YANA'S WANDERLUST

We had a wonderful time in the Kingsport area, NS. The area has so many abundant natural wonders. One of the highlights was a Cape Split hike, which has been on my must-visit trails list for years. The sunset view there was breathtaking. During our weekend getaway in this underrated part of Nova Scotia, we also explored a stunning hidden gem — Kingsport Beach, with the dragon-shaped cliff and other beautiful discoveries.

Each part of this incredible adventure was a wonderful experience of its kind. So here’s the full Kings County weekend getaway itinerary:

• Tasting wine at Blomidon Estate Winery,
• Cozy Stay at Rose Cottage,
• Visiting Blomidon Look-Off,
• Hiking Cape Split,
• Paddleboarding at Kingsport Beach during high tide,
• Exploring Kingsport Beach at low tide.

Check out my YouTube video from this adventure.

Let’s explore these beautiful experiences in more detail.

Tasting wine at Blomidon Estate Winery

This place is gorgeous, and it was just a few minutes away from our stay, so we decided to drop in on our way. And it was a great idea!

We ordered a classic wine flight and enjoyed every drop. Blomidon Estate Winery is the perfect combination of delicious wines and a beautiful setting. You can see green vineyards and glimpses of the ocean right from your table, which is such a wonderful experience.

Cozy stay at Rose Cottage

This gorgeous Airbnb won our hearts right away. The cottage has a beautiful old charm and many unique details and features. The location is fantastic: a short walk to the beach, close to a winery, and a 25-minute drive from Cape Split.

Rose Cottage has it all:

• 4 bedrooms,
• 2 baths, including exotic Japanese tub,
• Washer and dryer,
• Full kitchen with everything you might need,
• 2 wood stoves,
• Beautiful sunroom,
• BBQ Grill,
• 2 decks and a large yard with fruit trees (apples were so delicious),
• Hammock and firepit in the yard ,
• Paddle boards to enjoy the high tide on Kingsport Beach, just a few minutes walk from the cottage!

Our absolute favourites were the wood stoves and the Japanese tub. A fireplace is an amazing way to create romantic vibes, and it was wonderful to look at the flames right from the bed before falling asleep. The deep Japanese tub is such a unique feature, and it’s perfect for relaxation.

Visiting Blomidon Look-Off

This would be a great way to start the next day. We had a lot of filming in the morning and noon, so we had to go straight to Cape Split and return to this spot the next day. But I would recommend stopping at Blomidon Look-Off on your way to Cape Split or after the hike.

This wonderful viewpoint overlooks a valley and fields. It’s a stop with a beautiful view where you can get delicious ice cream.

If you are lucky, birdwatching will also be possible. We were so happy to observe these gorgeous turkey vultures.

Hiking Cape Split

It’s one of the most epic hikes in Nova Scotia. The trail is long, but the reward is mind-blowing. Here are some things you should know about Cape Split Hike:

• You can take a 12.5 kilometers out-and-back trail or 14.5 kilometers loop. We chose the first option this time.
• It’s a moderate hike. The trail goes through the forest all the time. It could be muddy after the rain.
• It takes about 4.5 hours to complete.

If you choose an out-and-back trail, the first good view will be at the Minas Basin viewpoint (somewhere around the 3km mark). And, after 3+ kilometers more, you’ll finally reach the main reward of this hike.

Cape Split at sunset is the best view I have seen in Nova Scotia so far. It was utterly gorgeous! But it’s not for everyone, though. Be aware that sunset shots come with a price – you’ll have to hike back about 6 kilometers through the dark Canadian forest.

It was scary but so worth it for us. I’m curious: would you attempt this? Let me know in the comments.

You can find both 12.5 kilometers out-and-back and 14.5 kilometers loop Cape Split Trails on AllTrails, this is the map of the one we did this time.

You can also find recent reviews, photos, current conditions and much more on their website and mobile app.

Paddleboarding at Kingsport Beach during high tide

It was a beautiful Sunday morning. We took a paddleboard, which our Airbnb hosts kindly provided, and headed to Kingsport Beach to enjoy the high tide. It’s a good idea to come an hour earlier for the best experience. By the way, it was our first time paddleboarding. We had a little bit of falling and a lot of fun. We were so grateful for this new experience.

Exploring Kingsport Beach at low tide

This place is absolutely spectacular! It looks completely different during high and low tide. What a drastic change!

At low tide, the Atlantic Ocean leaves the shore, and Kingsport Beach looks like another planet. These mind-blowing landscapes, towering cliffs with unique shapes, and caves will leave you speechless.

Just be aware:

• Most of them are accessible only during low tide, so plan accordingly
• Try to avoid slippery footwear. Choose something sturdy and durable, easy to clean, or you can hike barefoot.
• Make sure to return before the tide rises. It may cut your way back. It’s always a good practice in the Bay of Fundy and Minas Basin to start a beach hike a few hours before the lowest tide, so you’ll get more time to explore.

One last tip: the colours are gorgeous and so different at sunset. We saw how they were changing before our eyes. So, if you can plan this adventure during this time, it’s the best thing to do, but check the tide schedule first. I wish you good luck and fantastic weather!

Please remember to respect nature and leave nothing but footprints. Help to preserve our natural wonders!

Subscribe to my newsletter below and join me in exploring gorgeous Nova Scotia and its abundant natural wonders! Which one of these places impressed you the most? Let me know in the comments, and check out my Instagram reels from this incredible getaway in Kings County, Nova Scotia.