Cape Chignecto Provincial Park

Fast facts

• Size: about 16 square miles (42 km²)
• Signature route: a 32-mile (52 km) coastal loop, rated difficult
• Setting: a cliff-lined headland between Chignecto Bay and the Minas Channel of the Bay of Fundy
• Gateway: Advocate Harbour
• Managed by: Nova Scotia Provincial Parks

The landscape

Cape Chignecto is a rugged headland at the head of the Bay of Fundy. Sheer cliffs, some several hundred feet high, drop to cobble beaches, and deep ravines cut through the old forest behind them. The Three Sisters sea stacks stand off the shore near Eatonville. The bay’s tides, the highest in the world, rise and fall by tens of feet twice a day, draining coves to mud and rock. Moose, black bears, bald eagles and seabirds live along the coast.

Best time to go

Summer and early fall are the hiking season. Fog is common, especially in early summer, and the coast stays cool. Late September brings colour and quieter trails. Winter access is limited.

Getting there and around

The park office and Red Rocks trailhead are at Advocate Harbour, on Route 209 in Cumberland County. Every camper registers there before heading out. The coastal loop can be hiked in two to four days, with backcountry campsites and cabins along the way. Kayakers launch for designated coastal sites.

Things to do

The coastal loop is one of the toughest hikes in Atlantic Canada, with constant steep climbs in and out of ravines and big views over the bay. Day hikers can walk shorter sections from Red Rocks or visit the Eatonville day-use area for the Three Sisters. Experienced sea kayakers paddle the coast, timing their trips around the tides.

Staying safe

The trail is physically demanding: plan short days and carry enough water between streams. Keep well back from cliff edges, which are unstable. Anyone going to the shore must know the tide times, because the Fundy tide rises fast and can cut off beaches and coves. Fog and cold water make kayaking a serious undertaking. Carry a satellite messenger and leave a trip plan.

Know before you go

Registration is mandatory, open fires are banned at backcountry sites, and campsite permits are needed for every tent. This page is a general overview, not a live conditions report, so confirm current conditions and reservations with Nova Scotia Provincial Parks before you go.

Coordinates

45.3462, -64.8839

Magnetic declination

16.1° W (2026)

Set this declination on your compass, then align it to the map's north lines; it is the angle between true north and magnetic north, refreshed each year.

How declination works, and how to navigate with a map and compass

Best seasons

Summer, Early fall

Difficulty

Strenuous

Access / trailheads

Via Advocate Harbour on Route 209. The coastal trail starts only from the Red Rocks trailhead at the park office; the Eatonville day-use area and the New Yarmouth parking area give other access.

Water

Streams along the trail; boil, filter or treat all water.

Cell / satellite coverage

Limited to none along the coastal trail. Carry a satellite messenger.

Nearest ranger / SAR / emergency

Emergencies: 911. Park office: 902-392-2085.

Permits & regulations

All campers must register at the park office before entering. Each tent needs a campsite permit; book backcountry sites as "Cape Chignecto Backcountry" or "Backcountry Kayaking". Open fires are banned at backcountry sites.

Leave No Trace

Camp only at designated sites, use stoves (no open fires), bury human waste at least 330 feet (100 m) from water where there are no privies, and pack out all garbage.