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28 Nova Scotia Waterfalls For Your Bucket List

Looking for waterfalls to explore? You are in the right place! Here are 28 Nova Scotia waterfalls for your next adventure.

Nova Scotia waterfalls

Waterfalls are abundant here in Nova Scotia. Exploring them will take you from one end of the province to the other. So no matter where you are, there’s probably one nearby.

Many require a hike through wooded areas, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.

The waterfalls in Nova Scotia are hidden gems, tucked away off the beaten path. Don’t forget to pack some snacks (and maybe take your bathroom break) before heading out.


28 Nova Scotia Waterfalls

There are thousands of waterfalls in Nova Scotia, but many of them are on private property or are inaccessible. So we didn’t include those.

Some that are on private property are accessible with permission and we’ve included them. Please ask before entering private property. Sadly some people have abused private property and the landowners have denied access altogether.

If you know of a waterfall, that’s not on private property and is accessible, please tell us about it in the comment section and we’ll try to include it.

Looking for a book about NS waterfalls? This one by Benoit Lalonde is pretty popular (and has lots of great photos too).

The waterfalls in this article are organized by region:

At the beginning of each region, you’ll find a list of waterfalls in that area, followed by specific information about each one.

If your favourite waterfall is not on this page, please tell us about it in the comments and we’ll try to add it.


Annapolis Valley Waterfalls (8)

The Annapolis Valley has lots of great waterfalls. Here are eight to consider for your next adventure:

  1. Delaps Cove Waterfall
  2.  T.R.’s Falls (Lake Brook Falls)
  3.  Baxters Harbour Falls
  4.  Moores Falls
  5.  Hellgate Falls (Three Pools)
  6.  Crystal Falls
  7.  McMaster Falls (Rockville Notch Falls)
  8.  Mill Falls

If you are looking for waterfalls on a trail system check out Delaps Cove Waterfall, McMaster Falls (Rockville Notch), or Mill Falls.

The falls at Baxters Harbour can be seen from your car, or a short hike down the beach (when the tide is out).

The others may be a bit trickier to get to. Let’s get started with Delaps Cove Waterfall.


1. Delaps Cove Waterfall

Delaps Cove Falls is found along the Bay of Fundy, north of Port Royal.

This is a great place to go on an easy hike and enjoy nature. The waterfall is part of the Delaps Cove Wilderness Trail system. It’s located on Bohaker Trail, a well-groomed 2.2 km trail.

The trail is a loop that starts at a parking lot a few kilometres past Parker’s Cove. Along the way, there’s a great view of the Bay of Fundy.

  • Unique features: Wide veil-like falls. Fifteen-meter drop. Basalt lava rocks. Viewing platform at the top.
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. 2.2 km (approximately 1 hour), level,  easy, and well-groomed
  • County: Annapolis
  • Region: Annapolis Valley

2. T.R.’s Falls (Lake Brook Falls)

T.R.’s Falls is also known as Lake Brook Falls. It is said to be the second-highest falls in Nova Scotia and is found on Digby Neck.

The falls run into T.R.’s Cove not far from Sandy Cove.

This is not part of a trail system. There are no benches or rest stops. It’s just a hike in the woods. You can hike to the top from Old Post Road.

There is no viewing platform so be very careful. If you decide to climb to the bottom of the falls exercise caution.

Video of T.R.’s Falls (Lake Brook Falls)

  • Unique features: Altogether this falls drops about 18 meters. Follow the stream at the end of Old Post Road
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. Short hike along the stream through the woods at the end of Old Post Road.
  • County: Digby
  • Region: Annapolis Valley

3. Baxters Harbour Falls

Baxters Harbour Falls is found in Baxters Harbour, a fishing village on the Bay of Fundy. When the tide is out you can hike along the beach to the falls.

You’ll drive to the end of Baxters Harbour Road and then take a dirt road to the shore.

See lots of photos from our last trip to Baxters Harbour Falls.

