Cape Chignecto Provincial Park
Cape Chignecto Provincial Park
4.5
About
At Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, towering 185-meter (600-foot) cliffs rise from the Bay of Fundy while the world’s highest tides lap at their base. Cape Chignecto is a 4,200-hectare natural environment park on a dramatic coastal peninsula. The park features 29 kilometres (18 miles) of pristine coastline, some of Nova Scotia’s most significant geological features, deep valleys, sheltered coves, rare plants, remnant old growth forest, scenic views, and a rich cultural heritage. We offer wilderness camping in secluded coves and ravines, while a spectacular coastal hiking trail leads visitors along high cliffs and deep valleys. Because Cape Chignecto is a wilderness hiking park, there are no drive-up camping sites.
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BarkerJ
1 contribution
Sept 2020
So it wasn't the quite the trip we planned.... After a beautiful and peaceful starry night at Christie Fields, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect first day hiking to Refugee Cove. Some steep climbs for sure, but stunning views and beautiful forest. Once our tent was pitched we took our camp stove to the beach and ate supper watching the sunset. Unfortunately, the next morning, one of our party woke up having dizzy spells and trouble balancing, so a 19km hike with a heavy pack looked like it was out of the question for her. Once we were sure things weren't going to improve, we had to call for help. The staff were all understanding, super-kind and helpful. We felt so bad and thoroughly disappointed in not being able to continue, but we can't thank the staff enough. I will definitely be back to finish what I started!
Written 14 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam P
Halifax, Canada39 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
As someone who is usually rather verbose, I'm almost at a loss for words to describe Cape Chignecto. In the simplest terms, be prepared to experience stunning beauty and be awed by the power of the magnificent Bay of Fundy. But beyond that, the park offers gruelling and challenging hiking trails that reward you with spectacular views.
We did the full 51 km trail over 3 days. There are a number of different options in terms of one-day or two-day trips, but I would recommend completing the full trail if possible. If I were to go back and do it again, I would try to take four days for the entire trail to allow more time to appreciate the coastal views.
The trail begins at the Visitors Centre from the "Red Rocks". At the trailhead you can either go left down to the beach and the Red Rocks, or go right for the trail itself. The trail is well-marked throughout with red reflective markers nailed into trees and occasional orange or pink flagging tape.
If you go to the beach, depending on the tides, you can cut a good section of trail and walk directly to McGahey's Brook, where a giant stairwell up a cliff allows you to rejoin the main trail. This is a very pleasant detour, as it will save you a serious climb and descent.
If you elect to take the main trail instead (or are forced to by the tides), you will first pass through the Christy Field campground. The trail then climbs pretty quickly, and you're treated to your first viewpoint. This section is an excellent preview for what the remainder of the trail is like - never level. After a good climb, you will begin a gradual descent, which will quickly become a very steep, harrowing descent. There is a turn off along the way for the McGahey Brook trail.
From Red Rocks you will descent, cross the brook, and then begin a steep climb. Here is where the Eatonville turn off meets the main trail. We continued along the main trail into Mill Brook, the first campsites. These are about 6-7 km from Red Rocks, and the final stretch of the hike is possibly the steepest descent of the entire trail.
From Mill Brook, you have possibly the steepest climb of the trail, the start of maybe the most difficult 6 km of the hike. From Mill Brook you will climb, descend, and repeat until Refugee Cove, another steep, harrowing descent. Refugee Cove is gorgeous, featuring camp grounds, beach views, and a pleasant brook. This is probably a good spot to stop after day one, however, being the ambitious lot we are, we continued on.
From Refugee Cove it is another ~7 km to Little Bald Rock Brook, the next campsite. This is another difficult leg, with a steep climb out of Refugee Cove, and then rolling hills for the remainder of the leg. However, this features some of the most scenic parts of the trail. You alternately climb and descend from headland to headland, being rewarded after each climb with incredible look offs into the Minas Basin and across the Bay of Fundy. Words will not do these views justice.
After Little Bald Rock Brook it's a quick ~2 km to Big Bald Rock Brook, which is probably the biggest brook/river you will cross on the coastal section of the trail. The landscape is still very up and down at this point, although the cliffs will begin shrinking in size, there is still lots of climbing, descending, and worthwhile look-offs.
The trail continues going up and down cliffs, but the hardest climbing is behind you at this point. The trail is not easy by any stretch, but compared to the earlier sections the remaining route is a cakewalk. Fortunately the decrease in difficulty does not mean a decrease in scenic views, as brilliant lookouts still abound.
The next campsite after Big Bald Rock Brook is Keyhole. Careful observation along the coast will make it obvious what the campsite is named for. Keyhole is ~4 km from Big Bald Rock.
