The trail explores a spruce forest, old fields and foundation ruins on a “buttereau” (small hill) overlooking the Chéticamp River and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Wildflowers, trees and shrubs have invaded these pastures that were once tilled by the Acadian pioneers, making an ideal spot for birds and small mammals. Plaques commemorate former Acadian homesteads. Continue onto the connecting Chemin du Buttereau Trail to add 4.6 km to your hike.
Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail opposite the Grande Falaise picnic area.
Significant Feature: Acadian history, ocean
Length: 1.6 km (1 mi) loop.
Hiking Time: 30–45 minutes
Elevation: 10–55 m (35–180 ft.)
Interpretive loop. Suitable for most skill levels. Short climbs.
Trail Rating: Easy
GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 46.676389 Long: -60.957946
Park is open year-round but full visitor services are only
available from mid-May until mid-October.
Open from mid-May to mid-October. A park pass is required 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 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
Community: Chéticamp & Area
Follow a meandering brook through a hardwood forest to a small waterfall that marks the end of the trail. You are actually in a box river ca...
Regions: Cabot Trail, Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Chéticamp & Area
Elizabeth LeFort learned rug hooking from her mother at a young age. She continued to develop her own skills, experimenting with composition...
Regions: Cabot Trail, Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Chéticamp & Area
Available are hand made hooked rugs, hooking kits, small and large forms, t-shirts, feather paintings and more! We also take pride in repair...
Regions: Cabot Trail, Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Chéticamp & Area
Retrace the steps of the Acadian pioneers who travelled this cart path from Le Buttereau, a small settlement of seven families, to Chéticam...
Come in. Sit down. Relax. But most importantly… just have a good time! The Doryman is well known for good times! With an undisputed reput...
Regions: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cabot Trail
Community: Chéticamp & Area
Ideal for a fitness walk or a stroll, this level trail follows the bottom of the Chéticamp river canyon with cliffs almost 400 metres (1300...
June on Cape Breton Island is when music fills the air, feet find rhythm on wooden floors, and communities come together in celebration of culture, heritage, and shared joy.
If you're searching for a beautiful hiking destination on Cape Breton Island, look no further than the trails of Cape Mabou. Located on the Island’s west coast, Mabou is a charming rural community known for its Gaelic culture, coastal views and unfor
Canada's Musical Coast, nestled along the western shores of Cape Breton Island, offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the country.
Snowmobiling offers exhilarating experiences across winter landscapes, but safety must always be a priority.
Atlantic lobster from Cape Breton Island is renowned for being the freshest and some of the tastiest lobster in the world.
Tap your toes to fiddle tunes at a Ceilidh. See authentic Acadian crafts at Les Trois Pignons. Take a piece of Mi’kmaq culture home with you at a drum-making workshop. On Cape Breton Island, culture is all around you just waiting to be explored!
When the adventurous duo Chris and Jan from A for Adventure received the call to explore Cape Breton Island’s magical Waterfall Season, they packed their gear, laced up their boots and set their sights on some of Nova Scotia’s most breathtaking scen
Cape Smokey offers a ski experience that’s both easy to reach and impossible to forget. A short, two-hour flight from Toronto lands you right on Cape Breton Island, where you’ll find incredible coastal scenery, fresh powder, and the chance to ski ju