The following video shows Baxters Harbour and the waterfall. 

  • Unique features: The falls can be seen from your car or you can walk to them. It’s just a short hike down the beach (if the tide is out). If the tide is out you can swim at the base of the falls.
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. Along the beach when the tide is out
  • County: Kings
  • Region: Annapolis Valley

4. Moores Falls (Sometimes referred to as Morse Falls)

Moores Falls is one in a set of three falls found along the same stretch of stream. It’s located near Kentville (in North Alton) on Prospect Road.

First, you’ll come to a waterfall approximately three meters high, if you keep going upstream you’ll come to Moores Falls (the second falls) which is over 15 meters high.

If you don’t mind walking through water, continue upstream. You’ll need to go through a tunnel under the 101 Highway. There are small ledges along the sides, but you may need to walk through the water which can be slippery (be cautious). On the other side of the tunnel, you’ll see the third falls.

In the following video, you’ll see what Moores Falls looks like.

Video of Moores Falls in Kentville Nova Scotia

  • Unique features: The falls are one in a set of three in the same area
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. Short hike down from the side of the road.
  • County: Kings
  • Region: Annapolis Valley

5. Hellgate Falls (Three Pools)

Hellgate Falls is also known as Three Pools. It’s found in White Rock near Gaspereau.

This is a beautiful waterfall with a great pool for swimming at the bottom. As you go downstream there are 2 smaller pools.

Many people cliff jump off the falls and the steep rock cliffs that surround the pool. But be careful – it can be dangerous and some jumpers have been injured.

Please note: Access to this waterfall is private property. Please respect the owner’s wishes.

Update (December 11, 2017): A reader recently shared this update with us:

“This past August someone told me and my partner about the 3 pools so I went online to find where it is. I found your site and we tried to get there.

On our second attempt we tried going through the cemetery, and a man called to us from across the street. He was the owner of the land and insisted we couldn’t go there because it was private property (which it is). He told us the property had been in his family for generations and how, only in the last few years (he specifically mentioned that the internet had caused the popularity of the spot), he’s been going back there to find garbage everywhere and the forest completely trashed. He was so hurt by this.

Even though he has put up “private property” signs all around, people still go there, light fires and leave beer bottles strewn all over. I cannot express the deep hurt that he felt, nor the feeling we got from knowing that a beautiful place has been blocked off and ruined for those of us who are respectful of nature.”

  • Unique features: At the bottom of the falls there is a nice area for swimming.
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. A difficult hike with steep climbing involved getting down to the falls.
  • County: Kings
  • Region: Annapolis Valley

6. Crystal Falls

Crystal Falls is located near Greenwood, on an old woods road off of Harmony Road.

It’s up to you how far you drive down this road. Some people drive until it gets too rough for their car, others walk the whole way.

Crystal Falls in the Annapolis Valley Nova Scotia

When you get to the metal suspension bridge you have two options.

  • Cross the bridge. You’ll walk for about 10 minutes before coming to a dirt path on your left. Take that path (downhill) and you’ll reach the pool at the bottom of the falls.
  • Or take the trail to the left before the bridge. With the river on your right, follow the river upstream. This is an easier hike than the first option. You’ll arrive at the pool – but on the opposite side of the river.
  • Unique features: At the bottom of the falls there is a nice area for swimming.
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. Easy, but a little tricky at the end near the pool. The hike takes about 30 minutes (if you park by the bridge).
  • County: Kings
  • Region: Annapolis Valley

7. McMaster Falls (Rockville Notch Falls)

McMaster Falls (Rockville Notch) is part of the McMaster Mill Historic Park in Greenwood, Nova Scotia.

There is a groomed trail through the woods and a viewing platform overlooking the falls.

  • Unique features: You can see some remnants of the old mill and dam that dates back over 145 years.
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Easy.
  • County: Kings
  • Region: Annapolis Valley

8. Mill Falls

Mill Falls (on the Mersey River) is easy to locate because it’s in Kejimkujik National Park. The trail to the falls is near the visitor services building.

