Blomidon Provincial Park Trails (Jodrey, Look-off, Woodland, Wilcox & Borden Brook)

What to Expect:

• Blomidon Provincial Park offers a fantastic network of trails for all skill levels, nestled amidst the stunning beauty of the Annapolis Valley. This blog post will explore the park’s highlights and the exciting loop we conquered, perfect for adventurous travellers seeking breathtaking scenery and a touch of challenge.
• If you park at the visitor centre at the campground you will need to hike 1 km through the campground to get to the start of the Jodrey (upper) and Woodland Trails. This distance is not included in the distances and times. It is a paved road so it does not take long and is easier than starting from the very difficult lower Jodrey Trail.
  • Jodrey Trail (lower): This trail is very challenging and has a lot of hills and elevations with little break along the way. Many people opt to skip this section, however it does include 1 of the 6 look-off points.
  • Jodrey Trail (upper): This moderately challenging trail winds along sea cliffs that are up to 195 meters (600-foot), offering 3 panoramic views of the Minas Basin. This trail has a vernal pool along the way and provides a unique chance to see rare fairy shrimp in the late winter to early spring.
  • Woodland Trail: A scenic and easy path through mixed forests, perfect for an easy hike or a slight challenge if you are a beginner.
  • Borden Brook Trail: This trail leads to Borden Brook Falls, which is about 40 feet tall. This entire trail is moderately difficult and includes hills and stairs. If you want to just see the falls it is a short walk in from across the beach parking lot.
• Directions: Take exit 11 off Highway 101. Turn towards Greenwich and follow Highway 358 through Canning. Go a little further to Pereau Road on the left and stay on here until the end. You will see the parking for the beach or keep going all the way up to the Campground.
• Difficulty: easy to difficult, see the descriptions above.

Outdoor Activities:

• Hiking: 2 km to 14 km depending on the trails you take, it is a choose-your-own-adventure depending on your fitness level or what you feel like that day. Trails are available to anyone for free.
• Swimming: Blomidon Beach is at the Minas Basin and could be affected by the tides, be sure to check.
• Camping: Camping sites are located at this park for a fee.

Additional Information:

• Accessibility: These trails all contain hills at varying steepness as well as tree roots and rocks. See above for more details in the What to Expect and the Planning sections. Not wheelchair or stroller-friendly. There is a gorgeous view from the Campground parking that is accessible.
• Washrooms: Yes there is outhouse-style washrooms before you start the trails at both the beach parking lot and the campground.
• Dogs: Yes, on leash.
• Seasonality: Best in spring & fall, but with proper planning could be all year round.
• Budget Range: Free to day users. If camping there is a cost.
• Website & Contact: Blomidon Provincial Park, Trails Map & All Trails: Jodrey Trail Loop (start at upper Jodrey Trail), Jodrey, Woodland and Borden Brook Trail Loop (includes Lower Jodrey Trail)

Local Recommendations:

• The Blomidon Look-Off: This is a local favourite it looks over the farms and Minas Basin. It is quite a view and worth seeing in all seasons. It is a pull-off on the way to Canning, Kingsport or Scotts Bay and has ample parking and a food stand across the street. There are even washrooms at the far end with some benches.
• Canning Meat Market: This local meat shop has a variety of meats, and premade meals and sandwiches. People drive from all over the valley and even Halifax to purchase food from here.
• The Noodle Guy: A restaurant specializing in all things noodles from ramen to pasta. A small dining area inside but always busy.
• Prescott House Museum: Step back in time at Acacia Grove, a grand Georgian estate in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley. Built by horticulturalist Charles Prescott, it played a key role in the province’s apple industry. Explore the restored home, filled with family heirlooms and Miss Prescott’s collections, and wander the beautiful gardens and surrounding countryside. (seasonal)
• Scotts Bay Provincial Park Beach: This is a rocky beach on the Bay of Fundy and a great place to collect sea glass. Please respect the rules in Nova Scotia about taking things from beaches, which means only what you can carry in your hands once a year per beach. Please mind the tide times.

Tips:

• Download the AllTrails Pro app for detailed offline trail maps and navigation, especially if attempting the longer loops as there is no cell signal for most of the trail. (AllTrails Pro does have an annual fee)
  • Alternatively, print a map or grab one from the visitor centre if it is open.
• If you are doing the loop that includes the Jodrey Trail, I suggest taking that one first and coming back on the Woodland Trail as Jodrey is more difficult. It also includes one fairly steep hill that is not bad going down but if you were going the other way (Jodrey Trail last) then it would be quite challenging to go up.
• Wear sturdy footwear with a good grip for uneven terrain and potential rock scrambling.
• Pack plenty of water and snacks for your hike.
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Layers are recommended, especially during spring and fall.
• There is a coyote warning sign so bring a whistle and know wildlife safety just in case of an encounter
• During spring, be mindful of potential high water levels that may affect trail accessibility.
• Leave No Trace: Respect the natural environment by packing out all your garbage.

My Experience:

June 2, 2024: