Balancing Rock: Nature's Precarious Perch
Marvel at Nova Scotia's Balancing Rock: A geological wonder on Long Island with stunning coastal views and an easy hiking trail.
Balancing Rock is a stunning basalt column seemingly balancing on the edge of a cliff overlooking St. Mary's Bay, near Tiverton, Nova Scotia. This natural wonder, part of the oldest basalt unit formed 200 million years ago, attracts visitors who marvel at its improbable stance and the beautiful coastal scenery.
A brief summary to Balancing Rock
- Balancing Rock Trail, Tiverton, Nova Scotia, B0V 1A0, CA
- +1902-245-2861
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear as the trail can be muddy and the steps down to the viewing platform may be slippery.
- Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions along the Bay of Fundy can be unpredictable.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Balancing Rock and St. Mary's Bay.
- Consider visiting during the off-season for a quieter experience and shorter wait times for the ferry.
Getting There
-
Car & Ferry
From Halifax, drive approximately 286 km (3.5 hours) via Highway 101 to Digby, then take Highway 217 down Digby Neck to East Ferry. A free ferry operates from East Ferry to Tiverton on Long Island, departing East Ferry every half hour. From the Tiverton ferry landing, it's a short 4 km (5-minute) drive to the Balancing Rock trailhead; follow the signs. The Petit Passage Ferry is free.
-
Walking
From the Balancing Rock parking area, the trail is a 2.5 km (1.5 mile) out-and-back hike. Follow the well-maintained gravel and boardwalk path. Descend the 235 steps to the viewing platform. The hike to the rock and back takes approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Discover more about Balancing Rock
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bay of Fundy Scenic Lobster Tours
3.7 km
Explore the Bay of Fundy's stunning landscapes and rich lobster fishing heritage on scenic tours that delight the senses.
Église catholique Sainte-Marie
9.2 km
Discover the architectural marvel of Église Sainte-Marie in Church Point, a symbol of Acadian heritage and North America's largest wooden church.
Brier Island Lighthouse
18.4 km
Explore the Brier Island Lighthouse, a historical gem on Nova Scotia's rugged coast, offering stunning views and rich maritime heritage.
Bay of Fundy
46.1 km
Experience the world's highest tides, explore the ocean floor, and discover ancient fossils in this Canadian natural wonder.
Digby Pier Lighthouse
47.0 km
Discover the historical charm of Digby Pier Lighthouse, a stunning landmark offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Nova Scotia's maritime past.
Southwest Head, New Brunswick
60.1 km
Experience breathtaking Bay of Fundy views from dramatic cliffs and coastal trails at Grand Manan's Southwest Head.
Yarmouth Buoy Wall
60.8 km
Explore the Yarmouth Buoy Wall, a vibrant coastal attraction in Nova Scotia, showcasing colorful buoys and stunning ocean views.
Melanson Settlement National Historic Site
63.6 km
Discover the story of Acadian settlers at Melanson Settlement National Historic Site, where dykeland farming shaped a community's life along the Annapolis River.
Scenic Acadian Family Historical Site
69.7 km
Discover the story of Acadian pioneers Daniel LeBlanc and Françoise Gaudet at this historical monument in the heart of Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley.
Herring Cove Provincial Park
80.2 km
Discover a nature lover's paradise on Campobello Island: hiking trails, sandy beaches, and stunning Bay of Fundy views await at Herring Cove Provincial Park.
Campobello Island
80.4 km
Discover Campobello Island: History, breathtaking Bay of Fundy scenery, and the legacy of Franklin D. Roosevelt await.
350th Anniversary Tribute to Acadian Women
84.0 km
Honoring Acadian women's resilience and contributions in Argyle, Nova Scotia, a landmark of cultural heritage and historical significance.
Cape Spencer Lighthouse
95.8 km
Explore the rugged beauty of the Bay of Fundy at this historic lighthouse with breathtaking coastal views and hiking trails.
Partridge Island
98.3 km
Explore Partridge Island, a historic quarantine station and military outpost in Saint John, offering a glimpse into Canada's immigration and maritime past.
Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site
99.5 km
Explore a 19th-century Martello tower with panoramic views of Saint John and the Bay of Fundy. A National Historic Site!
Unmissable attractions to see
Petit Passage Whale Watch
4.1 km
Discover the wonders of marine life at Petit Passage Whale Watch in Nova Scotia, where unforgettable whale encounters await in stunning coastal scenery.
