Cape Split upgrades create looped trail with new coastal views

Once a linear trail, Cape Split is now a loop trail system with several lookoffs along the route. 

The Department of Lands and Forestry has overseen the 7 km extension of the trail along the southern coast of the peninsula. It features three lookoffs at Lobster Hole and Big Cove. Another two lookoffs were added to the existing trail at 3 km and 4 km.

The new trail connects with the original trail at the peak of the peninsula, but they also link up earlier to form a smaller loop that is about 4 km shorter. 

Sandra Fraser is a parks promotion and development officer with the province and says there is still some work to be done.

“What’s left is dealing with some seasonal wet areas along the new trail, and completing all the new signage, like a new trailhead sign, and some news signs along the new trail like kilometre markers,” she says. 

Fraser says this work is currently underway. 

Cape Split Provincial Park is 447-hectares and located in Scots Bay, Kings County. It overlooks the Bay of Fundy and is considered to be a provincially significant coastal landmark.

The project was announced in 2019 and had a budget of $400,000, which was contributed through the Tourism Revitalization of Icons Program.

Fraser says the loop system will encourage foot traffic to move in the same direction.

“The option of hiking it as a loop instead of out and back will help spread people out along the trail because we know it is a popular destination,” she says. 

The department rates the trail as moderately difficult with an average five per cent slope. 

“The trail surface is rocky and uneven in places,” Fraser says. “It’s a significant distance and you need to have 4-6 hours to complete.”

Fraser says the spectacular cliff-top views make the hike worth the effort. 

“The iconic sea stacks at the end and the panoramic view of the Bay of Fundy with the world’s highest tides, makes it a really beautiful and special place,” she says. 

As with every hike, users are advised to stay on the trail, wear sturdy footwear and layered clothing, have snacks and carry plenty of drinking water.

Fraser advises users to stay well away from the cliff edges and pets on leashes, as the cliff line is constantly eroding and could be unstable. 

If you live outside of Kings County, visiting Cape Split is off-limits at this time to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Under the Emergency Management Act, individuals who travel outside their municipality can be fined $500-$10,000.