Seeing in the Dark
Regions: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cabot 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 ...
Trailhead located across from park's Administration Building in Ingonish
902-224-2306
Due to COVID-19, the visitor experience at Parks Canada-administered places may be different than it has been in the past.
Please visit pc.gc.ca/ns and follow Parks Canadas social media channels for information and updates on the status of all Parks Canada-administered places.
Short but steep, or, steep but short! Wooden stairs lead to a picturesque vista unfolds before you: Ingonish Beach, Freshwater Lake, Middle Head and Cape Smokey. If you don’t have time for a longer hike to get a view, then this trail is for you. Children enjoy it also but be careful at the top.
Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail, across from the Parks Administration Building in Ingonish
Significant Feature: Atlantic coastline
Length: 0.3 km (0.2 mi) return
Hiking Time: 10 minutes
Elevation: 10 – 45 m (35 – 150 ft.)
Trail Rating: Moderate
GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 46.646010 Long: -60.402759
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 designated trails and 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.
– Recreational drone use is prohibited within the national park for the safety of wildlife and other visitors
Regions: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cabot 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 ...
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish & Area
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Stay updated with important information regarding Cape Breton Highlands National Parks and road conditions.