From Keyhole it's another 4 km to Seal Cove, the last coastal campsite. Seal Cove is incredibly scenic, with beach access and a pleasant camping area. Seal Cove represents essentially the end of the stunning coastal section. From Seal Cove there is maybe another 2-3 km of coastal hiking, and then you turn inland towards Eatonville. From Seal Cove to Eatonville is about 6 km, but we covered this distance quicker than some of the 4 km legs. The difficulty of this part of the trail is much lower.
Despite leaving the stunning Fundy coast behind, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the final section of the trail. As we did the hike in early spring, the forest floor was green and lush while the trees themselves were yet to bud. Here you're treated to the gentle sounds of streams and brooks, crisp, clean air, and lush forests. There are rolling hills, but nothing too difficult.
Eatonville has a large campground with sites right on a large brook. From Eatonville it is an easy 14 km of generally easy hiking through mostly beautiful forest to return to Red Rocks and the Visitor Centre. Eventually you will rejoin the main trail and retrace your original ~4 km (coming from Eatonville this involves a large, steep descent to the McGahey Brook, where you can again bypass the remaining climb and descent along the coast, tides willing).
After emerging from the forests inland, it was a nice treat to return to the coast for the final stretch of our hike.
We camped at Little Bald Rock Brook our first night, and Eatonville the second night, but for a 3-day trip I would recommend night one at Refugee Cove, and night two at Seal Cove. Day threes distance may seem daunting, but it will still likely be the shortest day.
Overall the hike is difficult, yet rewarding. The only way one can truly appreciate the beauty of Cape Chignecto is to haul a backpack with all their belongings up and down the at times treacherous coastal trails for 50+ km.
We did the full 51 km trail over 3 days. There are a number of different options in terms of one-day or two-day trips, but I would recommend completing the full trail if possible. If I were to go back and do it again, I would try to take four days for the entire trail to allow more time to appreciate the coastal views.
The trail begins at the Visitors Centre from the "Red Rocks". At the trailhead you can either go left down to the beach and the Red Rocks, or go right for the trail itself. The trail is well-marked throughout with red reflective markers nailed into trees and occasional orange or pink flagging tape.
If you go to the beach, depending on the tides, you can cut a good section of trail and walk directly to McGahey's Brook, where a giant stairwell up a cliff allows you to rejoin the main trail. This is a very pleasant detour, as it will save you a serious climb and descent.
If you elect to take the main trail instead (or are forced to by the tides), you will first pass through the Christy Field campground. The trail then climbs pretty quickly, and you're treated to your first viewpoint. This section is an excellent preview for what the remainder of the trail is like - never level. After a good climb, you will begin a gradual descent, which will quickly become a very steep, harrowing descent. There is a turn off along the way for the McGahey Brook trail.
From Red Rocks you will descent, cross the brook, and then begin a steep climb. Here is where the Eatonville turn off meets the main trail. We continued along the main trail into Mill Brook, the first campsites. These are about 6-7 km from Red Rocks, and the final stretch of the hike is possibly the steepest descent of the entire trail.
From Mill Brook, you have possibly the steepest climb of the trail, the start of maybe the most difficult 6 km of the hike. From Mill Brook you will climb, descend, and repeat until Refugee Cove, another steep, harrowing descent. Refugee Cove is gorgeous, featuring camp grounds, beach views, and a pleasant brook. This is probably a good spot to stop after day one, however, being the ambitious lot we are, we continued on.
From Refugee Cove it is another ~7 km to Little Bald Rock Brook, the next campsite. This is another difficult leg, with a steep climb out of Refugee Cove, and then rolling hills for the remainder of the leg. However, this features some of the most scenic parts of the trail. You alternately climb and descend from headland to headland, being rewarded after each climb with incredible look offs into the Minas Basin and across the Bay of Fundy. Words will not do these views justice.
After Little Bald Rock Brook it's a quick ~2 km to Big Bald Rock Brook, which is probably the biggest brook/river you will cross on the coastal section of the trail. The landscape is still very up and down at this point, although the cliffs will begin shrinking in size, there is still lots of climbing, descending, and worthwhile look-offs.
The trail continues going up and down cliffs, but the hardest climbing is behind you at this point. The trail is not easy by any stretch, but compared to the earlier sections the remaining route is a cakewalk. Fortunately the decrease in difficulty does not mean a decrease in scenic views, as brilliant lookouts still abound.
The next campsite after Big Bald Rock Brook is Keyhole. Careful observation along the coast will make it obvious what the campsite is named for. Keyhole is ~4 km from Big Bald Rock.
From Keyhole it's another 4 km to Seal Cove, the last coastal campsite. Seal Cove is incredibly scenic, with beach access and a pleasant camping area. Seal Cove represents essentially the end of the stunning coastal section. From Seal Cove there is maybe another 2-3 km of coastal hiking, and then you turn inland towards Eatonville. From Seal Cove to Eatonville is about 6 km, but we covered this distance quicker than some of the 4 km legs. The difficulty of this part of the trail is much lower.
