The Ovens
...explore the sea caves...

The Ovens Park offers a wonderful opportunity to explore sea caves along the Atlantic Ocean coastline.  These caves were a great discovery and are a great place for an adventure.

The Ovens Park will take you along a trail on the Atlantic coastline to discover sea caves.The entrance to the sea caves
The colours from the rock formations at the Ovens are gorgeous.The rock formation colours

Before you go to The Ovens

Directions: Follow highway #103, take exit 11 toward Lunenburg, turn right onto highway #332.  Drive about 12km (8mi) to Feltzen South and turn left.  Then turn right on Ovens Park Road.  This will take you to the park entrance at 326 Ovens Road.

Distance:  3-4 km return

Elevation: 70m

The views from the trail are awesome. You are along the Atlantic Ocean and you'll get plenty of views of the rock formations that lead to the caves.The trail is high on the cliffs

Time:    1.5 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Easy, however, watch small children as the trail is high on the cliffs. Pay attention on the stairs which descend to the caves.

Food/Water:  Water is always necessary.  Light snacks are also a good idea.  

Clothes/Accessories:  A sweater or light jacket; sturdy walking shoes; and a camera.

Facilities: There are no facilities along the trail.  The Ovens Park is also a campground & RV park. There are also housekeeping cabins.  There is a beach, a picnic area, general store and washroom facilities at the park entrance.

Note:  There is a fee to access the hiking trail.

The beach and picnic area at the Ovens Park. The campground area overlooks the ocean. A beautiful spot.Beach & campground
The campground overlooks the ocean at the Ovens park. There are RV spots as well as a tenting area. The park also has rustic cabins.Campground overlooks ocean

Okay - Let's get Hiking

You'll need to stop at the entrance to the park before you start your hike.  There will be an admission fee to access the trail.  The park office also has a great map that you'll find very useful.

The Sea Caves trail starts immediately by overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The views of the ocean and the coastline along this trail are gorgeous.start of the Sea Caves trail

It was a very hot when I visited the Ovens.  However, being on the coast made it manageable and the breeze from the ocean was welcome.

The trail is basically on the edge of the cliffs.  It is well-maintained and easy to follow.  You'll start to hear the noise from the ocean rushing into the caves quite quickly.

The Sea Caves trail is high above the cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean. This is a great place for an adventure. You can get close to the sea caves and the ocean.another view of the trail

There are look-offs along the trail where you can stop and enjoy the views.  Take your time and enjoy these gorgeous vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline.

The Sea Caves trail at the Ovens has a couple of viewing platforms. These will bring you closer to the cliffs.Viewing platform along the trail

The combination of the sea caves and the ocean rushing in create a tunnel sensation when the crashing of the waves becomes very loud. Make sure you check out the caves via the stairs.

You will get very close to the ocean on the Sea Caves trail. The ocean is beautiful as the various rock colours reflect in the water.the ocean colours are amazing
This is a view of the opening to one of the caves from the staircase. You'll be able to hear the thunder of the waves crashing from the inside.an opening to the sea caves

Gorgeous views of the colorful rock formations makes this trail extra beautiful.  I don't think it would be possible to take a bad picture from the trail.

This is one of the stairways that leads to the coastline and the entrance to a cave. Descending to the caves is the climax to this hike.the descent to one of the caves
The trail follows the cliffs where you will have outstanding views of the Atlantic ocean and the coastline.the trail is at the top of this cliff
The final steps into one of the sea caves. Notice the bright colours in the rocks in the wall. Awesome place for an adventure.the stairs into one of the caves

You'll see Lunenburg Bay when you reach the end of the trail.  You may also see the Bluenose II out for a sail.  You can return to the trailhead via the same trail.

It is interesting to note that Gold was discovered here in 1861. The area grew into a small community.  Unfortunately, the gold rush did not last.

There is a small display of artifacts and pictures in the General Store at the entrance to the park.

A little video of my trip to the Ovens:

Accommodations

There are many great accommodations to be found on the South Shore - Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia.  Check hotels, motels, B & Bs and Inns in Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Chester, Bridgewater and Liverpool.

There are also lovely vacation rentals in the same areas: Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Chester, Bridgewater and Liverpool.

These links will also give you choices in smaller communities in the vacinity.

Restaurants

Nova Scotia has a wide variety of places to eat.  From fine dining, family restaurants, pubs and pizza spots.  There is something for everyone.  I suggest you check my Where to Eat page for some tips on how to find a restaurant in your location.

Where to next?

There is still lots to see and do in the Lunenburg area!  Don't miss The Rum Runners trail, Blue Rocks and the Gaff Point hiking trail.  And, don't forget Mahone Bay, Chester & Peggy's Cove!!

Have you hiked at the Ovens?

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