Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Highlights

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.

Camping: On July 13th, Cape Breton Highlands National Park will be accepting new camping reservations for Broad Cove, Ingonish Beach and Chéticamp campgrounds. We will not be offering oTENTik or Equipped Camping sites this year, however, RV and tent sites are available for advanced booking. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are not able to accept walk-in reservations.

 

Visitor Centres: Starting July 20th, our visitor reception centres in Ingonish and Chéticamp in Cape Breton Highlands National Park will open. In late July, select programs and additional visitor services will be available as well.

Park highlights:

• Explore this original national park of the Atlantic provinces and feel the wonder of its rare ecosystem.
• Travel one-third of the Cabot Trail within the park, which covers an impressive 948 square kilometres.
• Discover a rich variety of flora and fauna.
• Be amazed by the gorgeous ocean and mountain views.

Overview

Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Parks Canada has suspended access to some of our trails and other outdoor settings in Cape Breton Highlands National Park until further notice. Please visit https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ns/cbreton for updates. We ask that you plan ahead by checking the Parks Canada web site regularly.

For your safety, at all times, avoid all places, green spaces, day use areas and trails that are closed.

Please note, the visitor experience will be different than it has been in the past as we adapt to COVID-19.

One of Canada’s most enchanting places, where the mountains meet the sea. As you hug the world-famous Cabot Trail coastline, you’ll wind through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where lush, forested river canyons carve into the ancient plateau, edged by rust-coloured cliffs. The cool maritime climate and rugged landscape of the park permit a unique blend of Acadian, Boreal and Taiga habitats, plants and animals. This special mix of northern and southern species is not found anywhere else in Canada. Within the park, several dozen species of rare or threatened plants and animals can be found, as well as old growth forests of international importance. Small populations of arctic-alpine plants left over from the last ice age can also be found here.

There are numerous viewpoints scattered along the Cabot Trail, giving visitors ample opportunities to pull safely off the road to take pictures, observe wildlife, or learn about a special aspect of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. In particular, the look-offs at French, North, and MacKenzie mountains offer unforgettable vistas of the rugged coastline, fishing boats in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and purple-hued Cape Smokey. Keep your eyes open for moose and bald eagles. You might even catch sight of a minke or pilot whale breaching the waves in the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Park is by exploring the 26 hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs—all leading to panoramic views of canyons, highlands, or seacoasts.  Visit the Parks Canada Visitor Information Centres in Cheticamp or Ingonish Beach to pick up a trails map.

Visitor Centre locations
West entrance (Chéticamp): 16 Visitor Centre Road, GPS coordinates N46 38.784 W60 57.029
East entrance (Ingonish): 37637 Cabot Trail, GPS coordinates N46 38.450 W60 24.233

The visitor centres are home base for Parks Canada Xplorers and Club Parka activities for the younger crowd.

In Chéticamp, fill up your travel mug with coffee, stay connected with Wi-Fi, and visit the nature bookstore.

In Ingonish, check out the interactive map to help you plan your visit, and take a little something home from the official Parks Canada merchandise.

Parks Canada’s knowledgeable staff will launch your adventure by providing an itinerary tailored to your needs and interests. Along with your park pass and map, get safety tips and informed suggestions on activities and places to discover.

For the cycling enthusiast, the Cabot Trail is a must-do for your trip itinerary.

For those who want to sleep under the stars, without the fuss, Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers equipped camping and oTENTiks at Cheticamp Campground, Broad Cove Campground and Ingonish Beach Campground.