Despite leaving the stunning Fundy coast behind, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the final section of the trail. As we did the hike in early spring, the forest floor was green and lush while the trees themselves were yet to bud. Here you're treated to the gentle sounds of streams and brooks, crisp, clean air, and lush forests. There are rolling hills, but nothing too difficult.
Eatonville has a large campground with sites right on a large brook. From Eatonville it is an easy 14 km of generally easy hiking through mostly beautiful forest to return to Red Rocks and the Visitor Centre. Eventually you will rejoin the main trail and retrace your original ~4 km (coming from Eatonville this involves a large, steep descent to the McGahey Brook, where you can again bypass the remaining climb and descent along the coast, tides willing).
After emerging from the forests inland, it was a nice treat to return to the coast for the final stretch of our hike.
We camped at Little Bald Rock Brook our first night, and Eatonville the second night, but for a 3-day trip I would recommend night one at Refugee Cove, and night two at Seal Cove. Day threes distance may seem daunting, but it will still likely be the shortest day.
Overall the hike is difficult, yet rewarding. The only way one can truly appreciate the beauty of Cape Chignecto is to haul a backpack with all their belongings up and down the at times treacherous coastal trails for 50+ km.
Written 24 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra B
Dartmouth, Canada16 contributions
Sept 2014 • Solo
I had hiked the 51 km camping with my husband and adult son in 2012, but felt strongly called to hike it alone. September temperatures were cool, so cabins made a lot of sense but availability ruled out going around the whole trail. This was a blessing as it opened my eyes to a different trip - Visitor Centre to the Arch Gulf cabin on day one, to the Big Bald Cabin for night two, back to Arch Gulch, and out on the fourth morning. This meant climbing and descending both of the deepest valleys, Refugee Cove and Mill Cove, twice.
Setting out alone along the beach to the steps at McGahey Brook was exciting for this 61 year old woman. I carry a SPOT satellite transmitter so my husband can follow my progress. The ascents were pleasant but I had to be very careful on the descents, so was slow but I got there. The trail surface on the 40 degree down slopes was pretty good. With constant use of hiking poles and placing every foot, I felt no anxiety even with bad knees. Legs were tired after the climb out of Mill Cove but fresh bear scat alongside the trail brought a burst of energy and loud singing. I unlocked the Arch Gulch cabin door after 3:15 on the trail. Seemed good to me.
One thing I had not been able to find out was, can you cook or at least boil water on the wood stoves in the cabins. For Arch Gulch, you can. I could have left stove and fuel behind. The cabin is super clean and stocked with dry firewood and potable water. The view back to the east looks to Advocate Harbour, to Parrsboro, and all the way into tomorrow.
Lovely sugar maple woods take you to Refugee Cove, where I met two hikers also from Dartmouth. The tide was low and the sea calm and sparkling, just gorgeous. Up and out of the cove, through open spruce woods, then lush natural coastal meadows with waist-high ferns and grasses, around the Cape itself until the sea is visible again but looking west now. I did not come across any water sources from Refugee to about Little Bald, stock up from the stream and Refugee (purify it). From the Cape to Big Bald the trail tread is rougher and wetter, with some log walkways to help out. Views west (and down) are superb. The trail passes so casually within a metre or two of steep cliffs. It is backcountry and it is amazing.
Just across Big Bald Brook and up up up the hill is a new cabin with a view to Isle Haute. The stove is a different shape and not so good to cook on, but still usable. it rained hard that night and I woke to low cloud and mist which persisted until I arrived back at Refugee again around noon. Surprisingly, this was the best part of the hike. The fog forest was mysteriously foggy and the wet mosses, llverworts, lichens and ferns gleamed with an unusual luminosity as shafts of sunlight broke through. Mushrooms including a patch of Chanterelles had popped up overnight. There had been a touch of frost in places, turning the ferns to hues of red, orange, yellow, brown, pink and even a blue tinge. I have never seen anything like it.
Down into Refugee Cove again, I spread out my wet gear on the beach stones to dry. Another solo woman hiker, from Ontario, was exploring the cliffs at low tide. We exchanged greetings. I thought I knew the cove well, but the tide was so low she had found new cliff caves and strange formations, and urged me to spend some time exploring too.
