HIKING AROUND NOVA SCOTIA

Community: Barton

Region: Western

Notes: A beautiful trail system featuring a mix of hemlock forests and small waterfalls along the Acacia Brook. It offers various loops ranging from easy walks to more rugged terrain.

Community: Clark's Harbour

Region: Western

Notes: A premier birdwatching destination on Cape Sable Island. It is especially popular during migration seasons for spotting diverse waterfowl and shorebirds along the flat, accessible coastal terrain.

Community: Gulliver's Cove

Region: Western

Notes: A rugged trail system offering dramatic views of the Bay of Fundy. It features high coastal cliffs where hikers can often spot whales or seals in the distance, passing through unique basalt rock formations and windswept barrens.

Community: Digby

Region: Western

Notes: A short but spectacular 200m crusher dust trail leading from a gravel parking lot to the edge of the Bay of Fundy. The site features a 1964 concrete lighthouse with iconic red vertical stripes and offers prime vantage points for watching the Fundy Rose ferry and spotting seals or whales. Note that there is no cell service on the shore ledges.

Community: Lower West Pubnico

Region: Western

Notes: A 3.7km to 4.8km easy out-and-back or loop trail (depending on the path taken) situated at the edge of the Pubnico peninsula. The trail features a gravel surface, boardwalk sections, and 17 impressive wind turbines that form the first onshore wind farm in the province. Hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic, interpretive panels about the Acadian environment, and numerous commemorative benches. Note that heavy fog is common in the mornings.

Community: Comeau's Hill

Region: Western

Notes: Also known as Roche-St.-Pierre, this is a short 0.8km linear gravel and dirt trail leading to a large historic boulder. The site offers expansive views of Pubnico Harbour, the Tusket Islands, and local salt marshes. The trail ends at a small sandy beach featuring changing houses and a small wharf. It is a premier location for sunset watching and birdwatching.

Community: Arcadia

Region: Western

Notes: A significant 1km interpretive loop located on Acadia First Nation land. The name 'Tkipok' (pronounced Geb-og) means 'where the water remains cold.' The trail follows the edge of the Chebogue River through a softwood forest and features 12 interpretive panels that share Mi'kmaq history, legends, and language translations. The path is flat with a gravel and natural surface, making it an excellent educational walk for all ages.

Community: Tusket

Region: Western

Notes: A short, easy 1.5km (return) trail following the banks of the Tusket River. The path provides excellent views of the Tusket Falls and the Nova Scotia Power hydroelectric dam. It is a historical site once used as a major salmon and gaspereau fishing ground for the Mi'kmaq and early settlers. The trail is well-packed with crusher dust and features several benches for resting while watching the fast-moving water.

Community: Upper Clements

Region: Western

Notes: A four-season, multi-use trail destination featuring over 16km of interconnected singletrack and doubletrack trails winding through an Acadian mixed forest. Developed on a historic property that once hosted a wildlife park and a zip line course, the network is bisected by the scenic Ryerson Brook and ravine. Notable features include glacial erratics, old millstones, 1800s dam foundations, and the 550m 'Moon Mist' all-abilities accessible loop trail that leads to a ravine look-off. The trail system is managed by the Municipality of the County of Annapolis in partnership with the volunteer-led Annapolis Basin Outdoor Adventures Society.

Community: Mount Pleasant

Region: Western

Notes: A 550-acre wooded trail system featuring a 3.5km main loop around the lake, a 1km spur to a scenic summit look-off, and a 900m loop to 'The Cascades' waterfall. The network is a mix of gravel access roads and rugged single-track paths. Unique features include 1800s settler foundations, active wind turbines, and a 'Phone of the Wind' memorial. It is maintained by a dedicated volunteer association and hosts the annual Lily Lake Lollygag trail run.