Red Head Trail
'an unbelievable view'

The Red Head trail is an easy hiking trail that will give you one of the best views of the Bay of Fundy coastline anywhere.  It is unbelievable!!

One of the great things about this trail is that it is in the Five Islands Provincial Park.  So you camp here and actually walk to the trailhead.

This is one of the first views of the Bay of Fundy on the Red Head hiking trail. The island in the background is Moose Island. This is the biggest of the Five Islands in the area.One of the first views of the bay

Before you go to the Red Head trail

Directions: This trail is located within the boundaries of the Five Islands Provincial Park (618 Bentley Branch Road, Highway 2, Five Islands, Nova Scotia).  You can access the trail in Campground B.  Stop at the park entrance for details.

GPS at trailhead: 45°23'46.2"N 64°03'09.3"W

Distance:  4.4 km (round trip)

Elevation: 151 metres

This map at the trailhead for the Red Head hike shows the hiking trail system at the Five Islands Provincial park.Map of the trail system at the trailhead

Time:    2-3 hours

Level of Difficulty:  easy to moderate

Food/Water:  Water is always necessary.  Lights snacks are also a good idea.  There are also benches along the trail where you can stop for a break

Clothes/Accessories:  A sweater or light jacket; sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots; insect repellent; binoculars and a camera.

Facilities: There are benches along the trail.  There are also various facilities in the campground: toilets, drinking water, picnic area.

The Red Head hiking trail is very well-maintained with several bridges along the trail.One of a couple of bridges along the trail

Okay - Let’s Get Hiking

The Red Head trail starts with an easy walk through the woods.  The trail will be mostly flat with some short steep sections.  Children should not have a problem doing this walk. 

The trail slowly makes its way to the coastline and you'll have a couple of look-offs.  The look-offs are very well done with wooden barriers for safety.  But do watch the young ones as you get closer to the coastline.

A great view of the red sandstone cliffs from the Red Head trail. These cliffs are continually shaped by the incoming and outgoing tides of the Bay of Fundy.another view of the red rocks along the trail

You are high above the steep cliffs of the Bay of Fundy as you do this hike so the look-offs will give you some very nice views.  But be careful and do not venture off of the trail as the cliffs can be unstable and very dangerous.

The last look-off will give you the best view.  It is absolutely gorgeous.  The pictures do not do it justice.  The tide was slowly coming in when I was there so I'd like to go back at high tide.

There is a small loop at the end of the trail.  I found this end section to be a bit dubious.  Don't leave the trail.

I was overjoyed at this trail.  If you are in the Five Islands area I strongly recommend that you hike Red Head.

This is the view from the tip of the Red Head trail. A spectacular view of the sandstone cliffs and the incoming Bay of Fundy tide.The view from the tip of Red Head at low tide
A view from the tip of the Red Head trail at high tide. A spectacular view of the sandstone cliffs and the gorgeous Bay of Fundy tide.Another view at high tide (Photo credit - Andrea Waite-Igarik)
A great view of the sculpting effects of the incoming & outgoing tides on the sandstone cliffs. Gorgeous!Sandstone sculpted by the continuous tides
A view of the Bay of Fundy coastline looking east on the Red Head trail.The cliffs looking east

This video will give you an idea of what to expect at the tip of the Red Head trail.  Although, like the pictures it doesn't do this awesome spot justice.

It is also possible to combine some of the other trails in the park to make a longer hike.  Park at the Park Entrance, follow the Estuary Trail, link up with the Economy Mountain trail and then follow the Red Head trail where it links with Economy Mountain. 

After you reach the end of Red Head return to the intersection with the Economy Mountain trail and turn right.  This will complete a loop and return you to the Park Entrance.

A view from the Five Islands Provincial campground looking toward the estuary.Five Islands Provincial campground

Where to Next?

The Five Islands Lighthouse park is a short distance from the Red Head trail and the campground.  Turn left as you are leaving the campground and you'll find it on the west end of the community of Five Islands.

If you plan to visit more attractions on the Bay of Fundy check out my page.  The bay is gorgeous so take more time to explore.  Check out the map to see the location of other discoveries along the bay.

Accommodations

There are many places to stay along the Bay of Fundy.  Once you decide on your planned activities I suggest that you check their location on my map that I include just above.  Then you can check the closest town and its accommodation options on Trip Advisor.  

Some major spots along the bay include Truro, Wolfville, Windsor, and Digby.

The Bay of Fundy can also be considered a great day trip if you are in the Halifax, Windsor or Truro areas.  These links will lead you to Trip Advisor which is my 'go to' place for accommodations.  

Restaurants

Five Islands is a small community but there are a few restaurants and stores to buy food.  When leaving the provincial park turn left onto highway 2 and you'll enter Five Islands.

Check out the map below and visit Grannys Restaurant, Masstown Market, Briny Cafe, and Diane's Restaurant.

This is a great map of the community of Five Islands.Map of Five Islands

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