  • Unique features: Falls with a large pool at the base.
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Easy, groomed trail with viewing platform.
  • County: Annapolis
  • Region: Annapolis Valley

Another Annapolis Valley Waterfall to Visit

Millet Falls is another falls to check out in the Annapolis valley.

It’s found near the community of Vaughan, halfway between Windsor and Chester on Hwy #14. Read more about it here.


Fundy Shore Waterfalls (11)

Many of the waterfalls on the Fundy shore are found along the Waterfall Highway. That’s the #2 Hwy which is also called the Glooscap Trail.

Most of these falls are hard to get to and do not have groomed trails.

  1. Wards Falls
  2. Jeffers Brook Falls (Ripley Falls)
  3. Hidden Falls
  4. Moose River Falls
  5. Harrington Falls
  6. Economy Falls
  7. Londonderry Falls (Great Village River Falls)
  8. Wentworth Valley Falls (aka Higgins or Sylvia Falls)
  9. Annandale Falls
  10.  Upper Burnside Falls
  11.  Joseph Howe Falls (Victoria Park Falls)

If you are looking for a falls that is part of a trail system check out Economy Falls (#6 below), Upper Burnside Falls (#10) and Joseph Howe Falls (#11). And for a falls that is best viewed from above, Londonderry Falls would be a good choice.

Hidden Falls and Wentworth Falls may also work, the trails are safe but not groomed.

Otherwise, be prepared for a difficult hike and some bushwhacking.


1. Wards Falls

Wards Falls is on the Diligent River near Parrsboro.

There’s a maintained path that follows the river. As you follow the path you’ll come to a number of bridges that cross the river.

There is a gorge at the top of the falls.

  • Unique features: There is a cave at the top of the falls. There’s usually a ladder at the side of the falls. Use caution if you decide to brave a climb. The ladder and ropes are not maintained and could be dangerous.
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. Moderate with some steep spots as you near the falls. It’s a 3.5 km hike, one way.
  • County: Cumberland
  • Region: Fundy Shore

2. Jeffers Brook Falls (Ripley Falls)

Jeffers Brook Falls (Ripley Falls) is a 30-meter-high falls on Jeffers Brook north of Parrsboro. It plunges into a pool surrounded by sandstone.

If you continue upstream you’ll see more falls, 7 in total. This is not a groomed trail and it is difficult to climb up the rocky cliffs. If you are going to continue upstream, use caution.

  • Unique features: 30-meter drop
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. Not groomed, about 100 meters through the woods.
  • County: Cumberland
  • Region: Fundy Shore

This waterfall is in the Backyard of the Ripley home, a large white house in a collection of century homes called Lakelands. It’s best to ask permission before crossing private property.


3. Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls is located at the edge of the Cobequid Mountains in Five Islands near Parrsboro.

You’ll hike past 3 smaller falls before coming to Hidden Falls which is around 21 meters high.

The trail goes through the woods and crosses the stream which makes it a little tricky. But not too tricky, as you’ll see in the following video.

Video of Hidden Falls in Five Islands Nova Scotia

  • Unique features: 4 waterfalls in all. There is a pool at the bottom of the falls.
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. Not groomed, a little tricky in spots.
  • County: Colchester
  • Region: Fundy Shore

Hidden Falls is on private property, but the owners allow access to the public.


4. Moose River Falls

Moose River Falls is found east of Parrsboro near the community of Moose River. It’s a beautiful falls with a pool at the base. But it is difficult to get to.

If the following video, you’ll see a hiker who followed the stream to the base of the falls.

Video of Moose River Falls Nova Scotia

  • Unique features: Falls over 20 meters. There is a pool at the bottom of the falls.
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. Not groomed, difficult.
  • County: Colchester
  • Region: Fundy Shore

As you saw in the video, if the water level is high you’ll be getting wet, so dress accordingly.