Up the steep slope and an hour of easy sugar maple woods to Arch Gulch for my last night. I had timed things to reach Mill Cove in the morning an hour before low tide. There is a set of steps, not maintained and carrying stern warnings, leading down to a lovely waterfall and the shore. Cross the brook, scramble over refrigerator-sized seaweed covered slippery boulders, and you can get to a "pinch point" where there is beach to walk around within perhaps half an hour of low tide. Then an hour of beach walked gets you out, saving the wearying climb back out of Mill Cove. It is essential to understand the tides and the effect of onshore wind before attempting this, but it is very doable. Climbing over slippery boulders was the hardest part, I had to take my pack off and shove it ahead to help with balance. Perhaps at extreme low tide there would be more gravel beach exposed to avoid the boulder scramble, which I found difficult but still pleasing.
There were moments when I thought, "this is the last time my body will allow me to be here," but home after a hot bath, I'm already planning a return. The cabins are the key for me, at about $50 a night for the whole cabin.
Setting out alone along the beach to the steps at McGahey Brook was exciting for this 61 year old woman. I carry a SPOT satellite transmitter so my husband can follow my progress. The ascents were pleasant but I had to be very careful on the descents, so was slow but I got there. The trail surface on the 40 degree down slopes was pretty good. With constant use of hiking poles and placing every foot, I felt no anxiety even with bad knees. Legs were tired after the climb out of Mill Cove but fresh bear scat alongside the trail brought a burst of energy and loud singing. I unlocked the Arch Gulch cabin door after 3:15 on the trail. Seemed good to me.
One thing I had not been able to find out was, can you cook or at least boil water on the wood stoves in the cabins. For Arch Gulch, you can. I could have left stove and fuel behind. The cabin is super clean and stocked with dry firewood and potable water. The view back to the east looks to Advocate Harbour, to Parrsboro, and all the way into tomorrow.
Lovely sugar maple woods take you to Refugee Cove, where I met two hikers also from Dartmouth. The tide was low and the sea calm and sparkling, just gorgeous. Up and out of the cove, through open spruce woods, then lush natural coastal meadows with waist-high ferns and grasses, around the Cape itself until the sea is visible again but looking west now. I did not come across any water sources from Refugee to about Little Bald, stock up from the stream and Refugee (purify it). From the Cape to Big Bald the trail tread is rougher and wetter, with some log walkways to help out. Views west (and down) are superb. The trail passes so casually within a metre or two of steep cliffs. It is backcountry and it is amazing.
Just across Big Bald Brook and up up up the hill is a new cabin with a view to Isle Haute. The stove is a different shape and not so good to cook on, but still usable. it rained hard that night and I woke to low cloud and mist which persisted until I arrived back at Refugee again around noon. Surprisingly, this was the best part of the hike. The fog forest was mysteriously foggy and the wet mosses, llverworts, lichens and ferns gleamed with an unusual luminosity as shafts of sunlight broke through. Mushrooms including a patch of Chanterelles had popped up overnight. There had been a touch of frost in places, turning the ferns to hues of red, orange, yellow, brown, pink and even a blue tinge. I have never seen anything like it.
Down into Refugee Cove again, I spread out my wet gear on the beach stones to dry. Another solo woman hiker, from Ontario, was exploring the cliffs at low tide. We exchanged greetings. I thought I knew the cove well, but the tide was so low she had found new cliff caves and strange formations, and urged me to spend some time exploring too.
Up the steep slope and an hour of easy sugar maple woods to Arch Gulch for my last night. I had timed things to reach Mill Cove in the morning an hour before low tide. There is a set of steps, not maintained and carrying stern warnings, leading down to a lovely waterfall and the shore. Cross the brook, scramble over refrigerator-sized seaweed covered slippery boulders, and you can get to a "pinch point" where there is beach to walk around within perhaps half an hour of low tide. Then an hour of beach walked gets you out, saving the wearying climb back out of Mill Cove. It is essential to understand the tides and the effect of onshore wind before attempting this, but it is very doable. Climbing over slippery boulders was the hardest part, I had to take my pack off and shove it ahead to help with balance. Perhaps at extreme low tide there would be more gravel beach exposed to avoid the boulder scramble, which I found difficult but still pleasing.
There were moments when I thought, "this is the last time my body will allow me to be here," but home after a hot bath, I'm already planning a return. The cabins are the key for me, at about $50 a night for the whole cabin.
Written 16 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tricia Velure
Saint Paul, MN26 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
DO NOT go hiking or driving here unless you’ve done your homework, checked it twice, have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, and have a high tolerance for risk while on the road. Trails are NOT well marked! This is the case everywhere in these “Geosites” in Nova Scotia. Worse yet, the road recommended to us by park staff with no qualifications or questions asked turned out to be a one-lane gravel road with multiple bridges that definitely would not pass a safety inspection. Said road takes 40 minutes one way to the Three Sisters area. It is the only way into or out of this spot by car until the bridge on the north side is repaired. Do not go to Three Sisters by car til after that bridge is back in use. The trip there was one of the scariest of my life, and I grew up on gravel roads and prairie roads in the middle of nowhere. If Nova Scotia authorities read this, please alert park staff to stop use of this one-lane gravel road with no margins for error! DANGER!
