Graves Island is one of Nova Scotia’s many beautiful Provincial Parks and one of my personal favourite places to experience sunset. From mid June to mid October this 111 acre island is open to vehicle traffic and available for camping. During the rest of the year it is accessible by foot only. 

Graves Island Hiking Trail

Location: At this time of year, begin the hike at 81 Graves Island Road, at the beginning of the causeway.

Length: The trail itself is 2.6 km, but to make a complete loop, you can walk out along the road for roughly another .5km.

Difficulty rating: Easy.

Parking? Yes, there is a gravelled parking area. Please be mindful not to block the boat launch.

Washrooms? Yes, outhouses are located at multiple locations throughout the island

Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leash. During the off season there is one garbage can located at the beginning of the island in which you can dispose of dog waste bags. 

Open year round? For foot traffic, yes.

Picnic area? Yes, there are a many areas with picnic tables and benches in both open and sheltered locations. 

Suggestions to bring: Water or warm beverage, binoculars, camera.

Once parked, walk across the short causeway to enter the island. Closed signs and a gate will greet you at the entryway to the causeway but this is only applies to vehicle traffic during the off season, you may enter by foot.  Due to Covid precautions, it is asked that you hike this trail counter-clockwise only at this time, therefore, the trail begins immediately to your right upon entering the island. 

The trail starts off following along Schnare Cove and weaves its way throughout a mixed forest with a few remarkable hardwoods and the odd apple tree. This Island is rich in history which you can learn about via interpretative signs along your way. Keep your eyes up and you might just spot one of several birds nests, keep your eyes down, and you might spot a painted rock or two. 

From the beginning of the trail to the Southwest point, there is little change in elevation. A bench located under an old hardwood at the Southwest point makes for a perfect location to watch the sunset. From here on, there is an increase in elevation as the trail follows upwards and along Cye Ledge. Railings and eroding cliff precaution signs are in place to keep trail users safe. At this location a beautiful view of a cluster of islands can be taken in.

The trail comes out on a gravel road that takes you back to the causeway as it passes through fields and picnic areas. 

Take note as you hike that there are multiple off shoot trails on the left that lead inwards to the camping and picnic areas of the park but if you wish to stay on the 2.6km coastal trail, keep right. There are also a few short off shoot trails to the right of the main trail that lead to picnic tables, benches, look off points and/or coastal access. A trail map with the Graves Island Hiking Trail is available here.

Overall, this island is a true gem and a fantastic place for an outdoor outing. This is also a wonderful trail to snowshoe when conditions allow.

Have you done the Graves Island Hiking Trail? Maybe while you were camping, or using their picnic areas for an event? Let us know your favourite part of this beautiful park and trail.