Trenholm Trail
Cape Jourimain National Wildlife AreaGallery
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Quick Facts
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trail Type | mixed |
| Distance | 5.4 km |
| Estimated Time | 2 hrs 15 mins |
| Surface Type | gravel, forested |
| Elevation Change | 9 metres |
| Features | salt marsh |
| Trail Markers | signs |
| Scenery Rating | beautiful |
| Maintenance Rating | variable |
| Cell Reception | strong |
| Dog Friendly | on a leash |
| Fees | by donation |
From the Sign
Saltmarsh, again
Once this land was dyked, the Allen family no longer depended upon the distant sanddune to reach their farm. A wooden causeway was constructed to connect the inner to the outer island, straight to the Allen Hotel. But once the dykes gave way, the old causeway's days were numbrered, as were those of the farms on these islands.
The earthen causeway constructed by the Federal government in the 1960s trapped brackish lagoon beyond, but allowed this saltmarsh to revert to its natural state.
Dykeland for 100 years
When only Mi'kmaq traveled here, nothing but saltmarsh lay between the outer Jourimain island, its inner "sister" and the mainland. Acadian and then British settlers began dyking the marshland, until this mid-19th century map shows only drained farmland. But these dykes could not keep up and completely failed by the 1920s, bringing all back to saltmarsh once again.
Black Duck
The Black is one of the largest and wariest of ducks. The sexes are similar in appearance. The Black Duck can be distinguished in flight by the white underside of the wings in contrast with the dark body. They are hardy birds - thousands stay during the winter in the estuaries and saltmarshes of the Maritime Provinces.
The Allen Hotel
Board & Room
Shortly after 1811 Eliphalet Allen and his wife Hannah built their log home on this site. When the iceboat service began in 1827, the Allens not only hauled the mail overland, but also offered board and room to both passengers and crew. The house was probably built when their youngest son took over the farm. In later years a light was kept for navigation purposes.
Osprey
Ospreys are large fish-eating hawks. Both maile and female are dark brown above and white below with long wings crooked at the wrist; the dark eyestripe on the white face is distinctive. Their calls are shrill whistles.
Ospreys circle in search of fish and then dive feet first from 30 metres or more above the water, almost completely submerging themselves. They are often seen flying to a feeding perch with the catch dangling from their feet.
Map
Description
The Trenholm trail takes you into the heart of the National Wildlife Area. It starts as a meandering, grassy path through low bushes such as wild roses. A perfect habitat to find small songbirds. The trail comes to a lookout platform overlooking an old field. At the far end of the field, you will see an osprey nesting post. It is usually quite active. You will also be able to see the salt marsh in the distance.
A short distance past the lookout platform you will see an interesting duck blind near the salt marsh on the left. From inside the blind, you may be able to see ducks in the salt marsh without scaring them away.
The trail then climbs a small hill and follows an old road along the highway. From here you are overlooking the salt marsh. After a kilometre you will come to Jourimain Island. After getting to the island (was an actual island before the Confederation Bridge was built) you will see the trail enter the woods on the left. It's well signed so you shouldn't miss it.
The trail loops around the island through several different forest types. This used to be fields that are now grown over. You will pass by several remnants of the homestead that used to be here and an old plow that was used to farm the island. There are several lookouts on the salt marsh where you can see wharf at Cape Tormentine, farms on the distance shores, and ducks. The small ponds surrounded by grasses in the salt marsh make ideal habitat for a multitude of waterfowl.
Directions
From the parking lot go through the Nature Centre. Continue through the nature centre to a short boardwalk behind the building that takes you to the interpretive centre and restaurant. You can either go through the building or around the building to the left. A short grassy trail on the right (not the main trail towards the beach) takes you to trail junction. Keep right and you will soon cross the access road to the lighthouse. Shortly after you will come to another trail junction. Turn right once again onto the Trenholm Trail.
Other Trails at Cape Jourimain
Trail Last Hiked: July 29, 2023.
Page Last Updated: February 24, 2024.