Nova Scotia: Fundy & Glooscap Hike

Seven days of walks and hikes around the Bay of Fundy. Optional activities include sea kayaking and tidal bore river-rafting.

The Bay of Fundy has tides as high as 50 feet - the highest in the world, and teems with so much life that hundreds of whales gather here to feed every summer. This adventure explores the coast in exciting ways. Begin with a hike along the Acadian dykes built to protect rich farmland from the tremendous tides. Float on inner tubes or swim in sun-warmed water near the small university town of Wolfville. Hike to a cliff-top view over the currents and whirlpools below, and descend to explore pristine beaches where agates and sparkling amethysts are the gifts of the wave-wracked rocks. Follow the shore of Minas Basin to Parrsboro, where Mi'kmaq legends tell of the mighty Glooscap’s magic. From Parrsboro, hike to waterfalls cascading off the Cobequid Mountains, or in Cape Chignecto Park. Take to the water in seakayaks, for an amazing discovery of the Three Sisters, before a final visit to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, recently elected to the UNESCO list. This adventure takes you to less-visited parts of Nova Scotia, and teaches you about one of the natural world’s greatest phenomena.

Day 1: 5km/3 miles (1 hour) walk; and optional 90-minute inner tube float
Meet your guides in Downtown Halifax at 13:00 for transfer to Wolfville. Start with an introductory walk on the Acadian dykes to historic Grand Pré, to see how early farmers controlled the Fundy tide to their advantage. Grand Pré was the centre of Acadian settlement in the area from 1682 until 1755 when the Deportation began. The site is recognized by UNESCO and you’ll have ample time to explore this historical landscape. Afterwards, visit the nearby wineries, and enjoy a refreshing swim or lazy float on an inner tube down the Gaspereau River, through apple orchards toward the sea. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips)
Victoria’s Historic Inn; or
Tattingstone Inn, Wolfville

Day 2:  14km hike ~6 hours
Hike out to Cape Split along the cliff tops of Scot’s Bay. Linger at “the Split” to contemplate the tidal power from your high perch on a cliff top meadow, or follow the alternative coastal route back to Scot’s Bay. Choose from several dinner choices awaiting you in Wolfville. BL
Same lodging

Day 3: up to 18km hike ~6 hours
Depart Wolfville by vehicle, transferring around the Minas Basin to Economy, to hike the Kenomee Canyon and Economy River Wilderness Area. This takes you through mixed evergreen/hardwood forests, along cliff edges, to waterfalls, river crossings, and beautiful stone steps. River rafting is an alternative activity, and is only available when the entire group wants it and tide times are appropriate; call us for more details. Finish with a short hike along the cliffs in Five Islands Provincial Park before transferring to Parrsboro where you may have the option to attend a live performance at Ship’s Company Theatre. BLD
Gillespie House B&B, Parrsboro

Day 4: Hiking variable distance ~4-5 hours 
Start with a walking tour at the base of Partridge Island to search for gems and fossils exposed by the ravages of the tides, and to enjoy the beautiful pebbly beach with its spectacular wealth of fascinating rocks and driftwood. After lunch, hike the idyllic riverside through sun-dappled (we hope!) woods to Ward’s Falls where the hardy sometimes take a refreshing dip. BL
Same lodging

Day 5: Hiking variable distance ~4-6 hours  
The Cobequid Mountains tumble to the sea all along this shore, and the multitude of waterfalls make for fascinating exploration. Start with a moderate walk to North River Falls, 20km west of Parrsboro. From there it’s a more challenging hike to nearby Harrington River Falls and an optional extremely challenging walk to Moose River Falls before finishing with an easy visit to Hidden Falls. Afterwards, on the way to Advocate and Cape Chignecto Park, you will stop at the Age of Sail Museum in Port Greville. Your retreat tonight is a Lighthouse overlooking the Bay of Fundy, or in cabins tucked behind a beach littered with driftwood, and perfect for an evening fire. BLD
The Light Keeper’s Kitchen and Guest House, Cape d’Or; or
Driftwood Park Retreat, Advocate Harbour

Day 6: Hiking 15km ~8 hour, or optional seakayak
A challenging hike in Cape Chignecto Park, or optional seakayak trip to the Three Sisters. This area, near the outer end of Cape Chignecto where the land meets the rips and ferocity of the Fundy tides is known for its fantastic shorelines. Return to your lodge for the night and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. BLD
Same lodging

Day 7: Walking ~2 hours
Follow one of Nova Scotia’s quietest stretches of road to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, recently added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites thanks to the remarkable abundance of rare fossils accessible to anyone walking on the beach. Finish with a van transfer back to Halifax in time for dinner. BL

Start:	Downtown Halifax, 13:00, or Wolfville, 15:00, day one.
Finish:	Downtown Halifax, 16:00, day seven.
Guided Cost:	$2295 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners, museum and park entrance fees, luggage handling, full-time guide and van support, maps and route notes)
Self-Guided Cost:	$1995 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, ground transportation, maps and trail descriptions)
Self-Supported Cost:	$1125 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, detailed maps and trail descriptions)
Single Occupancy:	$485
2013 Guided Dates:	Jun 1-7; Jun 15-21; Jun 29-Jul 5; Jul 13-19; Jul 27-Aug 2; Aug 10-16; Aug 24-30; Sep 7-13; Sep 21-27. Add your own dates (learn more)

All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
15% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadian residents.