Duncan’s Cove
The Mission
There was no three part itinerary on this adventure, in fact, I was not the architect of this one at all. My Mom had been to Duncan’s cove before and thought I would like it. So, I set off with her and her hairy four-legged sidekick, Thor, on a memorable coastal adventure.
Getting There
Duncans cove is located off of NS-349. Turn right down Chebucto Head Road and then another right down Duncan’s Road, this is where you will park your car. Map here. Walk down Gannet Lane, there will be a “no trespassing sign” but you will turn off onto the trail head before you reach the big glass house at the end of the long driveway, look for the trailhead sign. This is a loop so pick which way to start. We started on the left to walk along the coast first.
Seals Galore!
One of the most striking sounds of the cove, are the mating calls of the two dozen seals dog piling on the reef. If you make it out to Duncan’s cove, a pair of binoculars are a must! watching the seals flopping around on the rocks is truly enchanting. Watching them pop their heads up out of the water mere meters from the rocks you are sitting on, is exhilarating. I had no idea watching chubby little seals rolling into the water would be so exciting, but trust…..it is. There were so many seals blending into the rocks, it was hard to tell where the rocks stopped and the seals started. It was awesome, I sat there a good while just watching them and could have continued for a long time if the wind wasn’t so chilly.
Seabreeze and Seacaves
It was an absolutely beautiful day with the sun beating down it was warm enough without a jacket if you kept moving. The cool air was refreshing, blowing through my hair. I closed my eyes and just listened. The waves crashed into the sea caves with a mighty roar, echoing up the cliff. I took a deep breath in and ….ehhhhh got a big whiff of sulphur. That sea-breeze was not quite as pleasant as the plundering splooshes that were coming out of the sea caves. Duncan’s cove is full of sounds and smells you can only get on the coast.
Graffiti Bunkers
If you make it to the end of the coastal walk you will reach a crumbling old lookout bunker covered in graffiti, but also some very interesting street art. There are two or three more on the return loop as well. Duncan’s cove is a nature hike, trip to the aquarium, and art gallery all in one.
Verdict
Duncan’s cove is a must see. It is an incredible 7km loop of discovery. In early October the shrubbery had all turned red which made it all the more enticing. This is a hike I could see myself coming back to time and time again. A beautiful coastal walk with clear turquoise water that could trick you into thinking you were on a Caribbean vacation. I can honestly say it is one of my favourite hikes in the HRM…. and there aren’t even any waterfalls! That is how beautiful Duncan’s cove is, since you all know waterfall hikes are usually my all time favourite.
