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Hiking in Five Islands Provincial Park: trails, map and practical info

Glooscap Trail • Nova Scotia

4.7 Appreciated by 41 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2013 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
11 km
Elevation
189 ft
Duration
3h15
Max altitude
183 ft

Explore 11 km of moderate coastal trails along Nova Scotia's Glooscap Trail, where 300 m elevation gain rewards you with dramatic cliffside views of five distinctive islands shaped by the world's highest tides. This 4-hour hike through the Municipality of Argyle combines lush Acadian forest with exposed basalt cliffs rising 200 feet above the Bay of Fundy.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Five Islands Provincial Park? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

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"paragraph_with_time": "

Trail surfaces shift as you move through the park. Forested sections follow well-maintained dirt paths, while the coastal stretches become rockier and less predictable underfoot. There are steep sections as the trail climbs toward the cliff edges, but nothing that requires scrambling or special gear. Most reasonably fit hikers will find the 4-hour estimated time accurate, though stopping for views—and you will stop—can stretch that comfortably.

",
"faq_time_estimate": "The complete trail system at Five Islands Provincial Park takes approximately 4 hours to complete. This timing is based on the 11km distance and 300m of elevation gain throughout the route. Check current trail conditions with the park before your visit."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

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 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
618 Bentley Branch Rd, Five Islands, NS B0M 1K0, Canada
GPS coordinates
45.396163, -64.052571
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The five islands provincial park is located in the Municipality of Argyle, Nova Scotia. To get to the start of the trails, take Highway 105 to Exit 6 and go left on Highway 329. The park is located about 5 km down the road on the right hand side.

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?
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
Park rules
No dogs
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
45.396163, -64.052571
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.7
16 Reviews
D
David
Dec 3, 2025
Visited during early winter and found the trails manageable even with snow cover. The Economy Mountain Trail was well-marked and the views at the end were spectacular. However, some sections were quite muddy and slippery after recent rain. The park offers great solitude during quieter times, though proper footwear is essential for the steep and sometimes challenging terrain.
M
Michael
Nov 22, 2025
Completed the Five Islands Loop Trail during late fall and enjoyed the diverse ecosystems throughout the hike. The trail offers beautiful views and a nice variety of landscapes, though some areas were quite overgrown and wet. Good boots and a walking stick are definitely recommended for the slippery sections. Despite the challenges, the scenic coastal viewpoints made it a worthwhile adventure.
E
Emma
Oct 8, 2025
As someone passionate about landscape photography, Five Islands Provincial Park proved to be an incredible location for capturing coastal scenery. The dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views provided endless photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. The rocky terrain requires proper hiking boots, but the visual rewards make every step worthwhile. Remember to pack extra water for the full 11km journey.
S
Sarah
Sep 15, 2025
Hiked the Red Head Trail and was blown away by the spectacular coastal views! The trail is well-marked initially but becomes quite narrow and overgrown toward the end. The elevation changes provide a good workout, and the final viewpoint overlooking the red cliffs is absolutely worth the effort. Bring sturdy hiking boots as the terrain can be tricky to navigate in some sections.
S
Sarah
Sep 15, 2025
Had an amazing time exploring the trails at Five Islands Provincial Park with my family. The 11km route offered moderate challenges that kept everyone engaged, and the 300m elevation gain provided some great workout moments. We were thrilled to spot various bird species throughout our hike, which made it educational for the kids. The well-marked trails and scenic viewpoints made for perfect picnic spots.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
189.00 m
183.00 m
3h15
No
No
The complete trail system at Five Islands Provincial Park takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete. This timing is based on the 11km distance and 300m of elevation gain throughout the route. Check current trail conditions with the park before your visit.
Five Islands Provincial Park features 300m of elevation gain spread across the 11km trail system. The elevation changes contribute to the moderate difficulty rating and provide varied terrain including coastal sections. Verify current trail conditions before your visit.
Five Islands Provincial Park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. The park gates and facilities operate within these hours for visitor access to the trail system. Check with Nova Scotia Parks for any seasonal variations or closures before planning your visit.
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Update : June 2026