Some hikers prefer to follow a logging road back to the falls, but the trail from the road down to the falls gets grown over for lack of traffic and is poorly marked.

This route means a scale down loose shale, silt, and sandstone to get to the falls, which could be dangerous.


5. Harrington Falls

Harrington Falls is on the Harrington River near Parrsboro. It’s a high narrow falls that you can walk behind.

The hike down the gorge can be dangerous and you may need to walk in the water to get up to the falls, and walk behind them. Make sure to wear proper footwear and use caution.

If you decide to scale down to the falls, there is a cave near the river (not far from the falls) that you may want to explore.

  • Unique features: The water falls 9 meters straight down. There is a pool at the bottom and you can walk behind the falls.
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. Not part of a trail system. A difficult hike with steep climbing involved getting down to the falls.
  • County: Colchester
  • Region: Fundy Shore

The hike to the falls starts out on a short logging road, then takes you through the forest. When you come to the gorge you’ll have to make your way down it and then walk upstream to the falls.


6. Economy Falls

Economy falls is found between Upper and Lower Economy, east of Parrsboro.

This is one of the most visited falls in Nova Scotia. It is part of a trail system and is protected within the Economy River Wilderness Area.

The trail is easy, but the long staircase (186 steps) can be tiring. There are benches (for resting) as you make the climb.

  • Unique features: The falls are easy to get to and visited by many. These falls are popular for wedding photos.
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Well marked, groomed, and easy. About 2 km return.
  • County: Colchester
  • Region: Fundy Shore

7. Londonderry Falls (Great Village River Falls)

Londonderry Falls (Great Village River Falls) is different than most falls in this post. It is stretched out along the river and made up of a number of smaller falls.

This falls is found east of Parrsboro, near Economy.

It may be best viewed from above. These falls can be seen from Manager’s Park which looks down on the Great Village River.

  • Unique features: The falls are easily viewed from a park (Manager’s Park) looking down on the river.
  • Hike: Part of a trail within a park. Groomed and easy.
  • County: Colchester
  • Region: Fundy Shore

8. Wentworth Valley Falls (aka Higgins or Sylvia Falls)

When the water is high (usually in the spring) Wentworth Valley Falls is a full bridal-veil falls. It’s beautiful and easy to get to. There’s no deep gorge to scale unlike other falls in this area.

This falls is located in the Wentworth Valley, north of Truro. The trail is not part of a trail system but should be easy to access.

If you have children they might like to splash around at the base of these falls. As always, make sure it’s safe before allowing your children to play in the water.

  • Unique features: The falls are easy to access. There is a stone tunnel at the top of the falls. There is a ski hill not far from the falls.
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. A wide clear logging path, easy to hike.
  • County: Colchester
  • Region: Fundy Shore

9. Annandale Falls

Annandale Falls is found in the Wentworth Valley. These falls are said to be the tallest in that area.

Seeing these falls will require scaling down a steep hill. The trail is not groomed and could be dangerous.

There is a rope, but as always, ropes left by other hikers may not be safe.

  • Unique features: Falls are the highest in the Wentworth Valley
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. A difficult hike with steep climbing involved getting down to the falls. May be dangerous.
  • County: Colchester
  • Region: Fundy Shore

10. Upper Burnside Falls

Upper Burnside Falls is part of a small picnic park (Burnside Community Park) on Meadow Brook in Upper Burnside.

There is a staircase leading down to the base of the falls.

  • Unique features: Wadding pool at the base of the falls
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Easy.
  • County: Colchester
  • Region: Fundy Shore

11. Joseph Howe Falls (Victoria Park Falls)

Joseph Howe Falls on Lepper Brook is in Victoria Park in Truro. Above Joseph Howe Falls you’ll see Waddell Falls.

In the following video, you’ll see Joseph Howe Falls, some of the trail system, and the second falls at this location.

