Exploring Sea Cave Trail At The Ovens Natural Park, NS
The Ovens Natural Park, named after its popular sea caves (also known as “Ovens”), is privately owned and consists of 190 acres of coastal views, forest, sea caves, and much more. Located a short drive from Luneburg, Nova Scotia, the Ovens is a great getaway from city life and see some of the best the East Coast has to offer.
The Ovens’ Sea Cave trail is relatively short, taking only an hour at max to complete the full loop. The views are one of a kind and well worth the drive over. From the beautiful coastline to hearing the echoing waves in Cannon Cave, this is a hike that everyone can enjoy!
Difficulty:Â Easy
Length: 1.1km
Suggested Duration:Â 40 minutes to an hour
Signage:Â Multiple signs throughout
Facilities: Parking lot, campground, restaurant
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Key Features Of The Ovens
- A coastal park known for its sea caves and geologic formations
- Features guided tours of the sea caves, which are unique in the region
- Offers opportunities for hiking along the rugged coastline
- Includes picnic areas and a small beach for relaxation
- Ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the coastal scenery
- A popular destination for exploring Nova Scotia’s coastal geology
- Groomed campsites along the trail
Facilities And Services
- Recreational vehicle sites
- 75 tenting sites
- Camping cabins
- Restaurant
- Museum
- Animal farm
- Playground
- Washrooms and showers
- Pool
- General store/Giftshop
Before You Start Hiking The Ovens
Although the Sea Cave trail is considered fairly easy, there are a few things you should know before you begin hiking!
Whether you are visiting the Ovens for a day trip to explore the Sea Caves trail or if you decide to camp overnight, there is an entrance fee based on your length of stay. The day rate is $10 (Canadian Dollars) per adult and $5 per child (5-15 years old) and for seniors (65+) as of June 2020. These rates will differ depending on if you decide to spend the night. To find out more about the Ovens Natural Park rates, click here.
Because this is a privately owned natural park, you will also have to check the hours of operation before arriving. It is mandatory to pay the entrance fee and check in with the office before entering the Ovens Sea Cave trail. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day (hours subject to change; visit the official website to view the hours of operation).
The trail is not difficult or long, so we suggest planning some extra activities to do while visiting the Ovens to make the most of your day.
A popular activity to do at the Ovens is gold panning. You can rent a pan and search for treasures on the historic Cunard’s Beach. There is also an onsite museum at the Ovens for those looking to learn more about the history of the 1861 Gold Rush.
Other additional activities include camping, kayaking, picnics, and nightly live music (seasonal).
The trail is well-groomed and maintained. There are well-constructed steps throughout the inclines and declines. However, there are no wheelchair-accessible ramps.
There are also steeper stairways that lead down into the sea caves. As seen in the photo below, the steps help hikers access the caves. It should be noted that the steps in the sea caves can become slippery due to the ocean. Use caution when entering.
It is important to look out for falling rocks in the caves, especially near the cave openings along with slippery steps. There are numerous signs throughout to warn (and remind) hikers of the falling rocks. While we did not experience any rocks falling, it does occur. Be alert when entering the sea caves.
The Sea Cave trail has multiple signs and arrows throughout to guide you in the right direction. Some areas that are deemed unsafe for the public are blocked off.
Since the trail is along the coastline, it tends to be a bit cooler than if you are closer to the city center. Bring layers, just in case. Depending on the time of the year, the breeze off the coast can make for a chilly hike.
While we did not have any issues with insects during our time here, it is always recommended to bring bug spray just in case.
This is a beautiful and exciting hike that the entire family can enjoy. (It is even enjoyable for those not big on hiking)! However, It is still dangerous as the coast carries strong currents. There are protective railways in place, and hikers should not go beyond these points. All children are to be accompanied by an adult, and dogs are to be on a leash at all times.
Other than that, the last thing to note is that there is little shade on the trail. While trees shelter some parts, most of the trail is in the direct sun. While the coastal line is cooler in temperature and this is a shorter trail, the sun is still strong. It is highly recommended to bring the necessary sun protection.
Our Experience Hiking The Ovens
When we first arrived at the Ovens Natural Park, we were directed to stop at the main office and check-in. No reservation is needed before arrival, but we suggest getting there early to avoid crowds. We arrived around 10 a.m. and only ran into one other group on the trail. This meant we had more time to explore the caves and did not have to rush our experience.
We paid for our day passes and were given a brochure and map of the park. This included a trail map and a bit of history about the Ovens.
The Sea Cave trail is located on the left-hand side of the parking lot. As seen in the photo below, there is a clear sign to indicate the trailhead.
The view from the start of the trail is breathtaking. It looks out onto Cunard’s Beach, where you can see folks gold panning throughout the day. This portion of the hike is well protected from the sun’s rays.
There are also a few campsites located off to the side of the trail. While no one was camping in these spots when we were hiking, be respectful when exploring in the early mornings.
Our first stop was Tucker’s Tunnel. This is the highest point of the trail and overlooks Indian Cave. We were pretty excited to enter our first cave. It was much cooler in temperature than anticipated, but we loved every minute of it.
The stairs that descend and ascend from Tucker’s Tunnel are quite damp towards the cave entrance. We found that the railing came in hand to make sure we did not slip while also trying to protect our heads from any potential rocks falling on us.
We’ve seen a lot of coastlines living on the East Coast. However, this one is exceptional! The water is a brighter blue than most of the coasts we are used to and is a beautiful contrast against the yellow lichen along the cliffs.
Both Indian Cave and Thunder Cave were beautiful spots to take in the coastal view. However, the Cannon Cave was undoubtedly our favourite part (and the most exciting).
The stairway leading down to Cannon Cave is the steepest point you will encounter on this trail. Once we reached the bottom, we turned to the right and saw an opening into the cave.
The cave itself is quite small, and only a few people should be inside at a time. If a group is already inside, it would be worth waiting until they exit before entering. This way, you and the other groups get to enjoy the cave fully.
Cannon Cave is full of beautiful colours from minerals that make this cave a breathtaking sight to see. If you listen closely, you can even hear a “boom” from the waves entering the cave.
This alone was worth it for us. We have never experienced something such as this before.
After Cannon Cave, we reached the end of the coastal portion of the trail. We then followed the signs into the woods and made our way back to the front office. This part of the trail gives you a good idea of what the Ovens offer as a campground.
Since this was a shorter hike than we are used to, we decided to pack a picnic and take advantage of the beautiful view! There are multiple picnic tables located in the picnic area beside the parking lot (and beach).
Overall, this was a nice change from the backcountry and the more strenuous hikes we are used to. It gave us a chance to explore some of the more historical parts of our province (not to mention getting to see inside sea caves, which is pretty incredible)!
Checklists And Recommended Gear
The following is our recommended gear list for the Ovens Natural Park.
HIKING GEAR
- Water Bottle
- Hiking shoes – Women’s // Men’s
- Camera/Phone
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Cascade Hiking Poles (optional)
- Atlantick Tick Removal Tool Kit
CAMPING GEAR
- Tent
- Tarp
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad/air mattress
- Pillow
- Emergency first aid kit
- Whistle
- Repair kit for the tent (optional)
- Tick removal kit (optional)
- Single-burner camping stove
- Fuel for stove
- Pot (to cook food and boil water)
- French Press (optional)
- Food
- Utensils – fork, knife, spoon
- Lighter, matches, fire starters
- Cooler or drybag for food storage
