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Hiking Burntcoat Head Park - panoramic view
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Hiking in Burntcoat Head Park: trails, map and practical info

Bay of Fundy & Annapolis Valley • Nova Scotia

Experience the world's highest tides at this unique Nova Scotia destination where you can walk on the ocean floor during low tide. Located in Noel, Nova Scotia, the park features trails through stunning red sandstone cliffs overlooking the Bay of Fundy.

1.1 km
Distance
30
Duration
10 m
Elevation
Difficulty
Easy
Max altitude
14 m
Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Burntcoat Head Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

1 community photos

Photos: Lars Plougmann from United States — CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Trail description

What You'll Find at the Park

Burntcoat Head Park is a well-maintained day-use area along the Glooscap Trail, Nova Scotia's heritage driving route that follows the shores of the Minas Basin. The park is compact but thoughtfully set up, with a parking area, picnic facilities, and access points down to the shore. The historic Burntcoat Head Lighthouse is a striking landmark on the property, serving as a symbol of the region's maritime heritage and long history of guiding mariners through these waters.

The grounds above the cliffs offer good views over the Minas Basin, and the red sandstone cliffs themselves are a striking visual feature. The geology here is part of what makes the Bay of Fundy region so distinctive — these rust-coloured formations are ancient, and the tidal action has carved them into shapes you won't find anywhere else.

Free 1 pages

The Essential Hiking Checklist

Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Recommended gear for this trail

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LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
45 Faulkner Lane, Noel, NS B0N 2C0, Canada
GPS coordinates
45.3111989, -63.8072036
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the main parking lot located at 611 Burntcoat Head Road, Noel, Nova Scotia. This is the primary starting point for exploring the area.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?

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Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
45.3111989, -63.8072036
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Burntcoat Head Park is rated easy.
The elevation gain of Burntcoat Head Park is 10 m.
The summit of Burntcoat Head Park is at 14 m.
Allow about 30 for Burntcoat Head Park (1.1 km).
No, Burntcoat Head Park has no visitor centre on site.
The main trail at Burntcoat Head Park takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. However, most visitors spend additional time observing the tidal changes and exploring the exposed ocean floor, so plan for at least 1-2 hours total for a full experience.
The hiking trail at Burntcoat Head Park is 1.5 km long, making it a short and accessible walk suitable for all fitness levels. The minimal distance combined with easy terrain makes it perfect for a quick visit to witness the world's highest tides.
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Update : October 2026