Video of Victoria Park Falls in Nova Scotia

  • Unique features: Two falls at this location.
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Easy, but lots of steps.
  • County: Colchester
  • Region: Fundy Shore

Drysdale Falls in Nova Scotia

Another well-known falls in Nova Scotia is Drysdale Falls, north of Truro. Drysdale Falls is located on private property and is no longer open to the public.

Sadly people did not respect the wishes of the property owners when access was allowed and now police monitor the area and issue notices to people found trespassing on the property. ~ TruroDaily.com


Cape Breton Waterfalls (5)

All of the waterfalls we highlight in Cape Breton are on trail systems. This makes them popular and easy to find.

  1. Uisge Bahn Falls
  2. North River Falls
  3. Corney Brook Falls
  4. MacIntosh Brook Falls
  5. Mary Ann Falls

Let’s take a closer look at each of these waterfalls.


1. Uisge Bahn Falls (Easach Ban Falls)

Uisge Bahn Falls is located on the Falls Brook north of Baddeck.

This is a very popular waterfall, it’s easy to access and dramatic with its five-story drop.

The following video shows what the trail is like with views of the footbridges and the river. You’ll see the falls at the end.

Video of Uisage Bahn Falls (Easach Ban Falls) in Nova Scotia

  • Unique features: Waterfalls five stories.
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Two kilometers, easy with no steep slopes. Rest stops along the way.
  • County: Victoria
  • Region: Cape Breton Island

2. North River Falls

North River Falls is located in a North River Provincial Park, a few kilometers north of North River Bridge on the Cabot Trail.

The trail is long (seven hours return) and best traveled in the summer or fall. In spring and winter (when the water level is high) the river crossings may be difficult.

This is said to be the highest falls in Nova Scotia with a 32-meter drop.

  • Unique features: Highest waterfall in Nova Scotia.
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. In a Provincial Park with a maintained trail. An 18 km return trail through the woods. The trail is moderate to difficult.
  • County: Victoria
  • Region: Cape Breton Island

3. Corney Brook Falls

Corney Brook Falls is in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

These falls have a 15-meter drop and are part of a trail system. The trail takes you along the brook through a hardwood forest.

  • Unique features: 15-meter drop
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Easy to moderate 2-hour, 6.5-kilometer return hike.
  • County: Inverness
  • Region: Cape Breton Island

4. MacIntosh Brook Falls

MacIntosh Brook Falls is found in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

The trail starts at a picnic area north of Cheticamp near the MacIntosh Brook Campground. This is a popular tourist attraction with a beautiful well-groomed trail.

In the following video, you’ll see MacIntosh Falls, Nova Scotia

Video of MacIntosh Falls in Nova Scotia

  • Unique features: Shallow pool at base of the waterfall
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Easy 1.7 km (return) hike.
  • County: Inverness
  • Region: Cape Breton Island

5. Mary Ann Falls

Mary Ann Falls is located near Broad Cove on the Cabot Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

This is another very popular waterfall in Cape Breton. Access to the falls is very easy and there are a number of viewing platforms near the parking lot.

You can also make your way down a staircase to the base of the falls for a swim.

In the following video, you’ll see Mary Ann Falls and the pool at its base.

Video of Mary Ann Falls, Nova Scotia 

  • Unique features: Pool at the base of the waterfall
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Very short and easy.
  • County: Victoria
  • Region: Cape Breton Island

Eastern Shore Waterfalls (2)

The two waterfalls we highlight on the Eastern Shore are both part of trail systems. The first is a short, easy hike and the second is longer and more challenging.

  1. West River Falls
  2. Liscombe Falls

If we have missed any waterfalls on the Eastern Shore that you like to visit. Please let us know and we’ll try to add them.


1. West River Falls

West River Falls is a series of waterfalls running down the West River in Sheet Harbour.

You can get a great view of the falls from a footbridge which is part of a nature trail along the river.

