Visiting The Ovens Natural Park, Nova Scotia

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On the coastline of the south shore of Nova Scotia, you’ll find The Ovens Natural Park. Every year thousands of visitors come to the area that was once the site of a gold rush. You can explore the caves, and still pan for gold! You may have seen the cliffs featured in the Netflix series Locke & Key – the good news is you can visit in real life. 

Important Info

The Ovens is privately owned land, owned by the Chapin family. It was once the site of gold mining but now it is a park, campground and a great place to visit on your trip exploring Nova Scotia’s South Shore.

Admission To The Ovens

If you just want to visit the park, admission is $10 per adult, $5 for seniors (65+) and children (5-15). Children under 5 are free. Dogs are allowed on leash as long as you clean up after them.

Hours

8:30am to dusk, seasonally.

The Ovens Natural Park opens on May 15 2020 for the season. They usually close around mid October for the winter.

Directions

The Address is 326 Ovens Rd, Riverport, NS. 

From the Lunenburg area you’ll take NS-332 W (signs for Riverport), and then turn onto Feltzen South Road, then Ovens Rd.. It will take about 20 minutes. Get a map here. 

From Halifax Area it will take about 1.5 hours and you’ll take highway 103 to exit 11 and then continue on NS-324 S until you get to Feltzen South Road, then take Ovens Rd.  Get a map here.

Amenities

The Ol’ Miner Diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and they have live music every night at 7:30pm. 

The General Store has everything you’ll need like picnic stuff, camping supplies, and souvenirs. Inside there is also a small museum about the history of the area. 

There are also bathrooms along the trail while you are exploring the caves. 

What To Do At The Ovens Natural Park

Exploring The Ovens

The whole reason you are here is to explore the caves right? The caves (nicknamed the ovens) are easily accessible with walkways, although some are narrow. The caves are interesting, and the sound of the waves crashing in are amazing.

There are several caves, the first one you come to is called Tucker’s Tunnel. It started as a natural cave, but was extended by miners looking for gold. Further along you’ll descend stone steps into Cannon Cave, this is the cave where you can really hear the waves. Indian Cave comes with a Miꞌkmaq legend that describes a man paddling his canoe into the cave and emerging on the other side of the province at Blomidon!

Pan For Gold

Still think there is gold in them there hills? You can find out! For $6.90 you can rent a gold pan and head to Cunard’s Beach to see what you can find. 

Kayaking

If you want to explore the caves from the ocean, you can take a Kayak tour! Kayak tours are $69 taxes included and must be booked in advance by contacting the Ovens Park office. They cater to all skill levels, so everyone is welcome. 

The Ovens Campground & Cabins

The Ovens also has a campground, RV sites, and some rustic cabins for rent if you are looking to spend more time in the area! There is a pool available for all park guests to use.

Check out their website for more information

Things To Do Near The Ovens

If you’re looking for things to do near The Ovens, there is a hike nearby called Gaff Point, which is also close to Hirtle’s beach if you are looking for a beach day! 

The closest town is Lunenburg, about 20 minutes away, where you’ll find many shops and restaurants! I love spending the day in Lunenburg, the waterfront is a great place to spend the afternoon. Make sure you get ice-cream at Sweet Treasures! 

Read about what to do in Lunenburg

Liverpool is another option, but it is about an hour and 15 minutes away, and you’ll have to take the Lahave ferry! It’s a great little town though, make sure to visit the Fort Point lighthouse and stop at Hell Bay for a drink.

Read More About Liverpool

Final Thoughts

We had a great time checking out The Ovens. If you’re looking for a unique look at caves in Nova Scotia, you should spend the day, or the afternoon here.