Digby, a quaint town in Nova Scotia, is renowned for its exceptional scallops and the world’s highest tides. However, it is less known for its hiking trails, a situation that is rapidly changing. The local community has recently established a remarkable network of trails catering to varying skill levels, along with new parking facilities and informative signage designed to enhance the outdoor experience for both residents and visitors.

Historically, hiking was not a prevalent activity in the Digby area; nonetheless, I am thrilled that the new generation and travelers now have the opportunity to explore scenic routes, including walks through lush woods and along the breathtaking coastline.

While visiting my hometown, I had the pleasure of exploring some of these trails, and I encourage others to do the same.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal period for hiking is during the summer months, offering the best trail conditions. Winter traverses can be challenging due to heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and occasional rain, which often render trails inaccessible, especially those not located on main roads.

Van Tassel Lake Trails

Address: 859 Culloden Rd., Digby, NS

This tranquil trail is truly a gem. With a spacious parking area, it features three distinct trails. The primary loop spans 2.8 km around the lake and is easily navigable with well-maintained paths and clear directional signage. A viewing platform allows for scenic overlooks, complemented by multiple benches for those wishing to relax and enjoy the view.

The second trail leads to an elevated lookout with panoramic forest views, particularly stunning in the fall when the foliage bursts into vibrant colors of red, yellow, and green.

Additionally, the Cascade loop trail presents a more intimate hiking experience, plunging into the woods. This narrower path descends to a small, picturesque stream that gently cascades over the rocks, though it is not characterized by dramatic waterfalls.

Collectively, the trail system encompasses 6 km. What resonates deeply with me about Van Tassel Lake Trails is not just the picturesque beauty and serenity but also the fragrant scent of fir trees and apples, along with whimsical signs that dot the path, offering delightful sayings and stories.

Acacia Valley Trails

Address: 155 Mill Rd, Barton, NS

This trail is a longstanding local favorite that I hiked in my youth. It features charming waterfalls, relatively easy single-track paths that navigate around meandering brooks, as well as wider wheelchair-accessible trails. An ATV bridge provides access to numerous additional routes for enthusiasts.

The 4 km loop trail serves as a perfect introduction to the natural surroundings for those short on time.

Digby Rail Bed Trail

This expansive trail stretches for several miles through Digby County. Formerly a railway line, it now offers a wide, flat, and well-kept path suitable for walking, running, and cycling. Hikers should remain vigilant for the occasional ATV and horseback riders.

This multipurpose trail extends from Annapolis to Yarmouth, boasting 40 km of pathways with options for exploration. Traveling east from Digby, hikers can enjoy 11 km of trails that provide stunning vistas of the Annapolis Basin and the “Digby Gut,” where the basin seamlessly merges with the Bay of Fundy. Conversely, heading west leads you through enchanting wooded areas over 30 km towards Weymouth.

Gulliver’s Cove Trails

Address: 703 Gullivers Cove Rd, Digby, NS

This location offers various trails suitable for all levels of hikers, ranging from easy walks with breathtaking viewpoints to more challenging wooded paths with significant inclines.

One can enjoy views of the Bay of Fundy, renowned for its impressive tidal changes, from several vantage points here. Notably, the Gulliver’s Cove High Cliffs trail is a brief 800m trek, while the Gulliver’s Head trail extends 1.2 km.

This trail network continues to expand, promising even more hiking opportunities in the future.

Balancing Rock Trail

Address: Highway 217 (near #2500), Tiverton, NS

Highly regarded by locals and visitors alike, this iconic trail has a long-standing history. To access it, one must drive down Digby Neck and take a short ferry ride to Long Island. The island is celebrated for its whale watching and features several trails encompassing its small area, allowing for full exploration in a single day.

I have traversed this trail numerous times, and further insights can be found in my detailed account of hiking the iconic Balancing Rock.

Le Petit Bois Trail

Address: 150 Lighthouse Rd, Church Point, NS

While not located in Digby, this trail is only a 30-minute drive from the University of Saint Anne. It offers a comprehensive network of paths suitable for everyone, particularly nature enthusiasts. This site is particularly renowned for its bird watching opportunities.

A standout feature of this trail network is the abundance of chickadees. Visitors can engage with these delightful birds by utilizing the feeding stations; holding seeds in hand or on shoulder often attracts them to snack.

Concluding Thoughts

Digby is emerging as more than a destination for extraordinary scallops and record-setting tides. It offers a remarkable tapestry of forests waiting to be explored responsibly and appreciated.

It is essential to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out any waste and striving to enhance the trails for the next users.

After experiencing the natural beauty surrounding this small fishing community, consider journeying to Cape Breton to discover the Cabot Trail, one of Nova Scotia’s crown jewels.