Beaton Institute Archives
Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail
Community: Sydney
The Beaton Institute is a cultural heritage archive mandated to preserve the social, economic, political, ethnic and cultural history of Cap...
Length – 10.5km
Hiking Time – 2-3 hours
Difficulty – 3.5
Cell Service – No
Trailhead GPS Reference: N 45°49’40.6″ W 60°08’13.8″
This 10.5 km out-and-back trail was once a cart path leaving from the village of Gabarus heading to the original settlement of Gull Cove. The Gull Cove Trail is relatively flat for the first few kilometers, then hugs the coast, winding through windswept woods, cobbled beaches and coastal barrens. It continues on past the abandoned settlement (keep an eye out for the abandoned foundations), rising to a spectacular drumlin bluff at Cape Gabarus. From Cape Gabarus is a panoramic ocean view that includes Green Island, Guyan Island and the Fortress of Louisbourg National Park.
The trail is maintained to the top of the bluff but it is possible to continue on from there around the head of Gabarus, creating a small loop which will add some extra distance to your hike (12.3 km). If you go around clock-wise, Bear Cove is a great place for a lunch. This loop can be a little hard to follow at times but is easily passible as of May 2018.
From Bear Cove, you can continue on to Winging Point if you really want a challenge or take the trail back towards Cape Gabarus.
Possible wildlife: shorebirds, seals, fox, coyote, rabbits
Information for this trail was sourced from www.hikecapebreton.ca.
Nearby Things To Do
Ski Ben Eoin
Region: Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Ben Eoin
11 runs: longest run 1300 m (4200 ft). Vertical rise: 149 m (490 ft). Lifts: 1 carpet lift, 1 quad chair. Alpine skiing; night skiing; ski s...
Northern Yacht Club
Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail
Community: North Sydney
The Northern Yacht Club was established in 1924 and incorporated in 1925. The club has a rich sailing and event hosting history. The new, tw...
Blue Thistle Tours
Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail
Community: Albert Bridge
Blue Thistle Tours provide scenic guided tours and private hire throughout the spectacular island of Cape Breton. We offer a unique, ...
Membertou Heritage Park - Indigenous Cultural & Interpretive Center
Region: Sydney and Area / Marconi Trail
Community: Membertou
Immerse yourself in an ancient Mi’kmaq culture at the Membertou Heritage Park, Touch, feel, and learn while experiencing first-hand th...
Rum: The Spirit of Louisbourg
Region: Louisbourg Area
Community: Louisbourg
Discover the taste and aroma of Fortress™ Rum and the story of this drink made from sugar. Sample an authentic rum punch recipe and learn ...
Related Stories
This fall, explore Cape Breton's variety of breweries and distilleries found all over the island.
Continue Reading
Cape Breton is becoming one of the most sought after locations to Instagram in Canada. Use our hashtag #FallforCapeBreton to be entered into a great get away package!
Continue Reading
The Cape Mabou Highlands should be on everybody’s list. It’s not your typical tourist route and the trail offers dramatic vistas over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You can get your heart pumping or take a leisurely stroll through remnants of Acadian old
Continue Reading
One of the absolute best ways to see Cape Breton Island’s awe inspiring scenery, and meet other people passionate about getting outside, is by hiking its trails...
Continue Reading
Looking for somewhere to eat this fall in Cape Breton? Looking for an authentic experience or simply want to try some locally inspired dishes? Here is a culinary guide for your fall trip to Cape Breton that will have you coming back again and again!
Continue Reading
Once again, your heart is pumping, you’re amazed and invigorated as you ascend to the top of Franey Mountain and your reward… a 360° view of the entire Clyburn Brook canyon and the Atlantic coastline from Cape Smokey to Ingonish! Simply breath-taking
Continue Reading
The trail starts out somewhat wide and eventually narrows to a footpath in the woods – exactly what we wanted! We love hiking when it feels like
Continue Reading
Some incredibly talented creators are sharing their Cape Breton Island outdoor adventures! Take a look through their lens to see what adventures can happen in this special place,
Continue Reading
Meat Cove is just one of those places in Cape Breton that you have to experience. The last section of the drive leading up to it has a complete
Continue Reading
Experience Celtic Colours
Destination Cape Breton will be live streaming from Celtic Colours. Experience the music, energy and excitement as people come from far and wide to celebrate Celtic culture.