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberly S
131 contributions
Aug 2017
The Cape Chignecto Trail came highly recommended by a friend and it didn't disappoint. We planned on doing it as a 4 day trip but read some reviews that suggested 5 if you really want to explore and have time to visit all the viewpoints. We opted for 5 days and booked all 4 cabins since there was rain in the forecast. Nova Scotia is a long way from home so taking the time to fully embrace the experience was a good option for us.
Day 1 - Red Rocks to Arch Gulch Cabin, the tide worked in our favor so we were able to hike along the beach for the first 1.5km. There were some views along the way but nothing compared to the next few days. I found the climb out of Mill Brook to be the toughest on the trip. The cabin was great. They provide water and there's wood for the woodstove. The description says 4 double bunks - I can confirm that you can sleep two people in a bunk. Our backpacking setup is two pads attached, twiin sheet and a twin quilt so separate bunks wasn't an option. There is a spectacular view of Cape D'Or from the cabin.
Day 2 - Arch Gulch Cabin to Big Bald Cabin - this was the toughest section of trail. Many ups and downs but also many views. Refugee Cove is a beautiful place to spend a bit of time. From Refugee Cove to the point on Cape Chignecto - the views were OK. After you rounded the point, all of the viewpoints were amazing. It's worth going out to each and every one of them. When we arrived at the sign for the campsites, we weren't sure if the cabin was with them or somewhere else. The map didn't really depict where it was. We went out to the campsites to find that no cabin. Came back, crossed the brook and hiked back up. We eventually came across the sign for the cabin. It was a long walk up a dirt road but the view from this cabin was great. We ended up going back to the beach and were pleasantly surprised to find a small waterfall that we could rinse off under. Big Bald Cabin was my favorite because of the view and the beach.
Day 3 - Big Bald Cabin to Carey Brook Cabin. Unfortunately, it was raining so we waited until we had to checkout before leaving. Despite the rain, the views were still good. We got lucky and saw a group of seals lounging on a rock. The climb down to Carey Brook wasn't too difficult but we were disappointed when we didn't see the cabin. You have to climb back up and hike about halfway between Carey Brook and Seal Cove before you get to the path to the cabin. There were no views and sadly, no cards or cribbage board either. We were hoping to spend the rainy afternoon playing cribbage in a toasty warm cabin. This was my least favorite cabin mainly because there weren't any views and it was in a wooded area.
Day 4 - Carey Brook Cabin to Eatonville Bunkhouse. This section of trail is beautiful. We got to Seal Cove early and spent a couple hours poking around the beach, snacking and napping in the sun. From Seal Cove until you enter the wooded section of trail, the views were spectacular. You get a really good view of the three sisters. Once you get close to the campsite, you follow a pretty brook. Once at the campsite, we opted to cool off in the brook before continuing on. We didn't know what the bunkhouse was going to be like. The trail to the bunkhouse is quick hiking. The bunkhouse is a spur trail off the trail which eventually leads to a road. Left on the road will bring you to the bunkhouse. I didn't have high expectations so I was pleasantly surprised with the location. While there weren't views - there's a path that leads to a brook with a nice swimming hole. This one also had two Adirondack chairs which we moved around on the nicely cut grass to sit in the sun.
Day 5 - Eatonville to Red Rock - There weren't many views but it did follow a brook for quite awhile. The hiking in this section was much faster than any other section of trail.
Info about the cabins that I think is helpful.
1. You get a key when you checkin. They're all locked so only those with a key can get in.
2. They all have fresh water in a barrel.
3. They all have a woodstove and a large supply of wood.
4. All cabins besides the bunkhouse had double bunks. We could fit both of our pads in one bunk. The bunks at the bunkhouse were a little smaller and our pads did not fit so we slept on the floor.
5. 3 of the 4 cabins had cards and a cribbage board. If you're going to Carey Brook - you might consider bringing cards.
Day 1 - Red Rocks to Arch Gulch Cabin, the tide worked in our favor so we were able to hike along the beach for the first 1.5km. There were some views along the way but nothing compared to the next few days. I found the climb out of Mill Brook to be the toughest on the trip. The cabin was great. They provide water and there's wood for the woodstove. The description says 4 double bunks - I can confirm that you can sleep two people in a bunk. Our backpacking setup is two pads attached, twiin sheet and a twin quilt so separate bunks wasn't an option. There is a spectacular view of Cape D'Or from the cabin.
