Mkwesaqtuk/Cap-Rouge Campground - Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Highlights

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 Canada’s social media channels for information and updates on the status of all Parks Canada administered places. 

Overview

Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s newest campground, Mkwesaqtuk/Cap-Rouge Campground, is located on the western side of the park along the Cabot Trail, and approximately 16kms from the village of Chéticamp. GPS Location: 46°42’52.8″N 60°55’59.4″W

This cliff-side retreat is perfectly located where the mountains meet the sea, and offers visitors a private, backcountry camping experience with the convenience of being a frontcountry campground. Campers will use a Parks Canada cart to transport their gear a short distance to their walk-in spot. 

Mkwesaqtuk/Cap-Rouge Campground offers 42 unserviced, walk-in campsites with fire pits, and five walk-in oTENTiks. Please note that pets are welcome at campsites but not permitted in oTENTik units. One oTENTik and four campsites are accessible.

Campground Services:

• Fire pits and firewood
• Washrooms with hot showers and flush toilets
• Potable water
• Kitchen shelters with picnic tables and wood stoves
• Interpretive house
• Solar powered lighting in the parking lot and in the oTENTik units
• Propane heat available in the oTENTik units
• Visitor Centre is a short drive with nature bookstore, family corner, and Wi-Fi
• Cell phone reception varies within campground

Activities:

• Visit the Parks Canada Red Chairs, providing stunning views overlooking the cliffs.
• Access a cobblestone beach, perfect for walking, playing in the water, or launching your canoe, kayak or paddleboard.
• Hike or bike Le vieux chemin du Cap Rouge trail (9kms round trip).
• Nearby: Parks Canada programming in July and August including nature presentations, guided hikes, a weekly campfire, and Indigenous programming (applicable fees for some programming)
• Nearby: Hikes catering to a variety of ages and abilities, including Acadian trail (for panoramic views of the coastline), Salmon Pools trail (for an easier hike along the river), and Le Buttereau trail (for breathtaking coastal views and Acadian history).
• In Cheticamp: golf, sandy swimming beach, cultural museums, whale tours, craft shops, laundry, restaurants, groceries, gas stations

The national park is open year-round but full visitor services are only available from mid-May until mid-October.

#KeepitWild

Please be responsible and join us in caring for our environment. Take your garbage with you, keep wildlife at a safe distance, and stay on designated trails to protect fragile plant life. 

Nature, other visitors, and future generations will be thankful for your stewardship.