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Our interpretive program is led by volunteers.
Fulfillment of this program is subject to COVID 19 conditions and restrictions.
We’ll be practicing social distancing at all events.
Join us for a guided hike led by a knowledgable member of the Friends of Taylor Head Society.
We have graded our hiking trails as EASY or MODERATE for hikes under 3 kilometers, and DIFFICULT for hikes over 3 kilometers, such as the Headland Trail. Most outings exceed three hours, so do not forget to bring drinking water, something to eat, and appropriate outdoor clothing.
Hike is under 3 kilometres (1.86 miles)
Hike is over 3 kilometres (1.86 miles)
You need sturdy footwear such as walking shoes, hiking sneakers, or hiking boots.
Street shoes or sandal-type footwear with open toes and heels are not suitable for these rough hiking trails. If you have questions about the conditions of the trails, just give us a call.
Saturday, June 18. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00p.m. No rain date.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: EASY
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 bird identification techniques. We will do a walk-a-bout to find and identify birds. We will also cover optical equipment, guide books, and other aids useful to bird watchers.
This event is for those new to bird watching; however, experienced birders are welcome to attend to help beginners. Bring binoculars. Some loaner binoculars will be available if you have none. Bring a lunch and water.
Leader: Peter Oickle. Call/text 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons. Call/text 902-772-2207. E-mail: rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca
Saturday, June 25. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00p.m. No rain date.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: EASY (surfaced trails and sand beach near the parking lot)
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. This is a walk everyone can enjoy, even those using mobility aids. Bring a lunch and some water.
Leader: Peter Oickle. Call/text 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons. Call/text 902-772-2207. E-mail: rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca
Sunday, July 17. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00p.m. No rain date.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
During this mid-summer outing along the Headland and Spry Bay Trails you will have the opportunity to observe and identify plants, birds and other 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.
This hike will be about 5.5 hours and the trail is challenging in places. Bring a lunch, water, binoculars, and wear sturdy footwear.
Leader: Peter Oickle. Call/text 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons. Call/text 902-772-2207. E-mail: rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca
AUGUST 20 . Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00p.m.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: EASY
The cloak of darkness reveals natural wonders at Taylor Head Park that are known to few. On this nocturnal quest explore the shoreline, nearby woods, the old homestead fields, and the sky to experience how our park sleeps.
Whether shrouded in fog or under a starry dome, there is a lot to hear and see as our ears tune in to night sounds and our natural night vision mechanism adjusts. Please bring your own flashlights or headlamps but when the sky is clear it is possible to walk safely using mostly natural light. This event is a perfect event for families.
Leader: Warren Parsons. Call/text 902-772-2207. E-mail: rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons. Call/text 902-818-5734. E-mail: maria.mcgowan@gmail.com
Saturday, September 24. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00p.m. No rain date.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
The pace and content of this and all of our birding walks favours new and inexperienced birdwatchers.
Experienced birders are also very welcome especially those willing to share their knowledge and skills.
On this outing, we will walk the Spry Bay Trail and Headland Trail.
It is a good opportunity to see and photograph migrating shorebirds including Yellowlegs, Whimbrels, and other foraging travelers.
We also expect to see migrating fall warblers as well as a variety of our year-round, resident species.
You will encounter rugged terrain on this 5-hour walk, so wear hiking boots or other sturdy footwear.
Bring lunch, water, and binoculars.
Leader: Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Saturday, October 15. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00p.m. No rain date.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
October brings cool temperatures, no biting insects, and vibrant colours. There is no better time to get out and enjoy Taylor Head Park. The crowberry and huckleberry barrens along the Headland Trail and Spry Bay Trail are clothed in colourful autumn attire and ready to host adventurous visitors.
Take a lunch and water. Terrain is rugged so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Leader: Peter Oickle. Call/text 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons. Call/text 902-772-2207. E-mail: rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca
October 8. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m. No rain date.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
There are a limited number of spaces so pre-registration is required.
Register by email at rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca. For those unable to do that you can call or text to 902-885-5737.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE
Discover how mushrooms (fungi) are absolutely essential to our well being. 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.
The trail is rough, so wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and a trail lunch. No rain date.
Leader: Dr. Scott Cunningham. Scott has a Biologist with a doctorate in molecular biology. His specialty is the mushroom flora of the region.
Through a partnership agreement between The Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park and NS Department of Lands and Forestry, the Park gate is open beyond the normal mid-October closing date until early December. During this extended open period, in the absence of regular park staff, FOTHP volunteers take on responsible for garbage collection and toilet maintenance.
Saturday, November 5. (No rain date) 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 with EASY SECTIONS
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 looping back to the main parking lot. Shuttle or walk the Park Road back to the Bull Beach parking lot.
Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No rain date.
Leader: Peter Oickle Call/text: 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207 Email: rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca
Sunday, November 20. (No rain date) 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
The pace and content of this and all of our birding walks favours new and inexperienced birdwatchers.
Experienced birders are also very welcome especially those willing to share their knowledge and skills.
On this leisurely walk along the spectacular Headland Trail, we focus on birds that typically overwinter along our coastline. We expect to see a variety of ducks and other seabirds; including eiders, grebes, scoters, dovekies, guillemots, mergansers, harlequins, long–tails, and gannets.
Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No rain date.
Leader: Peter Oickle Call/text: 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207 Email: rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca
Saturday, December 3. (No rain date) 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 with EASY SECTIONS
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 looping back to the main parking lot. Shuttle or walk the Park Road back to the Bull Beach parking lot.
Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No rain date.
Leader: Peter Oickle Call/text: 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207 E-mail: rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca