Ingonish Whalewatching Tours
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish
If you’re visiting Cape Breton Island, enjoy a 2-hour whale watching tour off the coast of Cape Smokey on the Joan Malachi, a 14-m...
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.
Parks Canada is asking visitors to comply with recommendations from Nova Scotia public health authorities by wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, and by respecting recommended social distancing measures at all times.
Parks Canadas 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 Canadas social media channels for information and updates on the status of all Parks Canada places.
The trail explores Acadian, boreal and taiga land regions and leads to a viewpoint offering an impressive view of the Atlantic coast and the park interior plateau, with Cape Smokey and Cape North appearing as miniature mountains in the distance.
Trailhead: Turn off the Cabot Trail onto the Warren Lake Road. Immediately turn right onto Mary Ann Falls Road and follow it for about 6 km to the small parking area.
Significant Feature: Highland plateau, barrens
Length: 8.4 km (5.2 mi) return
Hiking Time: 2.53 hours to first look-off
Elevation: 100296 m (330950 ft.)
Gentle climb. Rugged sections.
Trail Rating: Moderate
GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 46.753010 Long: -60.364957
Park is open year-round but full visitor services are only
available from mid-May until mid-October. A park pass is required for hiking or use of other services in the park; park entry fee applies. Check in at the Parks Canada visitor centres in Chéticamp (16 Visitor Centre Rd., situated 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 and on the Parks Canada website.
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish
If you’re visiting Cape Breton Island, enjoy a 2-hour whale watching tour off the coast of Cape Smokey on the Joan Malachi, a 14-m...
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