Tourism Information

Glooscap Trail, Nova Scotia

The name Glooscap Trail speaks of ancient legends and mysteries born of nature's beauty. Come and explore this special place, where the majestic power of the world's highest tides have shaped a landscape of unforgettable splendour. A place of excitement and adventure, where once-in-a-lifetime experiences wait just around the next bend.

Mi'kmaq legends tell of the mighty Glooscap who created Five Islands and controlled the great tides with his magic. And it's the tides that create experiences that are magically unique. Where else can you walk on the ocean floor at low tide, or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting upriver on the world's largest tidal bore?

The Glooscap Trail follows the spectacular shore of the Minas Basin, whose nutrient-rich waters create an ecological diversity that make it one of North America's great natural treasures. Here you can explore pristine beaches where agate and sparkling amethyst are the gifts of the waves. Hike a deep forest trail to a cascading waterfall, or enjoy the endless view from high atop soaring seacliffs. This is a land where eagles and osprey soar, where moose graze in quiet marshes and fall migrations bring hundreds of thousands of shorebirds.

The towns and villages of the Glooscap Trail offer a warm welcome. There are charming inns, friendly B&Bs, hotels and seaside cottages waiting to make you feel at home. You can even stay at a lighthouse! Our food is memorable too--fresh steamed lobster, wild blueberry pie and creamy seafood chowders are everyday fare in these parts.

Museums are our specialty. At Parrsboro's Fundy Geological Museum learn about the age of dinosaurs and discover why the Minas shore is a rock-humters' paradise. Tour the famous fossil cliffs at the Joggins Fossil Centre or relive the glory days of shipbuilding at Port Greville's Age of Sail Heritage Centre. And in Springhill, you can visit the Anne Murray Centre, or descend into a real coal mine at the Springhill Miners' Museum.