Day 2 - Arch Gulch Cabin to Big Bald Cabin - this was the toughest section of trail. Many ups and downs but also many views. Refugee Cove is a beautiful place to spend a bit of time. From Refugee Cove to the point on Cape Chignecto - the views were OK. After you rounded the point, all of the viewpoints were amazing. It's worth going out to each and every one of them. When we arrived at the sign for the campsites, we weren't sure if the cabin was with them or somewhere else. The map didn't really depict where it was. We went out to the campsites to find that no cabin. Came back, crossed the brook and hiked back up. We eventually came across the sign for the cabin. It was a long walk up a dirt road but the view from this cabin was great. We ended up going back to the beach and were pleasantly surprised to find a small waterfall that we could rinse off under. Big Bald Cabin was my favorite because of the view and the beach.
Day 3 - Big Bald Cabin to Carey Brook Cabin. Unfortunately, it was raining so we waited until we had to checkout before leaving. Despite the rain, the views were still good. We got lucky and saw a group of seals lounging on a rock. The climb down to Carey Brook wasn't too difficult but we were disappointed when we didn't see the cabin. You have to climb back up and hike about halfway between Carey Brook and Seal Cove before you get to the path to the cabin. There were no views and sadly, no cards or cribbage board either. We were hoping to spend the rainy afternoon playing cribbage in a toasty warm cabin. This was my least favorite cabin mainly because there weren't any views and it was in a wooded area.
Day 4 - Carey Brook Cabin to Eatonville Bunkhouse. This section of trail is beautiful. We got to Seal Cove early and spent a couple hours poking around the beach, snacking and napping in the sun. From Seal Cove until you enter the wooded section of trail, the views were spectacular. You get a really good view of the three sisters. Once you get close to the campsite, you follow a pretty brook. Once at the campsite, we opted to cool off in the brook before continuing on. We didn't know what the bunkhouse was going to be like. The trail to the bunkhouse is quick hiking. The bunkhouse is a spur trail off the trail which eventually leads to a road. Left on the road will bring you to the bunkhouse. I didn't have high expectations so I was pleasantly surprised with the location. While there weren't views - there's a path that leads to a brook with a nice swimming hole. This one also had two Adirondack chairs which we moved around on the nicely cut grass to sit in the sun.
Day 5 - Eatonville to Red Rock - There weren't many views but it did follow a brook for quite awhile. The hiking in this section was much faster than any other section of trail.
Info about the cabins that I think is helpful.
1. You get a key when you checkin. They're all locked so only those with a key can get in.
2. They all have fresh water in a barrel.
3. They all have a woodstove and a large supply of wood.
4. All cabins besides the bunkhouse had double bunks. We could fit both of our pads in one bunk. The bunks at the bunkhouse were a little smaller and our pads did not fit so we slept on the floor.
5. 3 of the 4 cabins had cards and a cribbage board. If you're going to Carey Brook - you might consider bringing cards.
Written 8 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
musicalclara
Truro, Canada582 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
This is a review of some day hikes.
We had an enjoyable time starting from the Eatonville Day Use Area. There is one loop called the Three Sisters, an easy walk to some gorgeous views. There are several picnic tables scattered about, plus clean outhouses. For some reason, there are many ramps on this trail - perhaps, it's meant to be wheelchair accessible. The other loop is slightly longer and also gives great views of Squally Point.
From the loop, there is a trail leading down the cliffs to Anderson's Cove, where you can view from below what you viewed from up top. Awesome! This trail is more rugged than the simple loop trails.
We also followed a trail labelled "Elliot's Field", as we thought it might lead down to the water. It descended for a while but then turned uphill without going down to the water. We turned around and still don't know where this trail leads. There were no maps of it at the trailhead and the Eatonville Visitor Center was closed. I was unable to find information on the website.
Cape Chignecto scenery is spectacular, and the trail loops give beautiful views with an easy walk.
We had an enjoyable time starting from the Eatonville Day Use Area. There is one loop called the Three Sisters, an easy walk to some gorgeous views. There are several picnic tables scattered about, plus clean outhouses. For some reason, there are many ramps on this trail - perhaps, it's meant to be wheelchair accessible. The other loop is slightly longer and also gives great views of Squally Point.
From the loop, there is a trail leading down the cliffs to Anderson's Cove, where you can view from below what you viewed from up top. Awesome! This trail is more rugged than the simple loop trails.
We also followed a trail labelled "Elliot's Field", as we thought it might lead down to the water. It descended for a while but then turned uphill without going down to the water. We turned around and still don't know where this trail leads. There were no maps of it at the trailhead and the Eatonville Visitor Center was closed. I was unable to find information on the website.
Cape Chignecto scenery is spectacular, and the trail loops give beautiful views with an easy walk.
Written 23 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noraatc
Sudbury, MA39,761 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
We drove to the Cape Chignecto Park from Parrsboro on a very picturesque road: green hills, little lakes, bright yellow wild flowers... We arrived at the park in 45 minutes, took the hiking maps and started our hikes.
