Destination Cape Smokey

Cape Smokey sits high above the Atlantic along the world famous Cabot Trail in Ingonish, Cape Breton Island. It is Atlantic Canada’s only ski to ocean destination, a place where mountain adventure meets the rugged beauty of the coastline and where every season offers something different to experience.

In winter, Cape Smokey becomes one of the most unique ski destinations in Canada. Skiers and snowboarders carve runs with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a true ski to ocean experience found nowhere else in the country. The mountain offers downhill skiing and snowboarding terrain, rentals, ski school, and snowshoeing, along with classic après ski experiences that make the hill welcoming for visitors of all experience levels.

At the heart of the mountain is Atlantic Canada’s only year round gondola. The ride carries visitors from the base of the mountain to breathtaking summit views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. In winter the gondola provides easy access to the slopes, while also offering a scenic experience for visitors who simply want to take in the dramatic coastal views.

During the warmer months, the gondola becomes the starting point for a range of mountaintop adventures. From the summit, visitors can explore hiking trails that wind through the forest to Hawley’s Lake, a peaceful mountaintop lake where guests can take out kayaks and enjoy the calm water surrounded by nature. The mountain also offers scenic trails for mountain biking, along with relaxed activities such as disc golf and mini golf, all set against panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline.

Cape Smokey is also a gateway to exploring the Cabot Trail and northern Cape Breton. Nearby experiences include kayaking and paddleboarding at the Ingonish Marina, beaches, world class golf, and direct access to Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

In autumn, the surrounding landscape becomes one of the most spectacular places to experience fall colours along the Cabot Trail. Visitors ride the gondola for sweeping views of the changing foliage and enjoy seasonal events and cultural celebrations including the Celtic Colours International Festival.

At the base of the mountain, The Cape restaurant offers fresh local flavours and a relaxed year round patio where visitors can gather after a day outdoors, enjoy live music, or simply take in the atmosphere of the mountain.

Cape Smokey is also part of the growing Destination Cape Smokey resort vision. New accommodations such as the oceanfront chalets at Cormorant Rock are already welcoming guests, with additional accommodations, services, and experiences continuing to be developed. With each season the destination continues to grow, offering more ways for visitors to stay longer, explore deeper, and experience everything this remarkable part of Cape Breton has to offer.

Whether skiing above the ocean in winter, hiking and kayaking on the mountain in summer, or taking in the colours of autumn along the Cabot Trail, Cape Smokey offers a place where visitors can build an entire Cape Breton adventure around the mountain and the sea.

For updates, events, and visitor information, visit capesmokey.ca or follow Cape Smokey on social media.