Blomidon Provincial Park Hiking & Camping Guide 2025
DRAMATIC CLIFF-TOP PARK:
• Location: Kings County, Minas Basin shore
• Park Size: 183 hectares (450 acres)
• Cliff Height: 180 meters (590 feet) above sea level
• Camping Sites: 68 sites (tents and RVs)
• Season: May 15 - October 15
• Distance from Halifax: 110km (1.5 hours)
Hiking Trails
TRAIL SYSTEM:
• Jodrey Trail: 3.5km loop to dramatic cliff lookouts
• Interpretive Trail: 1.2km nature education walk
• Beach Access Trail: Steep 2km descent to Blomidon Beach
• Connector Trails: Link campsites to hiking areas
• Difficulty Range: Easy interpretive to challenging cliff access
• Trail Markers: Well-marked with distance indicators
Cliff-Top Lookouts
SPECTACULAR VIEWPOINTS:
• Cape Blomidon Lookout: 180-meter cliff edge panorama
• Minas Basin Views: Vast tidal bay stretching to horizon
• Parrsboro Shore: Distant views across Minas Channel
• Sunrise/Sunset: East-facing perfect for dawn photography
• Safety Barriers: Fenced viewing areas at cliff edge
• Photography: Some of Nova Scotia's most dramatic vistas
Campground Facilities
CAMPING AMENITIES:
• Site Types: 68 sites (45 unserviced, 23 electrical)
• Services: 15/30-amp electrical, water access
• Washrooms: Modern facilities with hot showers
• Laundry: Coin-operated washer and dryer
• Playground: Children's play equipment
• Dump Station: RV waste disposal facility
• Firewood: Available for purchase at park office
Bay of Fundy Tides
EXTREME TIDAL PHENOMENA:
• Tidal Range: 12+ meters (40+ feet) in Minas Basin
• Viewing Platform: Safe cliff-top tide observation
• Tidal Schedule: Check tables for optimal viewing times
• Mudflats: Vast exposed seafloor at low tide
• Safety Warning: Never descend to beach alone
• Educational Value: World's highest tides from perfect vantage
Beach Access and Activities
BLOMIDON BEACH:
• Beach Trail: Steep 2km descent (challenging return climb)
• Beach Type: Red sand and pebble Bay of Fundy shore
• Fossil Hunting: Search for ancient specimens
• Beachcombing: Driftwood, sea glass, unique stones
• Tide Timing: Only accessible during specific tide windows
• Safety Critical: Check tides before descending
Wildlife and Natural History
PARK ECOSYSTEM:
• Bird Life: Peregrine falcons, ravens, various songbirds
• Marine Views: Seals, occasional whales from cliff tops
• Forest Wildlife: Deer, porcupines, red squirrels
• Rare Plants: Cliff-edge specialized plant communities
• Migration Route: Important stopover for migrating birds
• Geological Features: Ancient sandstone cliff formations
Geological Significance
CLIFF FORMATION:
• Rock Type: Triassic red sandstone and basalt
• Age: 200+ million years old
• Formation: Ancient desert and volcanic activity
• Erosion: Bay of Fundy tides carved dramatic cliffs
• Fossil Evidence: Dinosaur fossils found in area
• Educational Value: Visible geological time periods
Photography Opportunities
SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHY:
• Cliff Panoramas: Wide-angle Minas Basin vistas
• Sunrise Shots: East-facing perfect for morning light
• Storm Photography: Dramatic weather over Bay of Fundy
• Seasonal Colors: Fall foliage with cliff backdrop
• Tidal Contrasts: High/low tide comparison shots
• Wildlife Photography: Peregrine falcons and seabirds
Visitor Programs
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
• Naturalist Programs: Evening talks about park ecology
• Guided Walks: Expert-led interpretive hikes
• Children's Programs: Junior naturalist activities
• Cultural Programs: Mi'kmaq heritage presentations
• Star Gazing: Dark sky programs during clear nights
• Special Events: Seasonal celebrations and workshops
Nearby Attractions
AREA EXPLORATION:
• Grand-Pré National Historic Site: 15 minutes drive
• Wolfville: University town and wine country
• Annapolis Valley: Apple orchards and vineyards
• Hall's Harbour: Dramatic tidal harbor
• Cape Split: Advanced hiking to peninsula tip
• Evangeline Trail: Scenic driving route
Booking and Reservations
CAMPSITE RESERVATIONS:
• Booking System: Nova Scotia Parks online platform
• Advance Booking: Highly recommended for summer
• Check-in: 2:00 PM at park office
• Check-out: 12:00 PM (noon)
• Pet Policy: Pets welcome, must be leashed
• Group Sites: Available for organized groups
Safety Considerations
CLIFF AND TIDE SAFETY:
• Cliff Edge: Stay behind safety barriers at all times
• Beach Access: Only for experienced hikers
• Tidal Awareness: Incoming tide extremely dangerous
• Weather Conditions: High winds common at cliff top
• Emergency Services: Nearest hospital in Windsor
• Cell Coverage: Limited in some park areas
What to Bring
CAMPING AND HIKING ESSENTIALS:
• Weather Gear: Bay of Fundy conditions change quickly
• Warm Clothing: Cliff top can be significantly cooler
• Camera/Binoculars: Outstanding scenic and wildlife viewing
• Hiking Boots: Proper footwear for trail conditions
• Tide Tables: Essential for beach access planning
• Food Supplies: Limited nearby shopping options
Getting to Blomidon
DIRECTIONS:
• From Halifax: Highway 101 to Exit 11 (Wolfville)
• Route: Highway 358 through Canning to park entrance
• Final Approach: Well-marked signs to park office
• GPS Coordinates: 45.2167° N, 64.3500° W
• Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Halifax
• Park Fees: Daily/seasonal passes required
Best Times to Visit
SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
• Summer (June-August): Peak season, full services
• Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, fewer crowds
• Spring (May): Cool but beautiful, limited services
• Tidal Extremes: New/full moon periods best for tide viewing
• Weather Dependent: Maritime conditions affect visibility
• Advance Planning: Book popular summer weekends early