TIP: if you are just looking for the red rocks and ocean views, do not take long hikes: they are right there - a short walk from the Visitor Center and the parking lot (day parking is free). We embarked on the longer hike and mostly walked in thick woods with no views; after maybe 2 miles of steady uphill walk, we kind of lost our way and turned back. We brought some light snacks with us for lunch which we enjoyed at one of many picnic tables. The views of the Bay of Fundy with Cape Chignecto at the distance were breathtaking. After lunch, we headed to the beach and walked on the beautiful red rocks at low tide. The colors were absolutely breathtaking... bright red rocks, blue sky without a single cloud and turquoise waters of the ocean are a photographer's dream.
TIP: if you are just looking for the red rocks and ocean views, do not take long hikes: they are right there - a short walk from the Visitor Center and the parking lot (day parking is free). We embarked on the longer hike and mostly walked in thick woods with no views; after maybe 2 miles of steady uphill walk, we kind of lost our way and turned back. We brought some light snacks with us for lunch which we enjoyed at one of many picnic tables. The views of the Bay of Fundy with Cape Chignecto at the distance were breathtaking. After lunch, we headed to the beach and walked on the beautiful red rocks at low tide. The colors were absolutely breathtaking... bright red rocks, blue sky without a single cloud and turquoise waters of the ocean are a photographer's dream.
Written 23 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shannon B
5 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
Cape Chignecto is a truly stunning place for anything from a half-hour stop at the Interpretive Centre and beach to a four-day hike around the whole trail. It has a great mixture of rocky beaches, dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and hikes through coniferous forest, deciduous forest, and mixed forest. And the staff are truly excellent - very knowledgable and helpful (and kind: I moronically left my car keys in the cabin, and they were promptly returned to me by eagle-eyed staff members). This is Nova Scotian hospitality at its best.
I've done day hikes from the Visitor's Centre in the summer. Tip: even for day hikes, bring a water filter to save yourself from being weighed down by water bottles, especially in hotter weather. There are streams at very regular intervals throughout the park, and if you drink at each of them, you'll never be thirsty. This Thanksgiving weekend, I did the trail clockwise in three days - fairly strenuous, but doable - although it's more common to do it in four days, and I stayed in the cabin at Big Bald Rock and the Bunkhouse near Eatonville. (The campsites are great, too, but I gave myself the luxury of going tent-free because I was moving quite quickly.) The first day, from the Visitor's Centre to Big Bald Rock, was intense but inspiring. The other two days were very manageable; the last was only five hours' hiking, and that included lots of breaks. It was varied, beautiful, and quiet. The trail along the southern shore from the Visitor's Centre to the Cape has a lot of larger climbs and descents, but it's a bit smoother; the trail along the Western coast from the Cape up to the turn-in to Eatonville is a little more uneven and has the most stunning coastline and views; and the trail from the coast back through the interior makes for a more relaxing (though still challenging enough to keep one's interest) woodland hike.
Practicalities: the cabins are extremely well equipped with drinking water, wood stoves and firewood, privies, and two "rooms" of bunks. The ones I stayed at also had Adirondack chairs and picnic tables outside, tables with benches inside, packs of cards (a very nice way to pass the evening), and some other bibs and bobs. This is very cushy back-country camping, giving you the experience of a true back-country trail but a lovely place to spread out and dry out in the evenings if you've gotten wet.
There is cel reception intermittently on the trail, generally in higher places and on the beaches. There is cel reception in the Big Bald Rock cabin but not the Bunkhouse, although you only have to walk a few minutes up the hill from the Bunkhouse for reception. (I'm on Telus; reception for other carriers may vary.) I also recommend bringing hiking poles. There are quite a few hills to give you a good workout, including a couple of steep ones, especially the descent into Mill Brook from the East. I've done it without poles, but descending it, in particular, feels much safer with them. And remember to pack all your garbage out. The park is really pristine - you don't want to do anything to spoil it.
This is one of my absolute favourite spots in Nova Scotia, and that's saying a lot. Other favourite things in the area: in Advocate, the Hook & Anchor restaurant for the superb lobster roll or the Wild Caraway for fine dining; the Age of Sail Museum in Port Greville; the Joggins Fossil Museum and beach; Parrsboro (all of it); Mo's Family Restaurant and Accommodations in Five Islands; and Five Islands Provincial Park.
