Guided Wilderness Walk
Spend a crisp fall morning on a guided wilderness walk on land that’s protected forever. Jen & Dan lead this two-hour walk along an old farm driveway and through quiet fields at Taylor’s Pond, part of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust’s Plaister Cliffs lands on the Bras d’Or.
It’s an easy-paced, small-group guided wilderness walk: no more than 12 people, plenty of stops, and time to ask questions. You’ll leave knowing this corner of Cape Breton a little better, and you’ll probably want to come back.
What you’ll experience
Ground that dissolves. The gypsum under these fields, known locally as “plaister,” is slowly dissolving into sinkholes and hollows. Gypsum karst like this is rare across North America.
An old Highland farm. Walk the driveway and fields of a farm settled in the 1800s, and learn to read the story of fields going back to forest, from the apple trees to the golden tamarack.
Wildlife and their signs. Look for white-tailed deer, red fox, ruffed grouse and red squirrels, and the tracks, rubs and middens they leave behind. Keep an eye on the sky: the Bras d’Or has more nesting bald eagles than anywhere else in Nova Scotia.
A seasonal surprise. There’s a wild fall treat we’ll share along the way. We’re keeping it a secret, so you’ll have to come and find out.
Tea with a view. The walk ends on the veranda of an old farmhouse, with hot tea, homemade scones and the Great Bras d’Or Channel spread out below.
The land
Taylor’s Pond is part of the Nova Scotia Nature Trust’s Plaister Cliffs lands, a network of protected properties along the Bras d’Or. They were protected for one very unusual reason: the ground itself.
Around 325 million years ago, a shallow inland sea covered this area. As it evaporated, it left thick layers of gypsum behind. Rain has been dissolving that gypsum ever since, carving out sinkholes, caves and cliffs, and creating soil where rare plants grow that are found almost nowhere else in the Maritimes. Karst like this is considered threatened in Nova Scotia, and most of it sits on private land. That’s why the Nature Trust’s work here matters.
The Nova Scotia Nature Trust is a charity that protects special places across the province, forever. Learn more at nsnt.ca.
Tea on the veranda
Every guided wilderness walk ends at the old farmhouse. Settle in on the veranda with a cup of tea (a classic blend, or something foraged along the way) and a homemade Cape Breton scone, looking out over the Great Bras d’Or Channel. Bring your binoculars: eagles fish the channel, and herons work the shoreline.
Every guest goes home with a small keepsake from the walk.
Stay with us
Make a weekend of it. Auld Farm Inn is a farmstead bed and breakfast just outside the Village of Baddeck, with cozy rooms and a homemade breakfast. Stay the night before your walk and start your Sunday slowly.
Dates and booking
| Date | Time | Spots |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 10 am – noon | 12 |
| Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 10 am – noon | 12 |
| Sunday, November 8, 2026 | 10 am – noon | 12 |
| Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 10 am – noon | 12 |
$50 per person, tax included ($43.86 + 14% HST). Includes the guided walk, tea, homemade scones. $5 from every ticket will be donated back to Nova Scotia Nature Trust.
We’ll send meeting-point details and parking directions with your booking confirmation.
What to bring and good to know
- Footwear: sturdy, waterproof boots. The route is an old farm driveway and fields, with uneven and sometimes muddy ground.
- Clothing: warm layers, a hat and gloves. Late-fall mornings on the Bras d’Or can be cool and breezy.
- Water & Water Bottle: bring your own drinking water and water bottle. We will provide everythign needed for the Tea and snack, but your own water is recommended.
- Hunting season: late fall is deer season in Nova Scotia, so please wear a bright or blaze-orange layer.
- Pace: easy and unhurried, with frequent stops. Suitable for most people who are comfortable walking about two hours on uneven ground.
- Weather: we walk in light rain. If the weather is unsafe, we’ll contact you to reschedule or refund.
- Dogs: please leave pets at home.
- Optional: binoculars and a camera.
FAQ
How long is the walk, and how hard is it? About two hours, including stops and tea at the end. It’s an easy pace over an old farm driveway and fields, but the ground is uneven and can be wet.
Where do we meet? We’ll meet at the Barn at Auld Farm Inn. 1817 Highway 205, Baddeck Bay Road.
Is it suitable for children? Yes, for children who can walk comfortably for about two hours. Children must be booked as walkers.
What if it rains? We walk in light rain, so dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe, we’ll contact you to reschedule or refund.
Can I bring my dog? Please leave pets at home. We’re walking on protected land, and dogs can disturb wildlife.
What’s the “seasonal surprise”? That would spoil it. Let’s just say it’s one of the best parts of the walk.
I have a food allergy. Can you accommodate it? Our scones contain wheat, dairy and egg. Let us know when you book and we’ll do our best.
Can I book a private walk for my group? Yes. Email enquiries@auldfarminn.ca to arrange a date for your family, friends or team.