Boar's Head Lighthouse
4.6 km
Explore the historic Boar's Head Lighthouse in Digby, Nova Scotia, a captivating landmark offering stunning coastal views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre
9.2 km
Explore Nova Scotia's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes at the Rendez-vous de la Baie Visitor Centre, your gateway to adventure.
Gilbert's Cove & District Historical Society
26.1 km
Explore the historic Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse, a captivating landmark in Nova Scotia showcasing maritime heritage and stunning coastal views.
Gilberts Cove Lighthouse
26.1 km
Discover the historic Gilberts Cove Lighthouse, a stunning coastal gem in Nova Scotia offering breathtaking views and rich maritime heritage.
Replica of Maud Lewis House
41.7 km
Experience the vibrant legacy of Maud Lewis at her replica house in Nova Scotia, celebrating art, history, and the charm of Canadian folk culture.
Admiral Digby Museum
46.9 km
Explore the rich maritime history of Digby, Nova Scotia, at the Admiral Digby Museum, a delightful destination for history lovers and curious travelers.
Victoria Beach Lighthouse
51.0 km
Discover the charm of Victoria Beach Lighthouse, a historic landmark offering stunning coastal views in beautiful Nova Scotia.
Swallowtail Lighthouse
60.1 km
Experience the charm of Swallowtail Lighthouse, a historical landmark on Grand Manan Island, surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery and rich maritime history.
Grand Manan Island
60.5 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and rich marine life of Grand Manan Island, a hidden gem in New Brunswick perfect for nature lovers and adventurers.
Port Royal L’habitation
62.2 km
Explore Port Royal L’Habitation, the first French settlement in North America, and immerse yourself in 17th-century history in Nova Scotia.
Port-Royal National Historic Site
62.2 km
Explore the rich history of Canada at Port-Royal National Historic Site, a captivating reconstruction of a 17th-century French settlement in Nova Scotia.
Cape Forchu Lighthouse
63.5 km
Explore Cape Forchu Lighthouse, a historical landmark in Nova Scotia offering stunning coastal views and rich maritime heritage.
North Hills Museum
68.9 km
Explore Nova Scotia's captivating history at North Hills Museum, a hidden gem in Granville Ferry, showcasing local heritage and culture.
Fort Anne National Historic Site
70.0 km
Discover the legacy of Canada at Fort Anne National Historic Site, a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning natural beauty in Annapolis Royal.
Essential places to dine
Beaux Vendredis
13.2 km
Discover Beaux Vendredis: A top-rated seafood restaurant in Belliveaus Cove offering fresh dishes inspired by Nova Scotia's maritime culture.
The Wheelhouse Seafood & Pasta
13.5 km
Experience coastal dining at The Wheelhouse Seafood & Pasta in Belliveaus Cove, where fresh seafood meets exquisite pasta in a charming atmosphere.
Seashore Restaurant & Blue Rock Lounge
19.6 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining at Seashore Restaurant & Blue Rock Lounge with breathtaking ocean views in beautiful Nova Scotia.
Antonio's Seafood & Grill
38.0 km
Experience fresh seafood delights at Antonio's Seafood & Grill in Digby, Nova Scotia - a family-friendly dining destination rich in local flavors.
Fundy Restaurant & Dockside Suites
47.1 km
Experience the best of Nova Scotia's seafood at Fundy Restaurant & Dockside Suites with stunning views over the Bay of Fundy.
The Crow's Nest - Digby
47.1 km
Experience authentic Nova Scotia seafood at The Crow's Nest - where every dish tells a story of the ocean.
Churchill's Restaurant & Lounge
47.7 km
Experience exquisite dining at Churchill's Restaurant & Lounge in Digby - where local flavors meet stunning coastal views.
Honey Bees Restaurant
55.2 km
Discover local flavors at Honey Bees Restaurant in Yarmouth - where delicious cuisine meets warm hospitality in Nova Scotia.
Frank & Dora's
56.5 km
Discover Frank & Dora's in Cornwallis Park - where delicious food meets a vibrant atmosphere in Nova Scotia.
Rudder's Seafood Restaurant & Brewery
59.1 km
Discover culinary excellence at Rudder's Seafood Restaurant & Brewery in Yarmouth, where fresh seafood meets handcrafted brews in a stunning waterfront setting.
Founders House Dining & Drinks
68.6 km
Experience exquisite local cuisine at Founders House Dining & Drinks in Annapolis Royal - where every meal tells a story.
Fort Anne Cafe
70.1 km
Discover Fort Anne Cafe in Annapolis Royal for delicious breakfasts made with fresh local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.
Bistro East
70.1 km
Experience fresh seafood delights at Bistro East in Annapolis Royal - where local flavors meet cozy ambiance.
Charlie's Place Restaurant Ltd
70.1 km
Discover authentic Chinese cuisine at Charlie's Place Restaurant in Annapolis Royal—where every dish is a delightful journey into flavor.
Restaurant Composé
70.1 km
Discover exquisite flavors at Restaurant Composé in Annapolis Royal - where local ingredients meet culinary artistry.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Artist's Mark
33.1 km
Explore The Artist's Mark in Digby, Nova Scotia, for unique handcrafted gifts and local art that capture the spirit of the region.
Yaciuk's Antiques
44.4 km
Uncover the charm of history at Yaciuk's Antiques, where every vintage item has a story waiting to be discovered in the heart of Nova Scotia.
Atlantic Treasures
47.2 km
Explore Atlantic Treasures in Digby, Nova Scotia, for unique local crafts and gifts that embody the spirit of the Atlantic coast.
Bear River Mercantile
52.2 km
Explore Bear River Mercantile for unique gifts and local crafts, capturing the spirit of Nova Scotia in every purchase.
Clementsport Antiques
59.7 km
Explore Clementsport Antiques in Annapolis Royal for a unique blend of vintage treasures and captivating art, celebrating Nova Scotia's rich history.
Pettes Cove Arts
60.6 km
Explore Pettes Cove Arts, a charming art gallery in Grand Manan showcasing local creativity and coastal culture through unique artworks and crafts.
The Blue Owl Gifts & Home Décor
70.1 km
Discover unique gifts and home décor at The Blue Owl Gifts & Home Décor in Annapolis Royal, a charming shop celebrating local artistry and creativity.
Annapolis Variety
70.1 km
Explore unique local treasures at Annapolis Variety in Annapolis Royal, NS, where every item tells a story of Nova Scotia's rich heritage.
Far-Fetched Antique & Art Gallery
70.2 km
Explore the vibrant world of antiques and art at Far-Fetched Antique & Art Gallery in Annapolis Royal, where each piece is a story waiting to be discovered.
Gardens Shop - Historic Gardens
70.3 km
Explore the Historic Gardens Shop for unique gifts and local artisan treasures in the heart of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.
JoAnn's Chocolate Shop
70.3 km
Discover the exquisite handcrafted chocolates at JoAnn's Chocolate Shop in Annapolis Royal, where every bite is a delightful experience.
Loose Ends Trading Co
70.3 km
Explore Loose Ends Trading Co: A Charming Gift Shop in Annapolis Royal with Unique Local Crafts and Treasures.
The Green Barn Antiques
70.4 km
Explore The Green Barn Antiques in Annapolis Royal for unique vintage treasures that tell a story and capture the charm of local heritage.
Lequille Country Store
71.0 km
Discover local delights at Lequille Country Store, your convenient stop for essentials and sporting goods in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.
Treasures & Collectibles
88.1 km
Explore a treasure trove of antiques, vintage finds, and unique collectibles at Treasures & Collectibles in Upper Granville, a must-visit for tourists.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Sydney Street Pub and Cafe
47.1 km
Experience the charm of Digby at Sydney Street Pub and Cafe, where delicious cuisine meets a welcoming atmosphere in a unique setting.
Royal Canadian Legion Br 122
60.2 km
Discover the Royal Canadian Legion Br 122, a community bar in Clementsport, Nova Scotia, where affordable drinks and local culture meet.
The Whiskey Teller
68.6 km
Discover the charm of The Whiskey Teller in Annapolis Royal, a premier pub offering an exquisite selection of whiskeys and delicious pub fare.
Annapolis Brewing Company
70.1 km
Discover the best of craft brewing at Annapolis Brewing Company, where local flavors and a cozy atmosphere await in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.
Mad Hatter Wine Bar
70.2 km
Discover the Mad Hatter Wine Bar, a charming riverside retreat in Annapolis Royal, offering exquisite wines and local cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Tom's Cool Bus Canteen
71.2 km
Discover the unique flavors and charming ambiance of Tom's Cool Bus Canteen in Granville Ferry, Nova Scotia, where every meal is a delightful adventure.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Church Point Social Club
9.2 km
Experience the charm of Church Point at the Social Club, a cozy lounge offering affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for all travelers.
Club 98
47.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Club 98, Digby's premier night club, where music and dance come alive in a welcoming atmosphere.
