Burntcoat Head Park, Nova Scotia

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In an effort to see more of my beautiful province of Nova Scotia, we decided to head to Burntcoat Head park for an afternoon. It was a perfect place to take a walk, explore the ocean shore, and learn a bit about the Bay of Fundy.

Where Is Burntcoat Head Park?

Burntcoat Head Park is in the community of Noel, on the western shore of Nova Scotia. It sits right on the Bay of Fundy.

From Downtown Halifax, it will take you about an hour and 15 minutes to get to Burntcoat Head. It’s also easily accessible from the Annapolis Valley and Truro area. 

Looking for other things to do in Nova Scotia? Check them out right here! 

Important Info

Entrance to the park is totally free!

Burntcoat Head park is open from mid May to mid October, and the park is open from dawn until dusk.

There are washrooms located close to the parking lot, and they were very nice and clean when we visited! The washrooms and lighthouse are open 10am-5pm.

There is plenty of parking available. There is also a picnic area to enjoy before/after you visit the park.

Bay of Fundy Tides

When planning your trip, you’ll want to make sure you visit around low tide because if not, it will all be underwater! Check their website for high/low tide times daily. 

The tides at the Bay of Fundy are the highest in the world. Tides rise and fall depending on the gravitational effect of the moon, and lunar tides occur twice a day; every 12 hours and 25 minutes. Here at Burntcoat Head the world’s highest tide has been recorded: 16 meters or 52 feet! Meaning at low tide you can walk on the ocean floor, but 12 hours later, it is 52 feet underwater!

Check out Burntcoat Head Park’s time lapse video! 

It’s especially important to pay attention to tide times when visiting the park, as water can rise by up to 1 inch per minute, you could easily get trapped by the rising tide. Signs posted at the entrance to the park tell you what time you should be back on higher ground!

Closeby in some rivers, you’ll find the phenomenon of a tidal bore; a wave of water heading up river against the tide from the incoming high tide. You can watch from dry land, but the most fun you can have experiencing it is in the water! There are many companies that will take you tidal bore rafting; similar to white water rafting! You’ll have so much fun riding the waves and trying to hold on!

The Lighthouse at Burntcoat

The first thing you come to when you get to Burntcoat Head Park is the lighthouse. You can go inside and find a small store with local crafts, some snacks and drinks. There is a display of fossils that have been found in the area, even fossils of things that pre-date dinosaurs! 

On the second floor of the lighthouse you’ll find displays explaining the history of the area and of the lighthouse. The lighthouse you are visiting is a replica of the original lighthouse, since the original fell into disrepair and was demolished. 

Make sure to climb up to the very top of the lighthouse for some amazing views!

Walk The Ocean Floor at Burntcoat Head Park

A short walk away from the lighthouse, you’ll find the entrance to the ocean floor – at low tide of course! We spent a few hours walking along, exploring little inlets and looking at all the flowerpot islands. 

You have to be careful walking, since some places are extremely slippery. 

The area immediately down the stairs is usually quite busy with people not wanting to go too far. We walked about 2km to the right and got away from the crowds. We also found a small waterfall! 

Once you’re walking around, you’ll see some periwinkles and you may even see a crab or a clam so be careful where you step.

There is a guided tour option if you are interested in learning more about the area. Tours must be booked 24 hours in advance and times depend on the tides! Cost is $18 for adults, $14 for children, $10 for seniors, children under 5 are free,  and there is a family rate available. Check their website for more info.

Have you been to Burntcoat Head park? Let me know what you thought!

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