Big Intervale Campground – Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, at the base of North Mountain, 10 km from Cape North. Big Intervale Campground is a small ca...
Coronavirus Update: Learn More
Coronavirus Update: Learn More
Jack Pine Trail
This scenic trail overlooks the Atlantic coastline and winds through a post-fire jack pine stand. This pocket of jack pine is significant because it is separated from the rest of its range by 200 km. Interpretive panels tell the story of this area, beginning with a fire in 1921, a budworm infestation and the hardy vegetation that survives today in this harsh coastal environment.
Trailhead: Turn off the Cabot Trail at the Black Brook day use area and turn left to the upper parking lot.
Significant Feature: Atlantic coastline
Length: 2.3 km (1.4 mi) loop
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Elevation: 10–55 m (35–180 ft.)
Interpretive loop. Short climbs. Some rocky, rugged sections.
Trail Rating: Easy
GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 46.778569 Long: -60.332248
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; 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.
Nearby Things To Do
Oshan Whale Watch
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Bay St. Lawrence
Watch whales, eagles, seals and seabirds at the Top of Cape Breton Island with the Fraser family. Locally owned and operated, Oshan Whale Wa...
The Point Cottages by the Sea
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish
Located in Ingonish, The Point Cottages by the Sea is privately nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the unspoiled Highlands of C...
The Bay Café
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Bay St. Lawrence
Located on the beautiful Bay St. Lawrence, Bay Café is the place to be for delicious home-cooked meals and baked goods. Taste a slice of ho...
Clucking Hen Café & Bakery
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: North Shore
Located half way between Baddeck and Ingonish. Open daily from mid May until the end of October. Serving Breakfast, lunch and Dinner, licens...
Sharing Stories: Mi’kmaw Culture - Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Region: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Community: Cape Breton Highlands NP
Hear the story of Sismoqnapui Skwe’j—Sweetwater Maiden, a young Mi’kmaq woman who, based on oral history, was the first to discover an...
Related Stories
Cross country skiing in the highlands is definitely unlike any skiing we had done before. There’s no groomed track or perfectly flat terrain to ski, instead it’s an adventure in its own right every time we venture into the snowy highlands.
Continue Reading
It's no secret that Cape Bretoners have an accent. The accent can sometimes take on a Gaelic sound and sometimes can sound akin to a Newfoundland accent. Either way, our accent is a part of our identity and no doubt a part of our charm.
Continue Reading
When we think of waterfalls, the image that comes to our mind is tropical pools, cascading water, peace and calmness. But come winter, these waterfalls turn into a completely different scene. We have rounded up our favourite winter waterfalls around
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
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
Looking for an educational experience while visiting Cape Breton? Hoping to immerse yourself in Cape Breton's rich history while traveling the island? Well, you're in luck here are 7 'Must-See' Museums in Cape Breton!
Continue Reading
Louisbourg is best known for its world class reconstruction of its 18th century Fortress, but it’s also a nature lover’s paradise!
Continue Reading
Cape Breton Island has so many awesome places to explore and all of these places are right in our backyards.
Continue Reading
Callum MacCrimmon shares his experience on his 3rd Celtic Colours Festival in Cape Breton. Calum is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer best known as a founding member of the award-winning Scottish folk band Breabach.
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