Bog Trail

Note: Due to COVID-19, the visitor experience at Parks Canada places will be different than it has been in the past. The health and safety of visitors, employees and all Canadians is of the utmost importance and Parks Canada will follow the advice and guidance of public health experts in resuming visitor access and services. We encourage all visitors to practice physical distancing while visiting Parks Canada places.

Parks Canada’s network of protected places is large and diverse. Visitor access, services, and even opening dates may vary across Cape Breton Island and Canso depending on local circumstances. Please visit pc.gc.ca/ns and follow Parks Canada’s social media channels for information and updates on the status of all Parks Canada places.

In keeping with Parks Canada’s mandate to protect the natural environment, a boardwalk keeps your feet dry as you walk while preventing you from trampling the fragile life in this highland plateau bog. A self-guiding trail, signs explain life here – pitcher plants, delicate orchids, colourful dragonflies, green frogs and gigantic moose. The trail, as well as the privy at the trailhead, is wheelchair accessible. Ideal for baby strollers.

Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the top of French Mountain

Significant Feature: Boreal -Taiga, highland bog

Length: 0.5 km (0.3 mile) loop.

Hiking Time: 15 minutes.

Elevation: 410 m (1345 ft.)

GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 46.742037 Long: -60.827493

Park is open year-round but full visitor services are only
available from mid-May until mid-October. A park pass is required all year for hiking or use of other services in the park.  Check in at the Parks Canada Visitor Centres in Chéticamp (16 Visitor Centre Road, just off the Cabot Trail on the west side of the park) or in Ingonish (37637 Cabot Trail, on the east side of the park) to obtain passes, information on visitor safety and any other information you may need, including a trail location map.

For your comfort and safety:
– Do not approach, disturb or feed wild animals.
– Take along appropriate clothing – rapid weather changes often occur on the plateau or along the coast.
– Carry water with you, especially for longer trails, climbs or open barrens.
– Bring insect repellent as black flies and mosquitoes are common all summer.
– Mountain bikes are permitted only where indicated, for public safety and protection of the environment.
– Stay on boardwalks to protect fragile vegetation.
– Do not throw food or scraps along the trails or roads.
– Read “Keep it Wild, Keep it Safe” brochure, available at park visitor centres.