Keltic Quay Cottages and Bayside Lounge
Region: Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Whycocomagh & Area
Your destination for exploration! Keltic Quay is located on the northeast shore of the Bras d’Or Lakes in the village of Whycocomagh, an a...
7 Day Hiking Itinerary around Cape Breton Island
Cape Breton Island was created to prove that the phrase “Take a hike!” should be music to your ears. From the Cape Breton Highlands National Park to the southeast coast of Isle Madame, the best way to truly grasp this Island’s beauty is to take a lovely, invigorating walk through it. This itinerary will give you access to the most beautiful and hidden views that Cape Breton Island has to offer — awesome waterfalls, challenging hikes and majestic views.
Day 1
Sydney to Louisbourg – 33 km
Start your exploration with a hike overlooking the Fortress of Louisbourg. Walk in the footprints of soldiers and civilians who lived and fought for this historic Island. Located directly across the harbour from the Fortress of Louisbourg, this trail offers something for all levels of hikers, including a trip to Louisbourg’s Old Town Trail.
- Leave Sydney and travel south to Louisbourg
- Have lunch at the Spoondrift Cafe
- Arrive at Louisbourg and explore the Ruins Walk in the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
- Enjoy a meal at the Fortress of Louisbourg in their 18th-century dining experience
- Check-in at the North Star
Day 2
Louisbourg to Isle Madame – 158 km
This next trail will bring to the stunning, and lesser-known southeast coast of the Island. You will travel along Highway 4 to Isle Madame, a centuries-old Acadian community. There you will begin another maritime adventure to the Auget Lighthouse.
- Leave Louisbourg and drive to Pt. Michaud Beach Provincial Park
- Walk the shoreline for your hike as you watch surfers and shorebirds enjoy the surf
- Grab lunch at the MacBouch Restuarant and Lounge before leaving for Isle Madame
- Hike the trail at Cape Auget Lighthouse
- Have supper and stay the night at The Groundswell Pub and Inn
Day 3
Isle Madame to Whycocomagh – 81 km
Your third day of hiking will see you go from the outer coast, into the heart of the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve, near the First Nations community of Whycocomah, and the Salt Mountain Trail. It provides you with 4 main trails, each with indescribable views.
- Leave Isle Madame
- Drive through West Bay and Marble Mountain
- Have lunch at the Farmer’s Daughter Market Country Market
- Hike Salt Mountain
- Eat supper at Charlene’s Bayside Café
- Check into your accommodations at The Keltic Quay Bayfront Lodge & Cottages
Day 4
Drive from Whycocomah to Mabou – 28 km
With only a short drive to get you to the next hike, you will have lots of time to enjoy Cape Breton’s Musical coast and a hike in Mabou Highlands. From this vantage point, you will be able to see from the Mabou Coals mines to the village where the world-famous Rankin Family were born.
- Leave Whycocomagh and travel through Sky Glen to Brook Village
- Have lunch and pick up some trail snacks at the Brook Village Grocery
- Hike Alistairs or Steep Mountain in the Mabou Highlands
- Have supper at The Red Shoe Pub
- Check-in at the Mabou River Inn
Day 5
Mabou to Chéticamp – 85 km
The fifth day of your itinerary rewards a longer drive with an amazing hike and world-famous view. Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s Acadian Trail overlooks some of the most beautiful sunsets that Mother Nature can paint. Located on the western coast of the Island, this trail is the ultimate place to bring someone you love and share a view you’ll never forget.
- Depart Mabou
- Have lunch at The Annex in Inverness
- Visit the Cape Breton Highlands National Park Visitor Centre
- Hike the Acadian Trail
- Have supper at L’abri Café, Restaurant et bar
- Check into your accommodations at the Pilot Whale Chalets in Chéticamp
Day 6
Chéticamp to Cape North – 72 km
When you arrive in Cape North, take a moment and prepare to see some jaw-dropping, mystifying views. Wilkie-Sugarloaf Mountain is a 3km (return) trail that leads to the top of one of the few stand-alone mountains in Nova Scotia. It’s hard to get any closer to the clouds in the entire province!
- Leave Chéticamp
- Visit the Bog Trail
- Drive across the Highlands and keep an eye open for moose!
- Have lunch at Morrison’s Restaurant in Cape North
- Hike Wilkie-Sugarloaf Mountain
- Eat and stay at The Markland Coastal Beach Cottages in Dingwall
Day 7
Drive from Cape North to Ingonish – 53 km
The drive from Cape North to Ingonish will give you front-row seats to some of the most famously photographed parts of Cape Breton Island. You will climb Franey Mountain and proceed to the panoramic view of Clyburn Brook canyon. This challenging trail is a 7km return hike that will leave you breathless from the climb and the view!
- Depart Dingwall and travel south on the Cabot Trail to Ingonish
- Stop into Mary Ann Falls or Warren Lake for a quick dip!
- Have lunch at the Main Street Restaurant & Bakery in Ingonish
- Hike Franey Trail
- Enjoy a great supper at the Coastal Restaurant & Pub
- Check into your accommodations at Ingonish Chalets
To help you find that PERFECT place to stay on your journey around Cape Breton Island, click here to find all the accommodations available to you. There are also many delicious options for Places To Eat and Things To Do around the Island. We can’t wait to see you!
Businesses and Activities from Itinerary
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Point Michaud Beach Provincial Park
Region: Cape Breton’s South Coast
Community: St Peter’s & Area
Point Michaud Beach Provincial Park on Cape Breton Island (1 km / 0.5 mi east of Point Michaud, 3796 Hwy 247) is an exceptional 3-km /...
Acadian Trail
Regions: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cabot Trail
Community: Chéticamp & Area
Climb 365 metres above the Chéticamp River for panoramic views of the Acadian coastline, the Chéticamp river valley and the park’s h...
Bog Trail
Regions: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cabot Trail
In keeping with Parks Canada’s mandate to protect the natural environment, a boardwalk keeps your feet dry as you walk while preventin...
Brook Village Grocery
Region: Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Mabou
A rural general store with a long history and old-fashioned charm, BVG carries a little bit of everything, with a focus on locally made prod...
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Regions: Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
One of Canada’s most enchanting places, where the mountains meet the sea. As you hug the world-famous Cabot Trail coastline, you̵...
Cape Mabou Highlands
Length: 30+km (18.8+mi) total Hiking time: 1-8+hr Type of Trail: natural surface, compacted earth Uses (no snow): walking Uses (snow): snows...
Charlene’s Bayside Restaurant and Cafe
Region: Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Whycocomagh & Area
Home to Charlene’s Multi-Award Winning Famous Seafood Chowder. A great family dining experience enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. ...
Coastal Restaurant & Pub
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish & Area
Coastal Restaurant & Pub is located on the beautiful and world-renowned Cabot Trail, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. We have been chosen to...
Franey Trail
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish & Area
Note: Infrastructure improvements in the park may cause delays or reduce services while we complete this important work. We appreciate ...
Groundswell Pub and Bed & Breakfast
Region: Cape Breton’s South Coast
Community: Isle Madame
Our friendly bed & breakfast pub is located among the breathtaking coastal paths and nature trails of Cape Breton. Looking out upon the ...
Hwy 22
Region: Louisbourg Area
Community: Louisbourg
We are a group of your neighbors and friends, serving up mouth-watering food truck fare and homestyle family meals. Located at the south end...
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