Dogs, except for on-leash Service or Therapy dogs – are not permitted to any events. Please leave your dog at home during our guided hikes.
You need sturdy footwear such as walking shoes, hiking sneakers, or hiking boots. Street shoes or sandal-type footwear are not suitable for these rough hiking trails.
Most outings exceed three hours, so do not forget to bring drinking water, snacks or something to eat, and wear appropriate outdoor clothing (layers).
Our events are structured and conducted in a manner that enables participants to experience and enjoy all aspects of the natural world in Taylor Head Park. The pace is casual, and time is allotted for interpretation, photography, and wildlife viewing, including birdwatching.
Sunday, April 12. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the end of Old Taylor’s Head Road
Level of difficulty: MODERATE – Rough trails (protruding rocks and tree roots, and wet areas) and groomed trails (boardwalks, gravel, sand, grass).
No rain date.
On this fresh spring outing – before the park gate opens – we walk the Park Road along the shore of Tomlee Bay and Spry Bay to Taylor Head Beach.
A short walk, on the now vacant sand beach, brings us to the Bob Bluff trail head. Our walk from here follows the Bob Bluff Trail, which leads to Bob Bluff Head. At this scenic lookoff, we stop for lunch, then pick up the Bull Beach Trail, which skirts the shore of Mushaboom Harbour.
At Bull Beach, which is known for its boisterous surf, the trail ends. Subject to specific conditions, the walk may be done in the reverse order.
Bring a lunch, water, and wear appropriate footwear.
Leader: Peter Oickle Call/text 902.499.4114
Date: TBA
Level of difficulty – EASY
No rain date.
This is a walk everyone can enjoy, even those using mobility aids.
There are a number of places in Taylor Head Park that are special. I would like to introduce you to several of these special spots this season. This event will happen around lunchtime and should last a couple of hours.
Meet at 11:00 am at the last parking lot. Bring your lunch. We will walk to a special spot, relax, chat and have lunch. Each of these spots have a pleasant memory for me, and hopefully will become a memory for you.
Leader: Warren Parsons Call/Text 902.885.5737
Saturday, May 30. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: EASY – Groomed trails (boardwalks, gravel, sand, grass)
No rain date.
If you want to start bird watching or have started and want some help, practice, or encouragement, this event is for you. The focus is on basic techniques. We will do a walk-a-bout to find and identify birds. We will also cover optical equipment, guidebooks, and other aids useful to bird watchers.
This event is for those new to birdwatching; however, experienced birders are welcome to attend and help beginners. Bring binoculars.
Some loaner binoculars will be available if you have none. Bring a lunch and water.
Leader: Call/ Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Saturday, June 13. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: EASY (Groomed trails (boardwalks, gravel, sand, grass)
No rain date.
Early summer is a special time in Taylor Head Park. The wildflowers are in full bloom and the vegetation is fresh and lush. During this outing we will stroll along the trails through the forest, old fields, and the sand beach looking for the display of early summer wildflowers and other flora.
Bring your lunch and some water.
This is a walk everyone can enjoy, even those using mobility aids.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Sunday, July 12. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT – Rough trails (protruding rocks and tree roots, and wet areas).
No rain date.
During this mid-summer outing along the Headland and Spry Bay Trails, you will have the opportunity to identify plants and wildlife of the seashore, barren headland, and wetlands of Taylor Head. We will also examine some of the Park’s fascinating geological features as we traverse the margin of one of Nova Scotia’s most prominent coastal headlands. Expect rough and wet trail conditions, so wear hiking boots or other sturdy footwear.
Participants who want a shorter, easier walk can break off at the junction of the Spry Bay and Headland Trails at the Little Harbour boardwalk. From there, the Spry Bay Trail crosses to Powers Pond and back to the trailhead.
Bring a lunch, water, binoculars, and wear sturdy footwear.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Saturday, September 19. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT – Rough trails (protruding rocks and tree roots, and wet areas)
No rain date.
September is the month everyone loves, and there is no better way to enjoy it than exploring the coastal trails at Taylor Head Park. This event includes both the Spry Bay Trail and Headland Trail.
Expect rough and, on occasion, wet trail conditions, so wear hiking boots or other sturdy footwear. Participants who want a shorter walk can break off at the junction of the Spry Bay and Headland Trail at the Little Harbour boardwalk. From there, the Spry Bay Trail crosses to Powers Pond and back to the trailhead. Bring a lunch, water, and binoculars.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Saturday, October 17. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT – Rough trails (protruding rocks and tree roots, and wet areas)
No rain date.
October brings cool temperatures, no biting insects, and vibrant autumn colours. The crowberry and huckleberry barrens along the coastal headland are clothed in autumn attire and ready to host adventurous visitors. This event includes both the Spry Bay Trail and Headland Trail.
Expect rough and, on occasion, wet trail conditions, so wear hiking boots or other sturdy footwear. Participants who want a shorter walk can break off at the junction of the Spry Bay and Headland Trail at the Little Harbour boardwalk. From there, the Spry Bay Trail crosses to Powers Pond and back to the trailhead.
Bring a lunch, water, and binoculars.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
DATE: TBA
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE
No rain date.
Forests would not grow without them. Orchids wouldn’t bloom without them, and some even glow in the dark.
Throughout history, mushrooms have been regarded with fear and fascination. Learn the facts about what is edible and what is poisonous, and where (and when) to find them. Discover how mushrooms (fungi) are absolutely essential to our well-being.
The trail is rough, so wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and a trail lunch.
Leader: Dr. Scott Cunningham. Scott has a doctorate in molecular biology. His specialty is the mushroom flora of the region.
Contact: A contact will be identified when a date is confirmed.
The number of participants in this even will be limited. Pre-registration is required.
Through a partnership agreement between The Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park and NS Department of
Natural Resources, the Park gate is open beyond the normal October 13 closing date until November 30.
During this period, in the absence of regular park staff, FOTHP volunteers take on responsibility for garbage collection
and toilet maintenance.
Saturday, November 21. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE – Rough trails (protruding rocks and tree roots, and wet areas) and groomed trails (boardwalks, gravel, sand, grass)
No rain date.
Late autumn is a special time to experience the natural wonders of Taylor Head Park. The air is fresh, cool, and clear. There are no biting insects and lots of elbow room on the trails. Join us for a walk on the Bull Beach Trail and the Bob Bluff Trail to Psyche Cove Beach (Taylor Head Beach), then along the beach to Powers Pond and loop back to the main Parking lot. Those who want a longer walk will continue and do the Spry Bay Trail.
Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing are recommended. This walk includes sections of rough, backcountry trails that may be challenging for some. Bring lunch and water, and wear appropriate footwear.
Note: Subject to weather conditions, this hike may be relocated to the Spry Bay Trail.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
