I’m from a very small Canadian town in Nova Scotia called Digby. Known for its scallops (which are amazing by the way) and the highest tides in the world.
What it hasn’t been known for is its hiking trails. But that seems to be changing as the town of Digby has recently developed some incredibly scenic trails for all abilities, new parking lots, and signage to help visitors and locals discover the outdoors.
Growing up hiking wasn’t a thing around my hometown, but I am so glad that the new generation and visitors have the option to go for a scenic walk in the woods or along the magnificent coastline.
While visiting home I had the opportunity to check out some of these trails and I highly recommend that you do too!
VanTassel Lake Trails
Address: 859 Culloden Rd., Digby, NS
I loved this trail. It was so quiet and peaceful and just stunning. There are three trails here. The main trail loops around the lake for 2.8km. It’s an easy walk on flat well-groomed trail and the signage is very easy to follow.
The second trail takes you up to a look-off that shows the expanse of forest in this area. The perfect spot to check out in the fall when the foliage is at its peak and the trees are showing off their vibrant reds, yellows, and greens.
Finally, there is a trail called the Cascade loop trail. This short loop plunges into the woods and is a bit narrower than the main loop trail around the lake but it is still well maintained. It heads to a small stream with water that is gently cascading down the rocks to a slightly lower elevation. It’s pretty but don’t expect some ragging river with incredible falls.
Overall, there are 6km of trails. What I loved about this trail, aside from the stunning nature and quiet, were the scent of fir trees and apples and the signs dotting the paths with fun sayings that will make you smile.
Acacia Valley Trails
Address: 155 Mill Rd, Barton, NS
This trail has been around for a long time. I hiked it when I was younger. There are small waterfalls, fairly easy hiking with single track trails that meander around various brooks, wide wheel-chair accessible trails, and an ATV bridge that connects to miles of trail for four-wheelers (we love our four-wheelers and snowmobiles here).
There is a 4 km loop trail that is the perfect way to experience the area if you do not have all day to wind around the little off shoots of trail.
Digby Railbed Trail
This trail goes for miles (or kilometres). A former, you guessed it, railway line the tracks are long gone and now its just wide, flat, well-maintained trail. Perfect for runners, walkers, and bikers. Just keep an eye out for the occasional ATV and horse.
A multipurpose trail, you can follow it from Annapolis all the way down to Yarmouth. So go as far as you like. With 40 km of trail, you certainly have options. If you head east out of Digby, there is 11km of trail with great views of the Annapolis Basin and what’s known as Digby gut, a slash in the landscape where the basin flows into the Bay of Fundy.
Heading west you will trek through wooded landscape for 30 km towards Weymouth.
Gulliver’s Cove Trails
Address: 703 Gullivers Cove Rd, Digby, NS
There are multiple trails available for all hiking abilities here. There’s easy and short walks to spectacular viewpoints to more challenging terrain through the woods with more uphill climbing.
Hike here to get views of the Bay of Fundy (highest tides in the world) from various viewpoints and feel like you are surrounding by the Bay.
You can check out the Gulliver’s Cove High Cliffs trail, which is only 800m long or take the Gulliver’s head trail, at 1.2km.
This trail network is continuing to be expanded, making more trail available in the future.
Balancing Rock Trail
Address: Highway 217 (near #2500), Tiverton, NS
This one is a local and tourist favorite and has been around for years. You will need to take a short ferry out to Long Island. Known for its whale watching, this island has a couple of hiking trails and is small enough that you could spend one day and see them all.
I have hiked this trail many times and for full details check out my full post on hiking to the iconic Balancing Rock.
Le Petit Bois Trail
Address: 150 Lighthouse Rd, Church Point, NS
Not in Digby, but only a 30-minute drive to the University of Saint Anne. Here you will find a network of trails perfect for everyone in the family.
The trails wind their way through forest and along the shores of the Bay of Fundy. With a multitude of bird houses set up along the trails in memory of family members lost.
A highlight of this trail network is the chickadees. That’s right, tiny little songbirds. There are several bird feeding stations and if you hold some seed in your hand or on your shoulder they will come over to snack.
Concluding Thoughts
Digby is becoming more than amazing scallops and high tides. It has a stunning expanse of forest that should be explored in a responsible way and enjoyed.
Always remember to pack in and pack out, leaving the trails better than you found them.
Once you have discovered the nature that surrounds this small fishing town, head up to Cape Breton and discover the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia’s pride and joy.
