Gulliver’s Cove Trail In Nova Scotia
The Gulliver’s Cove Trails offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy, high cliffs, and the occasional lobster and scallop boat. These trails are designed for all fitness levels, with the shortest (and easiest) being the lower trail featuring an 800-meter trail through a field and light woods. The second trail is a bit more challenging as it features inclines but well worth it to get a view of Gulliver’s Cove while atop 80-meter-high cliffs. The area is currently still expanding, and more trails are being added.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 800 metres to 1.2 km (out and back)
Suggested Duration: 1 to 1 1/2 hours
Signage: Some signage
Facilities: Small parking lot
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Key Features Of Gulliver’s Cove
- A scenic coastal hiking trail
- Offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy
- Passes through coastal forest and rocky shoreline
- Ideal for hikers seeking a picturesque coastal experience
- Wildlife and birdwatching opportunities along the trail
- Dog friendly (on a leash)
Facilities And Services
- Small parking lot
Before You Start Hiking Gulliver’s Cove
While Gulliver’s Cove trails are not overly long, there are still a few things to note before you go to make the most of your adventures.
There are two different parking lots and trailheads depending on which trail you choose to hike:
- Gulliver’s Cove High Cliffs (lower trail) – 800 m
- Gulliver’s Cove Head Trail (upper trail) – 1.2 km
Gulliver’s Cove High Cliffs Trail is the shortest of the hikes but features spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy and Gulliver’s Cove. Though short, the views are worth visiting! The main parking lot is a small, mowed-out area near the shore on Gulliver’s Cove Road. There is a sign for the trail, making it easier to spot.
Gulliver’s Cove Head is the hardest of the two as it features steep hill inclines. The parking lot for the upper trailhead is off Gulliver’s Cove Road, up the gravel road at Civic #679.
A third trail is currently in the works that will extend further up the hill than the Gulliver’s Cove Head trail, offering more viewpoints of the Bay of Fundy and St. Mary’s Bay. Access to this trail will also be in the upper parking lot.
As always, whenever hiking, we encourage hikers to carry a tick removal tool and use insect repellent. Our go-to’s are the Atlantick Tick Removal Kit and Atlantick Spray, which are made in Nova Scotia!
Last but not least, please remember to take out everything you bring in and leave no trace behind.
Our Experience Hiking Gulliver’s Cove
During our short Digby trip, we had three main trails we wanted to explore: Balancing Rock, Van Tassel Lake, and of course, Gulliver’s Cove. We decided to do Gulliver’s Cove first this morning before the rain rolled in, as we were unsure if the fog off the Bay of Fundy would limit the views. Once we arrived at the Gulliver’s Cove trailhead, the rain started.
Our original plan was to hike Gulliver’s Cove Head trail (upper trail) first, then Gulliver’s Cove High Cliffs (lower trail). However, the rain began to pick up, so we first opted for the lower trail to ensure we could see the views before it got too heavy.
This trail was well-maintained and more like a short stroll than a hike. It started on a path through a field that eventually led into a lightly wooded area and finally to the lookout, which had benches and a picnic table. We took a few minutes to take in the views, and as we did, the fog and rain started to cloud the lookout. Here are some photos of the trail, and look out:
Here is a photo of the views/lookout after the rain and fog picked up.
Once we reached the parking lot, we decided to skip the upper trail entirely this trip, as it would be unlikely we’d be able to see much of a view. We are excited about our next Digby Trip and to check out the views from Gulliver’s Cove Head trail and, hopefully, the new third trail.
Checklists And Recommended Gear
- Water Bottle
- Hiking shoes – Women’s // Men’s
- Insect Repellent
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Camera
- Cascade Hiking Poles (optional)
- Atlantick Tick Removal Tool Kit
- Atlantick Spray