Hike To Cape Split

From the Nova Scotia Hiking Trail Guide

  • Guide category: Panorama Trails
  • Length: 16 km (return)
  • Difficulty: 2C
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Book trailhead: N45 18.877 W64 25.743
Pets on leash / Dog friendly iconPets on leash / Dog friendlyStay on trail iconStay on trailTrailhead iconTrailheadParking iconParking

One of the must-do hiking trail in Nova Scotia .

Nestled within the 428-hectare Cape Split Provincial park reserve, Cape Split is one of the most prominent hikes in Nova Scotia. The Department of Natural Resources recently acquired parcels of this land to implement a long term management plan for more than 20 kms of trails and basic facilities such as a parking lot. The trail is a slow climb that begins on an old logging road. Along the cliff, the trail becomes a well-established footpath. The terminus of the trail provides the inspiring panoramic view of the Minas Basin.

Trip Summary

Trip Stats

13.6km
Distance
8.5mi
Distance
4h 50m
Total time
2.8km/h
Avg speed (incl. stops)
3.2km/h
Moving speed
495m
Elevation gain
564m
Elevation loss
146m
Highest point

Elevation Profile

Terrain & Pace Summary

Hilly Walk

Good rolling terrain with 495 m of gain over 13.6 km (36 m/km). Rewarding underfoot without being punishing.

Leisurely Walk

Easy 3.2 km/h pace — plenty of time to take in the surroundings.

Stops Along the Way

  • 16 min1h 56m into ride  ·  76 m elevation  ·  16:54–17:00 UTCMap it
  • 212 min2h 03m into ride  ·  76 m elevation  ·  17:01–17:13 UTCMap it

Stops detected where GPS movement paused for 5 minutes or more — likely a viewpoint, snack break, or photo opportunity.

Trails Near This Route

🧭️ Trails from avoidingchores.com within 10 km of the trailhead, sorted nearest first. Distances are straight-line from the trailhead.
13.64 km trail  ·  0.0 km away
Cape Split
One of the most popular hikes with an amazing coastal view at the end.
Trailhead map
12 km trail  ·  9.6 km away
Blomidon Provincial Park
Large wooded area along sea cliff. Watch for seabirds, animals and plant life The trails are well marked, including location maps. Beware of the very high…
Trailhead map

Nearby Trails

🗺️ The links below open trail maps centred on the trailhead. Always cross-reference with a local club or land manager before riding an unfamiliar trail.
Gaia GPS
Browse trails on Gaia GPS
Opens Gaia GPS topo map centred on the trailhead. Shows recorded routes, public land layers, and trail overlays. Free account required to save routes.
Open Gaia GPS
AllTrails
Explore on AllTrails
Searches AllTrails for trails near this location. Useful for reviews, photos, and difficulty ratings.
Open AllTrails

Trail Access & Pass Information

⚠️ Trail pass and gate information changes seasonally. The notes below are based on publicly available information at time of generation — verify before you go.
  • Check your provincial / state OHV registration requirements before riding.
  • Verify gate and seasonal-closure status with a local ATV club or land manager.
  • Some trail networks require a separate trail pass — confirm with the local OHV association.
Generated from activity_164937360.gpx — avoidingchores.com • Made with IBM Bob
Cape Split is one of the most spectacular hikes in Atlantic Canada, taking you to one of Nova Scotia’s most famous rock formations. There are two trails that lead to end, on the left is is a coastal trail along the bottom of the cliffs, which is NOT recommended. The trail on the right is fairly easy but is somewhat long, around 16 km return. Parts of the property were recently sold to the provincial government and they have now named the area a Provincial Park Reserve. This is a fairly easy hike for most people, with the only real difficulty being the length. The first part climbs steadily from sea level to an altitude of approximately 110 metres (360 ft) at its highest point. The trail then mostly levels off until you get to the meadow at the very tip. Make sure you stay on the trail as some of the cliffs are actively eroding. Dogs should be kept on a leash.  

What About The Spring?

The hike to Cape Split Nova Scotia is one on the most beautiful day hikes in the province. This was the first time I went is the spring and the flowers were spectacular. This Provincial Park Reserve juts its rugged cliffs into the Bay of Fundy and is accessible year-round    

Recent Trail Notes

Recent trail-related items found during a five-year news and organization scan. Conditions and access can change quickly, so verify details with the park, trail manager, or local association before heading out.

Cape Split

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