Cape Chignecto Provincial Park

Perched on the rugged shores of the Bay of Fundy, Cape Chignecto Provincial Park is Nova Scotia's largest coastal wilderness park, offering some of the most dramatic hiking along the Eastern Seaboard. With its towering basalt cliffs, ancient Acadian forests, and the world's highest tides, this park is a haven for serious hikers and nature lovers seeking raw, untamed beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail – A multi-day epic (about 52 km) that hugs the cliffs, offering jaw-dropping views of the Bay of Fundy, sea stacks, and tidal pools. The Three Sisters rock formation is a must-photo.
• Refuge Cove – A remote beach accessible only by trail, perfect for spotting seals and shorebirds at low tide.
• Eatonville Backcountry – A network of trails through old-growth forest, with waterfalls and suspension bridges over pristine rivers.
• Tidal Bore Watching – The park's location on the Bay of Fundy means you can witness the famous tidal bore, where the incoming tide rushes up rivers like the Advocate.
• Wildlife Viewing – Keep an eye out for bald eagles, black bears, moose, and the elusive Canada lynx.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two full days to truly experience the park. Hikers tackling the full Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail should plan for three days and two nights, with backcountry camping at designated sites. Day-trippers can explore shorter loops like the Eatonville or Mill Brook trails in half a day, but you'll want to stay overnight to catch sunrise over the Fundy cliffs. Book backcountry sites well in advance during peak summer.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Joggins Fossil Cliffs – A UNESCO World Heritage site just south, where you can see 300-million-year-old fossils embedded in the cliffs.
• Advocate Harbour – A charming fishing village with a general store, kayak rentals, and views of the Cape d'Or lighthouse.
• Parrsboro – Known for its rockhounding (semiprecious stones), the Fundy Geological Museum, and the iconic Parrsboro Shore.
• Bay of Fundy & Minas Basin – Drive the scenic Glooscap Trail, which winds through tidal estuaries and Acadian villages.
• Fundy National Park – About 90 minutes away, this park offers easier hiking, golf, and the popular Point Wolfe beach.

Please check official sources for current details.