belongs on every outdoor enthusiast's Nova Scotia bucket list. The combination of old-growth forest, the 2021 loop upgrade, and that spectacular Fundy finale makes this one of the most rewarding hikes in Atlantic Canada.