Looking for fun things to do near Halifax? Here is a guide to how to visit one of the natural wonders of Nova Scotia: the Sea Caves at the Ovens Natural Park.
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Nova Scotia is full of natural beauty, and there are tons of amazing things to do and see near Halifax.
With over 13,000 km of coastline (approx. 8,000 miles), there’s no end to the spectacular sights that the ocean provides this province! One such sight are the Sea Caves — also called “Ovens” — for which the Ovens Natural Park is named. Let’s go!
How do you get to the Sea Caves from Halifax?
Ovens Natural Park is easily accessible by car.
The drive takes about 90 minutes if you’re departing from Halifax’s downtown core, and the park is located on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, in the District of Lunenburg.
This makes it the perfect addition to any weekend getaway in the picturesque town of Lunenburg, which already sits on many visitors’ list of must-see spots when they come to Nova Scotia.
Can I go inside the sea caves?
Yes! Several of the sea caves can be entered, and the experience is not to be missed!
Down in the caves, you won’t get wet (unless you really want to). However, you will be surrounded by the resounding “boom!”s of the waves crashing against the cave walls.
It’s a sensory experience like no other. And the grounds are kept pristine, so there are lots of opportunities for photo ops.
How long does it take to explore the sea caves?
The sea caves are nestled in a beautiful cliffside trail around the park. The entire property is approximately 180 acres, but much of it is devoted to camping grounds. The walking trail itself is not super long, and should only take a couple of hours to walk, even with frequent breaks for ooh-ing and ahh-ing!
Many of the best lookout spots are accessible via big sets of stairs, so be prepared for a light workout! Don’t forget to pack a water bottle to stay hydrated, but remember to leave no trace behind.
Does it cost to visit the sea caves?
Yes, it does cost to visit the sea caves. The price of admission is $12 per adult, $6 per child (5-15) or senior (65+). There is also a $30 family pass for 2 adults + 2 children/seniors.
Visa, Mastercard, Debit, and cash are all accepted.
What is the history of the sea caves?
The history of the sea caves is super interesting!
The caves formed naturally, but became populated back in the mid-1800s when gold was discovered within! Over a thousand people came to the Ovens with hopes of finding their fortunes here, and although the gold rush only lasted 2 years, it’s estimated that approximately 2,500 ounces of gold were found here in that time.
Ultimately, Nova Scotia simply isn’t as gold-rich as other notable areas, such as the Yukon and California… but it remains a fun bit of Nova Scotian history that we had our very own mini gold rush here!
This history is honoured today by the park through rentals of pans to allow guests to try their panning for gold themselves. Pan rentals are just under $7, and are also sold in the gift shop.
Is there anything else I should know before visiting?
Yes! The next time I explore the sea caves, I plan to do so by sea kayak!
Sea kayak tours are offered to visitors of all skill levels, at $65 per person (or half price for children 8-12). Booking in advance is recommended, and can be done via the phone number listed on the park’s website.
Whether you choose to explore by land or by water, the sea caves are sure to be an unforgettable experience, and are an exciting thing to do near Halifax.
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