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Cape Breton Fall Guide for Instagrammers

Story by: Team Destination Cape Breton

Cape Breton is becoming one of the most sought after locations to Instagram in Canada. The variety of landscapes, waterfalls, wildlife, and historic sites means that whatever you are interested in ‘gramming, Cape Breton has it for you. Use our Instagrammers Guide to check off potential fall locations for your shot list! #FallforCapeBreton

Waterfalls

1. Beulach Ban Falls

This is one of Cape Breton’s tallest and easiest to access waterfalls, plus it’s only a 40 second walk from where you park your car!

2. Egypt Falls

Visit one of the prettiest waterfalls on Canada’s east coast in it’s full autumn glory!

3. Lower North River Falls

This hidden gem of a waterfall offers many different angles for a wide variety of photographic opportunities.

Hikes

Cape Breton Island is synonymous with hiking. The island has dozens of world class hikes and while we can’t share all of them here, we can include some of the most impressive, Insta-worthy fall hikes.

1. Coxheath Trails

This great trail is close to Sydney, is well-maintained and offers a great view!

2. The Clyburn Valley

The Clyburn Valley puts on an amazing show of fall colours that reach deep into the highlands and stretches to the Atlantic Ocean.

3. Gypsum Mine Quarry

Gypsum Mines has quickly become a favourite Instagram location and your shot list won’t be complete without this location!

4. Mica Hill

This trail is often skipped by hikers when touring the Cabot Trail but during the autumn the landscape makes this hike a must-see landscape.

5. Tenerife Mountain

From the top you can see all the way into the Aspy Fault and Aspy Bay. Sunrise is definitely the best time for this hike!

Wildlife

Cape Breton has an incredible amount of biodiversity in its wildlife populations. Two of our favourite species has to be our moose and the bald eagles.

1. Eagles

In Cape Breton, it’s hard to go for a drive without seeing at least one eagle soaring over head. Drives through St. Anns Bay, Margaree, and Baddeck are eagle rich areas so be sure to have your telephoto lenses ready!

2. Moose

What trip around the Cabot Trail is complete without seeing a moose? French and North Mountains offer your best chances at seeing these massive animals. Remember not to approach these animals and to give them plenty of space.

Cabot Trail

Rising from the sea and clinging to mountains, the 298-kilometer-long Cabot Trail is a winding mix of the roadway, paths, stairs, and stunning beauty that takes you from unreal ocean vistas to quaint fishing villages.

1. Cap Rouge Look Off

 

Looking to capture the quintessential Cape Breton photo? Shoot this scene in evening light should help produce dramatic shots.

2. Margaree

It’s hard to talk about fall in Cape Breton and not mention Margaree. It’s like autumn was made to be seen here.

3. Aspy Valley

Witness the Aspy Fault in full fall colours and you’ll never want to leave.

Team Destination Cape Breton 3

Team Destination Cape Breton

Our team at Destination Cape Breton is always exploring our beautiful Island. We love discovering our hidden gems, working with partners, and putting our Island on the pedestal it deserves!

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