The high difficulty/terrain ratings indicate that this virtual cache requires planning (check the tide!) and involves a long hike and some very challenging terrain. Before attempting this cache, read the full description below and plan ahead. The only safe way to reach the posted coordinates is by hiking. Currents at the end of Cape Split make boating in the area impossible.
This cache is inspired by the many hides of Pushkin, some of which I have had the pleasure of finding. If you know his style, that tells you a lot about this virtual cache.
To log this virtual geocache, you must walk to the beach at the very end of iconic Cape Split. The return trip involves a total of 14km of hiking (7km out, 7km back). Of this, 2km (1km out, 1km back) are along a rocky beach with slippery seaweed in places.
You cannot reach the virtual cache by going all the way to the lookoff at the end of Cape Split. You must take a side trail and approach along the beach.
It is essential to time your visit corresponding to low tide. Consult these tide tables, and plan to arrive on the beach (Little Split Cove waypoint) about 2 hours before low tide. By arriving well before low tide, you will have enough time to walk along the beach and back, before the tide comes in. There is a "pinch point" at the West end of Little Split Cove, which is passable in a 4 hour window (2 hours before low tide to 2 hours after). So, provided that you cross the pinch point at mid-tide, as the water is going out, you should have 4 hours of safe time on the beach beyond the pinch point.
When I did this hike:
- It took 90 minutes from the car park to Little Split Cove (6km), via the Minas Basin Trail. The turnoff from the Minas Basin Trail to the path to Little Split Cove is marked as a waypoint. The intersection of the Little Split Cove trail and the Scots Bay trail is also marked as a separate waypoint.
- The walk to Little Split Cove involves some steep parts. No special gear is needed - just be cautious.
- It took 30 minutes from Little Split Cove to the posted coordinates (1km). These are at the end of Cape Split, on the beach.
- I'm a fast hiker. You may need longer.
The "Scots Bay Trail" was opened in 2021 (after this cache was published). A trail map is available at https://parks.novascotia.ca/park/cape-split. The trail to Little Split Cove is not an official trail, but it appears on the geocaching map as of 2026.
To log this cache as found you must:
- Look up the low tide time for the day of your planned visit, and figure out when you should arrive at the parking lot to begin your hike. Include this information in your "found it" log.
- Go to the posted coordinates, take a pictures of yourself with the spires of Cape Split behind you (the 4 finger-like rock formations), and post it with your log.
- Go to the "wind tunnel" (see coordinates), the gap between the two tall cliffs. Take a picture of yourself, and post it with your log.
Logs must be accompanied by pictures showing all cachers who are claiming a "find" for this geocache. If you prefer to not have your face in the picture, get creative! I will post some "example" pictures I took on my visit in a log below.
Optional extra (NOT required for logging): you can walk beyond the spires (on the north side), and go to the very tip of the split. Rocks are covered with seaweed and can be more difficult than ground zero. Additionally there is a second "pinch point" near the spires which you shouldn't go past on an incoming tide.
This cache owner
supports the
Association of Nova Scotia Geocaching
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.