3 Scenic Hiking Trails in Mabou You Need to Explore on Cape Breton Island

If you’re searching for a beautiful hiking destination on Cape Breton Island, look no further than the trails of Cape Mabou. Located on the Island’s west coast, Mabou is a charming rural community known for its Gaelic culture, coastal views and unforgettable hiking experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful walk with ocean views, Cape Mabou’s trail network is a must-visit.

Here are three of our favourite hiking trails in Mabou to explore on your next Cape Breton Island adventure.

1. Beinn Bhiorach Trail

Distance: 3.2 km (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Why go: Coastal views, forest path, quiet look-offs

Beinn Bhiorach Trail is one of the most scenic hikes on Cape Breton Island, offering elevated views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The trail winds through spruce forest and grassy highlands, gradually climbing to a lookout with jaw-dropping views of the coastline. It’s a great trail for photographers, nature lovers and anyone looking for a moderate challenge. This is a true Mabou classic; peaceful, uncrowded and breathtaking.

2. MacKinnon’s Brook Trail

Distance: 1.7 km (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Why go: Ocean sounds, gentle walk, great for families

MacKinnon’s Brook Trail is ideal if you’re looking for an easy hike in Mabou with stunning scenery. This well-worn path starts near the shore and follows a gentle route through the woods, offering peeks of the sea and access to the coastline. It’s one of the most family-friendly trails in the Cape Mabou trail system, making it perfect for a short day trip or picnic stop.

3. Fair Alistair’s Trail

Distance: 5.2 km (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Trail Type: Out-and-back with connection options
Why go: Panoramic coastal views,

For hikers craving adventure, Fair Alistair’s Trail delivers. This scenic route stretches across the Mabou Highlands, offering sweeping views of the coastline and rolling green hills. On a clear day, you can see all the way across the water to Prince Edward Island. The open meadows are home to songbirds, foxes and wildflowers in season.

It’s one of the most rewarding hikes on Cape Breton Island, especially for those who want a taste of the Mabou wilderness.

Plan Your Mabou Hiking Trip

The Cape Mabou Hiking Trails are maintained by the Cape Mabou Trail Club and connect over 30 kilometres of wilderness routes. Trailheads can be accessed at MacKinnon’s Brook and Sight Point Road. Because there is little to no cell service in the area, it’s a good idea to download a map in advance from capemabouhiking.com.

Whether you’re visiting from Halifax, travelling the Cabot Trail, or exploring Cape Breton Island for the first time, hiking in Mabou is a memorable way to connect with nature.