Cape d'Or is situated where the Fundy waters divide, forking into the Minas Basin on one side and traveling up the Chignecto Bay (bordered by New Brunswick) on the other.
Cape d’Or is 45 kilometers from the scenic town of Parrsboro and is considered one of the primary locations along Nova Scotia's Glooscap Trail.
Travelers follow a short 6 km drive up a dirt road from the village of Advocate Harbor to the Cape d'Or parking lot and lookout platform, which affords views of Cape Split and Ile Haute Island.
A short, steep roadway leads down to the Cape d’Or lighthouse and grounds. The site includes a restaurant where visitors sample world class dining and enjoy unparalleled views of the Bay of Fundy. A few steps away, a converted lighthouse keeper’s residence serves as a guest house, offering travelers the chance to witness a spectacular sunset and a place to spend the night.
The Cape d’Or lighthouse sits on a narrow jut of land that is girdled on either side by jagged rock outcroppings. The lighthouse is automated and produces a flash that is seen for 13 nautical miles. A nearby foghorn sounds a frequent warning to mariners--a crucial navigational aid to guard against the turbulent waters.
Cape d’Or bears testimony to the awesome power of nature, having the distinction of being the only place in the world where three tides converge, meeting simultaneously to create violent riptides—a phenomenon known as the Dory Rips. The Dory Rips can be viewed from the Cape d’Or lighthouse or from the parking area above, from lookoffs near to the smaller lighthouse. A signboard provides information about the Cape d'Or Dory Rips.
- Visitors should use caution and stick to designated areas, as walking can be treacherous in certain areas.
- When visiting Cape d’Or, keep on the look out for wildlife, ranging from seabirds to dolphins and seals.
- Cape d'Or means Cape of Gold.
- Samuel De Champlain visited Cape d’Or.
- Cape d’Or is 300 miles from the Boston Harbor.
- A foghorn has been in operation since 1875 at Cape D'Or to alert mariners to the dangers of the extreme tidal rips.
- The capes reach heights of 61 meters.
With rugged red-colored vertical cliffs on either side and sparkling water stretching out as far as the eye can see, Cape d’Or offers plenty to stir the senses and fire the imagination. Make sure you bring along your camera to capture superlative views.
Cape d’OR Driving Distance and Directions
Cape d'or Lighthouse is open from mid-May to mid-Oct
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