Sets the ‘water brings calm’ premise and positions the list as approachable: short trails, quick payoffs, and photogenic cascades. Photo credit: Tourism Nova Scotia
Quick Summary
There is something about water that brings immediate calm. Nova Scotia is known for its expansive coastline and ocean-view hikes, but there is much beauty to discover inland too. From the five-story drop at Uisge Ban Falls to the province's highest cascade at North River Falls (over 105 feet), these 10 waterfalls are accessible via easy to moderate trails.
Quick Facts
- Waterfalls covered: 10 accessible waterfalls across Nova Scotia
- Region: Nova Scotia, Canada
- Difficulty Range: Easy to Moderate (8 easy, 2 moderate)
- Tallest Waterfall: North River Falls (105+ feet) – highest in province
- Cape Breton Waterfalls: 4 within Cape Breton Highlands National Park
10 Waterfalls
1. Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park, Baddeck
Trail length: 1.85 miles return
Difficulty : Easy
Pronounced “OUSKA-BAN”, this Gaelic-named park is home to impressive waterfalls featuring an approximately five-story drop. The name means "white water" in Gaelic—and you'll see why when you visit.
2. Mary Ann Falls, near Ingonish
Trail length: Less than 350 feet
Difficulty: Easy
A short hike from the small parking area off the Mary Ann Falls Road in Cape Breton Highlands National Park leads you to these beautiful waterfalls. Feel like a longer hike? The 5.2-mile Branch Pond Look-off Trail also starts from this parking area.
3. Corney Brook Falls, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Trail length: 4 miles return
Difficulty: Easy
Follow a meandering brook to this small waterfall within a box river canyon. The trailhead is located across from Corney Brook Campground in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
4. MacIntosh Brook Falls, north of Cheticamp
Trail length: 1 mile return
Difficulty: Easy
Follow the well-groomed, level trail from within the MacIntosh Brook Campground in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park to this waterfall.
5. Joseph Howe Falls, Victoria Park, Truro
Trail length: 1,315 feet return
Difficulty: Easy
Getting to these waterfalls is literally a walk in the park! Victoria Park features numerous trails and is a popular spot for a picnic lunch. Follow the signs for the Lepper Brook Walk which leads to the base of this waterfall and the smaller Waddell Falls. If you fancy a hike, there are 12.5 miles of trails located within this 400-acre natural woodland park in the heart of Truro.
6. Economy Falls, near Parrsboro
Trail length: 1.25 miles return
Difficulty: Easy
Located on the Economy Falls Trail, and part of the Economy River Wilderness Area trail system, this is a fairly easy hike. Exactly 186 steps bring you down to the waterfalls—just keep in mind that you'll need to walk up those same steps on the way out.
7. Liscomb Falls, Liscomb Mills
Trail length: 6 mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Located on the property of Liscombe Lodge Resort, the Liscombe River Trail includes a suspension bridge that overlooks the Liscomb Falls waterfall and a nearby fish ladder, which was constructed to help restock Atlantic salmon in the Liscomb River.
8. Indian Falls Municipal Park, Lunenburg County
Trail length: About 800 feet return
Difficulty: Easy
The trail to the falls is short, about a 15-minute walk with a staircase that leads you down to the base of the falls. There are other walking trails within the park along with a rocky beach and look-off points nearby.
9. North River Falls, Cape Breton Island
Trail length: 11.2 miles return
Difficulty: Moderate
The North River Falls hiking trail follows the river valley to the base of North River Falls, which, at over 105 feet high, are reputed to be the highest in the province. Be sure to wear appropriate hiking footwear and pack water and snacks if you plan to hike the entire trail.
10. Bohaker Cove Waterfalls, Delap's Cove
Trail length: 1.4 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
The Bohaker Trail, within the Delaps Cove Wilderness Area, takes approximately one hour to hike and features the 43-foot-high waterfall at Bohaker Cove. While there, you can also view basalt lava rocks from a viewing platform.
Follow-Up Questions
- Which Nova Scotia waterfall is the tallest?
- Are there waterfalls I can visit in Cape Breton Highlands National Park?
- What's an easy waterfall hike near Truro?
- Are there any waterfalls near Halifax?
- Which trails combine waterfalls with suspension bridges?
Associated Entities
Nova Scotia, Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park, Baddeck, Mary Ann Falls, Ingonish, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Corney Brook Falls, Corney Brook Campground, MacIntosh Brook Falls, Cheticamp, Joseph Howe Falls, Victoria Park, Truro, Lepper Brook Walk, Waddell Falls, Economy Falls, Economy River Wilderness Area, Parrsboro, Liscomb Falls, Liscombe Lodge Resort, Liscomb River, Indian Falls Municipal Park, Lunenburg County, North River Falls, North River Wilderness Area, Bohaker Cove Waterfalls, Delaps Cove Wilderness Area, Branch Pond Look-off Trail, Tourism Nova Scotia, Destination Canada
Sources & Registry
- Destination Canada – 10 easy-to-find waterfalls in Nova Scotia: https://travel.destinationcanada.com/en-us/things-to-do/nova-scotia-waterfalls