I love hiking in new places, so when I was in Nova Scotia, I knew I had to find an ocean hike. The Sea Cave Trail at The Ovens Natural Park ended up being the perfect choice. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Sea Cave Trail in Ovens Park, one of the best day trips from Halifax.
Hiking the Sea Cave Trail at The Ovens Park
The drive from Halifax to The Ovens took about 1 hour and 20 minutes, winding along Nova Scotia’s scenic South Shore.
I had already researched some of the best hikes in the country, and when I discovered there was one that hugs the ocean, I knew I couldn’t miss it.
My other favorite hike is hiking the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
My Experience on the Sea Cave Trail
The Ovens Park lies down a dirt road near the Atlantic coast.
After a ten-minute drive down that winding road, we arrived at the park’s entry station.
The entry fee was CA$12 per adult, which felt well worth it for the access to the caves and cliff views.
As we parked, we got ready to hike the iconic Sea Cave Trail.
Trail Stats
- Length: ~0.8 miles (round trip)
- Elevation Gain: ~62 ft (modest)
- Estimated Time: 0.5 to 1 hour
Start of Hike
The hike began by winding through the forest, gently climbing a small hill.
As we progressed, we came across multiple viewpoints along the way.
Soon enough, the path led us onto a wooden boardwalk that traced the cliff edges, offering sweeping views of the ocean crashing below.
Tucker’s Tunnel
Our first notable stop was Tucker’s Tunnel, a cave you can actually enter.
Tucker’s Tunnel started as a natural cave but was later extended during the 1861 gold rush in the Ovens area.
When we arrived, the tunnel was closed, but I could peer in.
It was dark, mysterious, and I couldn’t imagine navigating inside, but it felt like stepping into a hidden world.
Thunder Cave
Further along the trail was Thunder Cave, a lookout point where you can look down into a cavern carved by ocean waves.
It’s named for the booming, echoing sound of water crashing into the cave. Especially loud when tides are right.
But we visited on a calm day, so we didn’t get to hear the booms.
From above, the depth of the cave was impressive.
Continuing the Trail
The rest of the trail was a beautiful walk along the cliffs.
From small overlooks, stairs leading down to closer viewpoints, and rocky outcrops that allowed me to enjoy the view.
I loved stopping to enjoy the endless ocean views that surrounded us the entire time.
The trail got busier near the lower sections, but even from above, we found beautiful angles of the coastline to admire.
Turning Back
At the trail’s end, we turned around and retraced our steps.
The return was just as beautiful, often revealing different lighting or new perspectives on cliffs and coves we passed before.
Crushing Stones (Historical Site)
Just before reentering the woods on the way back to the parking lot, I noticed Crushing Stones!
These are remnants of the mining era. These were used during the gold rush to crush quartz and rocks for gold extraction.
The Ovens region was a major gold rush site in the 1860s. On June 13, 1861, James Bowling found gold-bearing quartz veins near Drum Head in this area.
Over time, the town around Ovens grew, complete with shops, hotels, and miners.
While most of the structures are gone today, artifacts like Crushing Stones still hint at that past.
Cunard’s Beach (Optional Add-On)
After finishing the trail, we descended a staircase to Cunard’s Beach. It’s a short walk from the parking lot and a peaceful way to close the visit.
Cunard’s Beach isn’t just a pretty shoreline; it has ties to Nova Scotia’s gold rush history.
In 1861, gold was discovered in the sand here. More than half of the sand was bagged and shipped to Wales, while the rest was run through gold cradles and sluice boxes to extract even more.
At the time, some areas of sand sold for over $5,000, a staggering amount for the era.
The stones along the beach are heavy with metamorphic slate containing thin seams of quartz, a reminder of the area’s mining past.
Extending the Adventure: Lunenburg
From The Ovens, we drove about 15 minutes north to Lunenburg, a picturesque fishing town with colorful houses and sea views.
We walked through the waterfront, grabbed lunch, and soaked in the maritime charm.
I also visited Peggy’s Cove : A Perfect Day Trip from Halifax!
Explore More of Canada
The Sea Cave Trail is one of Nova Scotia’s underrated gems.
The hike is short, the views are dramatic, and the history is layered. I’d recommend it to anyone adventuring from Halifax on a day trip.
If you want more hikes in Nova Scotia, check out Hiking the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
For Halifax, check out The Best Speakeasies in Halifax & How to Find Them!
Looking for more to do? Here are 24 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Halifax!
And for my dessert lovers, check outCrème Halifax: The Dreamy Pink Dessert Bar You Need to Visit.
I also took the Magic Winery Bus in Nova Scotia: Wine Tours by Double-Decker Bus.
Read all of my Canada Travel Guides!
Where Do You Want To Travel Next?