  • Unique features: A series of falls along a river
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Very short and easy with a footbridge.
  • County: Halifax
  • Region: Eastern Shore

2. Liscombe Falls

Liscombe Falls is on the Liscombe River near the popular Liscombe Lodge Resort.

Liscombe Falls Nova Scotia

The hike to Liscombe Falls starts out easy but get’s more challenging as you make your way along the river. Wear sturdy hiking shoes/boots.

  • Unique features: A suspension bridge overlooking the falls.
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. A challenging 9.6 km hike.
  • County: Guysborough
  • Region: Eastern Shore

Halifax Waterfalls (1)

For more waterfalls near Halifax check under the Annapolis Valley Waterfalls list (above). Some of them are just a short drive from the city.


1. Miller Lake Falls

Miller Lake Falls are on the north end of Miller Lake on Tillmann Brook. They are located about 30 minutes outside of Halifax.

Many people from the city visit these falls to spend some time in nature. The falls are located within the Waverley Game Reserve.

  • Unique features: Wide falls. High cliffs on the opposite side of the trail.
  • Hike: Not part of a trail system. Approximately 10 minutes.
  • County: HRM
  • Region: Halifax Metro

 South Shore Waterfalls (1)

If you know of a waterfall on the South Shore that is not on private land and is fairly easy to access, please let us know and we’ll include it here.


1. Indian Falls

Indian Falls is on the Lahave River, in Newburne, Lunenburg County. These falls are easy to locate because it is part of a Municipal Park.

Update (March 3, 2017): Are Indian Falls really on the Lahave River? A reader commented that Indian Falls isn’t even near the Lahave River. Well, it’s true that it is far from the well-known section of Lahave River that runs through Bridgewater. But as it turns out, Lahave River is pretty long – 97 km (60 mi) to be exact. And it has 2 branches (one that runs through New Germany and another that travels south from Sherbrooke Lake. Indian Falls is on this section (crossing through Newburne) and is known as North Branch Lahave River. The two branches join at Wentzells Lake (along Hwy #10) and then head towards Bridgewater.

Just north of Indian Falls is the Lahave River Campground, located in Newburne.

In the park, you’ll find a picnic area, walking trails, a rock beach, and look-off points.

  • Unique features: Pool at the base of the falls, popular swimming location.
  • Hike: Part of a trail system. Easy (15-minute walk) located in a small Municipal park.
  • County: Lunenburg
  • Region: South Shore

Looking for a book about NS waterfalls? This one by Benoit Lalonde is pretty popular (and has lots of great photos too).


Nova Scotia Waterfalls and You

What do you love about waterfalls? Please tell us about what draws you to waterfalls by commenting on this post.

And please let us know if we’ve missed any of your favorite waterfalls in Nova Scotia.

Janice Rand

Monday 2nd of March 2020

Indian Brook Falls in the River Ridge Common Park in New Germany. Great one to add to the South Shore. Maintained trail system and play area are also a part of this park.

Bryan Haines

Tuesday 3rd of March 2020

Thanks Janice - sounds like a great spot.

Amy MacKillop

Tuesday 28th of May 2019

Which falls are good for swimming under? Thanks!

Carrie

Monday 4th of March 2019

What about the Acacia Valley Trails, 155 Mill Rd, Barton, NS B0W 1H0. It’s a short very well kept trail easy enough for a 3 year old and leads to a waterfall with lots of seating along the way.

LORETTA armsworthy

Friday 22nd of February 2019

You missed the beautiful black brook falls. It's either in guysborough or pictou county.

Bryan Haines

Friday 22nd of February 2019

Thanks for the addition Loretta! One to check out for sure.

Vanessa

Monday 9th of July 2018

Can you make a printer friendly version?

Bryan Haines

Tuesday 10th of July 2018

The best way to get a print friendly version, is to copy/paste the link into a site like https://www.printfriendly.com/. This is also available as an extension in your browser or device. You can easily shrink/remove photos and adjust font size before printing.

I hope you get to see many of these this summer!