I've done day hikes from the Visitor's Centre in the summer. Tip: even for day hikes, bring a water filter to save yourself from being weighed down by water bottles, especially in hotter weather. There are streams at very regular intervals throughout the park, and if you drink at each of them, you'll never be thirsty. This Thanksgiving weekend, I did the trail clockwise in three days - fairly strenuous, but doable - although it's more common to do it in four days, and I stayed in the cabin at Big Bald Rock and the Bunkhouse near Eatonville. (The campsites are great, too, but I gave myself the luxury of going tent-free because I was moving quite quickly.) The first day, from the Visitor's Centre to Big Bald Rock, was intense but inspiring. The other two days were very manageable; the last was only five hours' hiking, and that included lots of breaks. It was varied, beautiful, and quiet. The trail along the southern shore from the Visitor's Centre to the Cape has a lot of larger climbs and descents, but it's a bit smoother; the trail along the Western coast from the Cape up to the turn-in to Eatonville is a little more uneven and has the most stunning coastline and views; and the trail from the coast back through the interior makes for a more relaxing (though still challenging enough to keep one's interest) woodland hike.
Practicalities: the cabins are extremely well equipped with drinking water, wood stoves and firewood, privies, and two "rooms" of bunks. The ones I stayed at also had Adirondack chairs and picnic tables outside, tables with benches inside, packs of cards (a very nice way to pass the evening), and some other bibs and bobs. This is very cushy back-country camping, giving you the experience of a true back-country trail but a lovely place to spread out and dry out in the evenings if you've gotten wet.
There is cel reception intermittently on the trail, generally in higher places and on the beaches. There is cel reception in the Big Bald Rock cabin but not the Bunkhouse, although you only have to walk a few minutes up the hill from the Bunkhouse for reception. (I'm on Telus; reception for other carriers may vary.) I also recommend bringing hiking poles. There are quite a few hills to give you a good workout, including a couple of steep ones, especially the descent into Mill Brook from the East. I've done it without poles, but descending it, in particular, feels much safer with them. And remember to pack all your garbage out. The park is really pristine - you don't want to do anything to spoil it.
This is one of my absolute favourite spots in Nova Scotia, and that's saying a lot. Other favourite things in the area: in Advocate, the Hook & Anchor restaurant for the superb lobster roll or the Wild Caraway for fine dining; the Age of Sail Museum in Port Greville; the Joggins Fossil Museum and beach; Parrsboro (all of it); Mo's Family Restaurant and Accommodations in Five Islands; and Five Islands Provincial Park.
Written 8 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
youshijian
Chicago8 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
In late august, we did the loop in 3 days with two kids (10 and 13 yrs old). We stayed in three cabins (Arch Gulch, Big Bald rock and Eatonville) along the way. The cabins are always clean, well stocked with potable water, and with good views. But be warned that the beds don't have mattresses.
The trails are challenging, with steep ups and downs (they don't do switch-backs here, so even a small hill is keenly felt by the legs). The weather was rainy and foggy at times, and the trail got swampy. It was an interesting challenge for the kids to cross the swamps without getting all muddy. There are very few people on the trail, we met about one or two groups every day. Overall the experience is great, much more of a challenge than trails in the Cape Breton highland park.
The trails are challenging, with steep ups and downs (they don't do switch-backs here, so even a small hill is keenly felt by the legs). The weather was rainy and foggy at times, and the trail got swampy. It was an interesting challenge for the kids to cross the swamps without getting all muddy. There are very few people on the trail, we met about one or two groups every day. Overall the experience is great, much more of a challenge than trails in the Cape Breton highland park.
Written 4 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trekker383
Montreal, Canada9 contributions
Aug 2012 • Friends
This was my second time walking this trail, both times we left a vehicle at Advocate Harbour to save the 10km inland. We did it in 3 days, 2 nights, but I would recommend 4 days/3nights to anyone who likes to stop and enjoy the many breathtaking views.
Can't wait to do it again this summer.
Can't wait to do it again this summer.
Written 18 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where are people's recommended camping sites if you want to do a night or two and get the best of what the park offers?
Written 8 June 2020
Hi-How long did it take you to do the Eatonville Day hike?
Written 3 July 2018
We are planning on hiking the coastal trail and many have suggested a 4 day/3 night itinerary would be best. Any suggestions as to how to break up the hike and which campsites to spend the night at would be appreciated. Thanks
Written 31 August 2017
Good question.
53 kilometers of trails and 4 days.
we came in high off Eatonville
choosing to go down from three sisters.
4 days 3 nights are pretty packed.
I would give an extra day to set up and cool down
around base camp.
the trec back up from mill Brook to
Eatonvile Will prove challenging.
good luck worth every second on the trails
Written 1 September 2017
If the park is closed for the season can you still hike the trails?
Written 15 October 2016
I tried to post a link to answer your question but unfortunately we're not allowed to do that. If you do a Google search - can you hike Cape Chignecto in the off season - for example, you'll find the info. They even provide a phone no. for the off season. My husband and I were at the Eatonville entrance a couple of weeks ago and found the Welcome Centre closed but we still had a great hike on the trails.
Written 16 October 2016
Where does one rent kayaks and how much (approx.)?
Written 22 May 2016
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