Hiking Cape Split, Nova Scotia

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Planning to hike Cape Split? Here’s everything you need to know including difficulty, length, and what to do nearby.

Cape Split in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia will always have a special place in my heart. It was one of the first long hikes I went on, and we also got engaged there in 2014! It’s a challenging hike with some of the most beautiful views at the end.

The incredible scenery is created by the Bay Of Fundy’s tides coming in and out, carving away at the 200 foot cliffs, once you see it, you’ll know why hiking Cape Split is one of my favourite activities in Nova Scotia!

Fun Fact, Cape Split was the site of The Battle Off Cape Split on May 21 1781 during the American Revolutionary War. Three American Privateer Ships were attacked by three Nova Scotian vessels. One American Privateer was killed and other americans were sent to prison in Cornwallis. You can see the sword of Captain William Bishop from the battle in the Kings County Museum.

How To Get To Cape Split

Cape Split Provincial Park Reserve is an easy day trip from many places in Nova Scotia. The distance from Halifax to Cape Split is around 129km, or about an hour and half drive from downtown Halifax. From Halifax you take Highway 101, exiting at 11, then Highway 358 to Scots Bay, you’ll see signs for Cape Split. Click here for a map

Check out things to do in Halifax!

It’s also an easy trip from Liverpool, Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Chester areas by taking Exit 9 on Highway 103 to follow Highway 12. When you get to Kentville you’ll follow the signs to NS-358 (Sheffield Mills/Canning), and then drive Highway 358 to Scots Bay and follow the signs to Cape Split. From Lunenburg it will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Click here for map

Check out things to do in Liverpool!

GPS coordinates for the trail are:  N45 18.880 W64 25.755

Know Before You Go

Hiking Cape Split is free!

This trail has many cliffs that can be dangerous. Keep away from the edge and always have your dog on a leash.

The park is open year-round from dawn until dusk, so make sure to check sunset times before you go. It gets dark earlier on the trail since you are under trees for a lot of the hike.

Respect the environment and bring all garbage out with you.

There is no camping or campfires allowed.

Difficulty: About moderate to high. There are some steep uphills on the trail. The trail surface is natural forest ground, and the trail is not maintained, so you may come across downed trees, etc.

Length: The trail is about 15km or 8 miles round trip. It usually takes 4-5 hours, not including spending some time at the end.

Facilities: There are toilets located at the beginning of the trail in the parking lot. There are also 2 composting toilets approximately 2km into the trail. The area is not staffed. There are a limited amount of picnic tables for you to use. 

What To Bring With You: The weather in this area can be unpredictable, so bring some layers and be prepared for the weather to change. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and some snacks (or picnic food to have at the end!)

Cape Split Trail

For the beginning of the hike, you’ll be in the woods. Enjoy taking in some plants along the way, see if you can find the beautiful Lady Slipper! Make sure not to pick it – they are endangered!

Once you see the water, you’ll think the end is near, but there is still a little way to go. You’ll walk up a small hill, and once you get over the top, you’ll see the view that makes the hike so worth it! Make sure to take lots of time at the end to take it all in. We brought a blanket to have a little picnic at the end.

The newly completed coastal trail extension in 2021 allows you to hike back along the coast instead back through the woods!

Camping Nearby

If you’d like to camp after hiking Cape Split, nearby Blomidon Provincial Park has many unserviced campsites for $27 per night (2019 prices).

After The Hike

After you hike back out, you might be wondering what else to do in the area. The Blomidon Look Off is on your way in/out of Scot’s Bay and is a great place to stop for a photo, and also an ice-cream!

The Town of Wolfville has lots to see and do, and it’s one of my favorite towns in Nova Scotia. Stop into The Library Pub for lunch, or enjoy many of the surrounding wineries, you won’t be disappointed!

Read more about what to do in Wolfville NS