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 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.
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.
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.
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 Whycocomagh and the Salt Mountain Trail. It provides you with 4 main trails, each with indescribable views.
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 coal mines to the village where the world-famous Rankin Family was born.
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.
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!
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 7vkm return hike that will leave you breathless from the climb and the view!
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!
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...
Regions: Bras d’Or Lake, Canada’s Musical Coast
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish & Area
French follows below | Le français suit ci dessous Note: Infrastructure improvements in the park may cause delays or reduce services ...
Region: Cape Breton’s South Coast
Community: Isle Madame
Our friendly Inn and Pub is located among the breathtaking coastal paths and nature trails of Cape Breton. Looking out upon the ocean, the a...
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish & Area
Ingonish Chalets is situated on a private wooded lot on the Cabot Trail, just 6.4 km (4 mi) north of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park...
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Chéticamp & Area
2021 Lobster-Licious Dish: Lobster Sliders: A lobster and shrimp patty with lime and vanilla quick cucumber pickles, iceberg lettuce, fermen...