Freshwater Lake Look-off Trail
Freshwater Lake Look-off Trail
Open Gallery

Ingonish & Area

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 4.4

Based on 8 Reviews

About

Short but steep, or, steep but short! Wooden stairs lead to a picturesque vista unfolds before you: Ingonish Beach, Freshwater Lake, Middle Head and Cape Smokey. If you don’t have time for a longer hike to get a view, then this trail is for you. Children enjoy it also but be careful at the top.

Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail, across from the Park’s Administration Building in Ingonish 

Significant Feature: Atlantic coastline

Length: 0.3 km (0.2 mi) return

Hiking Time: 10 minutes

Elevation: 10 – 45 m (35 – 150 ft.)
Trail Rating: Moderate

GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 46.646010 Long: -60.402759

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.  Check in at the Parks Canada Visitor Centres in Chéticamp (16 Visitor Centre Road, just off the Cabot Trail 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

Location & Contact

37639 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia

Social Media

Locals Know Blog

Motorcycling the Cabot Trail: Everything you need to Know

The Cabot Trail is known as a true riders paradise. If you’ve already decided you’re riding the trail, here are a few tricks & tips you’ll need so your trip is as smooth as the pavement...

3 Minute Read

Franey Mountain & The Dancing Moose Café

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...

1 Minute Read

Take a Bite Out of Winter on Cape Breton’s South Coast

Get ready for an amazing South Coast adventure with Alicia Lake! From Isle Madame to St. Peter's Alicia takes you to her favourite spots and introduces you to hidden hiking gems.

5 Minute Read