About the Island / Locals Know Blog / Outdoor & Adventure
Waterfall Chasers – Dome Sweet Dome!
There are 1,000,000 reasons why you should visit Cape Breton Island, but in case you needed one more - waterfalls. Cape Breton Island is known worldwide for its natural beauty, rolling hills, scenic coastlines surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and of course the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake. Perhaps lesser-known, are the hundreds of waterfalls scattered throughout the island. The popular song may say, “don't go chasing waterfalls,” but when you're on Cape Breton Island, how can you not? Whether you want to take a sunrise hike or a short trail to a waterfall, there's an adventure for everyone.

Surround Yourself with Beauty
My journey started with my first trip of 2022 around the Cabot Trail. As I entered Cape Breton Highlands National Park, I stopped at many of the lookouts to soak in the beautiful vistas and coastlines. I took my time as I made my way to Pleasant Bay where I'd be spending the night. I have often driven by True North Destinations and thought, ‘How cool are those?’. If you are looking for a perfect getaway where you feel like you’re in your own little oasis, this is the place for you. From hot tubs and the Nordic sauna to beautiful sunsets and gorgeous mornings overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you can't go wrong.




A Short Hike
If you're looking for the perfect way to stretch your legs midway around the Cabot Trail, check out MacIntosh Brook. As you enter the trailhead, stop and read the beautiful interpretation welcoming you to Mi’kma’ki, the land of the Mi’kmaq. Then, follow along the babbling brook until you reach the waterfalls. This short trail is only 1.7 km (return) and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to walk. You won’t be disappointed!


A Whale of a Tale!
I don’t know about you, but for me, there is no better way to end a hike than with a delicious meal. When you’re in Pleasant Bay, a must-stop is the Rusty Anchor Restaurant. Whether it's seafood you’re looking for or a classic club sandwich, you’ll have a hard time picking just one item to eat off the menu. Eat inside or take your meal to the patio and watch the waves of the Atlantic Ocean roll ashore. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic fisherman holding a lobster in the parking lot! After your meal, take a quick drive down to the local wharf for another photo opportunity with the whale tail as you watch the fishing boats coming and going from the harbour.



About the Author
Katherine MacLeod
Katherine MacLeod (@kat_mac_leod) is the Manager of Interpretation at the Highland Village Museum. Katherine is proud of her Gaelic roots and loves to share her culture with others. An avid hiker, skier and photographer, Katherine loves being outside explore the beautiful island of Cape Breton. She can often be found chasing the sunrises over the Bras d’Or Lake.
Related posts...

Explore With Reshma’s Cape Breton Island Tour
We invited Ottawa based content creator @ExplorewithReshma to explore Cape Breton Island to experience our vibrant living cultures, coastal trails and unforgettable food. Her multi-day adventure brought her from Downtown Sydney to the Cabot Trail, with...

August on Cape Breton Island: A Month of Music, Culture, and Celebration
Cape Breton Island is turning up the volume this August with a jam-packed calendar of events that celebrate the Island’s music, heritage, and community spirit. Whether you’re chasing the soulful sounds of a summer concert, clapping...

Get Your Heart Pumping! Cape Breton Adventures
Get Your Heart Pumping with these extreme and active adventures! Try your hand at windsurfing, go whale watching, hop on a jet ski, fly in a helicopter, and more.
Unlock the Island’s Best-Kept Secrets
Get seasonal itineraries, local tips, and member-only offers, straight from Cape Breton insiders to your inbox twice a month.
No spam, just wanderlust fuel. Free departure anytime.
* By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy