Ward's Waterfall Trail
The Bay of Fundy coastline is continuing to amaze! So many beaches – some cherry red, others sandy brown. The tides are so far out, boats are knee deep in mud flats waiting for the next high tide. The coastline is spotted with islands, jagged cliffs, sandy beaches and rocky pillars.
We left our base camp in Spencer Island, Nova Scotia and moved down the highway to Five Islands near Parrsboro, Nova Scotia to be closer to more research. Base camp was set up and operational by Noon. Different setting, different views but still we enjoyed a beachfront perch at the doorstep of the mighty Bay of Fundy. The views now catching our attention are the Five Islands – a rocky row of islands with unique formations and pillars.
The day was long from over. Bro hopped on the computer to do his thing and I took to the road to do my research thing. On the menu was back tracking to the Parrsboro area to explore the community, visit beaches, museums, lighthouses and, here is the good part, research the Partridge Island Trail and the Ward’s Waterfall Trail.
Views from Partridge Island Lookout
Partridge Island Trail turns out to be a super long sandy beach in the backyard of the Ottawa House Historic Site. Silly me I parked in the Ottawa House parking lot and the trail ended up being at the end of a dirt road and at the end of the long sandy beach. Oh… well… the day was gorgeous and I have a hard time keeping still anyway.
So I walked the beach and began the Partridge Island Trail. It was an up and down elevation hike measuring 3 kilometres return. I am guessing by the trail map it has an elevation gain of about 300 meters. The route follows a single track trail. It goes up and then comes down like “snakes and latters” before leading to a wooden lookout tower with views of the Bay of Fundy. The climb up is a good work out yet manageable for most levels of fitness. However the trail is overgrown in parts and is decorated with exposed tree trunks which are sprained ankle magnets.
The elevation hike provides many resting benches for the weary. There are some peek-a-boo ocean views from the trail during the hike. The best views are from the tower. If the trail is not your thing… the trip to Partridge Island is still a winner because everyone loves a long sandy beach on a hot summer day.
Five Islands Lighthouse
Along the coastline on Highway #209 east of Parrsboro is the Ward’s Waterfall Trail. I almost wrote it off as we could not find it. The local tourism maps have icons of waterfall hikes but, try and find a trail map or directions on how to reach the trailheads.
The Ward’s Falls Trail was a great way to finish the day. I was told it was 6 kilometres one way making it a 12 kilometre trek. No worries. But when I arrived at the trailhead the sign read 3.5 kilometres one way (7 km total). A little bit of a discrepancy.
The trail maintenance started off a little overgrown following a grassy single track route. Soon the trail opens up to a double wide, earthy trail following a creek. The trail is a mattress of leaves and pine needles on this day.
The route to the waterfall is all under the cover of a forest, so it is ideal for hot days. Along the route are over 10 footbridges, criss crossing, back and forth, over the creek. Along the route are some muddy patches, but nothing to fuss over.
The Ward’s Falls Trail leads to a natural viewing area looking out over a pond and up at the waterfall and towering canyon walls. I felt enclosed like a letter in an envelope. Not a soul in sight, I did some video and photos and some thinking while enjoying the sounds of the forest and waterfall. Soon later I hopped on my horse and packed up and hiked back out.
An hour later I was back at base camp just in time to catch a fleeting view of the Five Islands and Bay of Fundy before darkness shut down viewing hours.