Cape Breton Highlands National Park Ingonish Visitor Centre
Ingonish & Area
About
The Ingonish Visitor Centre is located at the east entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park and serves as central hub for park visitors. Knowledgeable staff will launch your adventure by recommending itineraries tailored to your needs and interests. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, purchase a park pass, access maps, safety tips, and get suggestions on activities and places to discover. The Ingonish Visitor Centre provides practical amenities such as restrooms, a gift shop, and knowledgeable staff.
East entrance (Ingonish): 37637 Cabot Trail, GPS location: N46 38.450 W60 24.233
Keep it wild, keep it safe. Do you know what to do if you encounter wildlife in the park? Before your next visit, familiarize yourself with moose, bear, and coyote safety. Be respectful and act responsibly.
Wintertime in the highlands
In Cape Breton Highlands National Park, we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy all winter has to offer. By staying active and connecting with nature, you need have no fear of the winter blues! While visitor services close for the season in late-October, the world-famous Cabot Trail is open year-round, and ungroomed trails remain accessible for outdoor treks within the park. As you make your way through the enchanting and unique mix of taiga, Acadian and boreal forests, watch for majestic wildlife like moose and bald eagles. Scenic look-offs offer spectacular views, with sea ice filling the bays and frozen spray coating the rocks. Prepare for the ultimate winter road trip, where the mountains meet the sea.
Near the Ingonish entrance to the park, hike or cross-country ski through the winding Clyburn Valley, a river canyon surrounded by Acadian forest. Grab your snowshoes and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along Freshwater Lake. Or get a glimpse of the wild Atlantic Ocean along Middle Head Trail, suitable for hiking or snowshoeing and located near Keltic Lodge.
Snowshoe Rentals
Cape Breton Highlands National Park now offers snowshoe rentals so that more visitors can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors during the winter months. Reserve yours Monday to Friday by emailing cbinfo@pc.gc.ca at least 24 hours in advance. Equipment pick-up and drop-off take place at the Ingonish Visitor Centre. Daily and weekend rates available.
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