Home Recreation Services Trails Five Islands Park

 

Five Islands Provincial Park Trails

altFive Islands Provincial Park has 14 km of hiking trails. The trails lead to interesting natural features and spectacular views of 225-million-year-old geological formations such as the Old Wife, Red Head and the Five Islands (Moose, Diamond, Long, Egg and Pinnacle). The park has a campground, picnic area, beach, and opportunities for beachcombing, rock collecting, clam digging and nature appreciation. More information and the park brochure is available on the Nova Scotia Provincial Parks website.

Red Head Trail The Red Head Trail is closed until further notice.

Economy Mountain Trail

Estuary Trail

Photo: Nova Scotia Tourism
 

Five Islands Provincial Park Trails

Red Head Trail

The Red Head Trail is closed until further notice.

This trail skirts the 90 m sea cliffs that overlook the Minas Basin and the world's highest recorded tides. Several lookoffs provide excellent views of the Five Islands and the Old Wife, a ridge of basalt rising dramatically out of the ocean, as well as Red Head, a headland of red sandstone typical of this section of the upper Bay of Fundy.

Type:
Loop
Length:
5 km
Surface:
Dirt, footpath
Rating:
Moderate
Marking:
Follow path
Permitted Use:
Hiking
Access:
Route 2 to Five Islands Provincial Park. South onto Bentley Branch Road for 1 km to first parking area on right; cross road and follow Economy Mountain Trail to junction with Red Head Trail. Or 2.5 km along road to park administration building and further to campground, where you can also access the trail near the Old Wife.

Information:

 

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources,
Parks and Recreation Division 902-662-3030

Economy Mountain Trail

This trail follows an old logging road through forests of maple, birch, beech and white spruce. The trail ascends Economy Mountain to an elevation of 213 m.

Type:
Loop
Length:
5 km
Surface:
Dirt path
Rating:
Moderate
Marking:
Follow path
Permitted Use:
Hiking, cross-country skiing (not groomed)
Access:
Route 2 to Five Islands Provincial Park. South onto Bentley Branch Road. 1 km to first parking area (on right); 2.5 km to second parking area (on left). Trail starts on left side of road. Trail can also be accessed from the campground.

Information: 

 

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources,
Parks and Recreation Division 902-662-3030

Estuary Trail

This trail follows a tidal estuary along the East River, then passes through mixed forest on the lower slopes of Economy Mountain. This trail features viewing areas and interpretive panels.

Type: Linear or Loop
Length: 4 km
Surface: Dirt path
Rating: Easy
Marking: Follow path
Permitted Use: Hiking
Access: Route 2 to Five Islands Provincial Park. South onto Bentley Branch Road. 1 km to first parking area (on right); 2.5 km to second parking area (on right) just past administration building. Access trail from either parking area.

Information: 

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources,
Parks and Recreation Division 902-662-3030 Â