Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the second largest Canadian national park in Atlantic Canada and the largest in the Maritime provinces. It covers 948 km² (366 sq mi) on the island of Cape Breton in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia . It contains a significant portion of the Cabot Trail, the world-famous overland route.

The park is accessible primarily by car. The area is not served particularly well by bus. It is approximately four hours from Halifax to either park entrance. There are steep inclines and drivers should be prepared for such challenges. The Cabot Trail is also a common destination for bicyclists, so be prepared to share the road. Driving the entire Cabot Trail in a loop is the best way to experience the entire park, and indeed Cape Breton Island since it starts and ends further south at the Trans-Canada Highway . To drive the loop in a clockwise direction, follow the western leg of the trail from the Trans-Canada Highway (exit 7, following signs for Cheticamp). For a counter-clockwise loop, start on the eastern leg closer to Sydney (exit 11, following signs for Ingonish). Driving clockwise puts you on the inside of the highway (which may be preferred by passengers who like being further from the edge of the cliff during sharp turns). Clockwise is sometimes the more popular direction simply because it's the first turn coming from the west. If you're setting out to do the entire trail in a single day, consider whether you'd like to catch sunset over the water on the west side of the park. Fees and permits A permit is required to visit any of the park features or use any park services (such as parking lots, washrooms, and lookouts). Additional fees apply for camping, special events, and equipment rentals. Daily/seasonal fees for 2023: Adult: $8.50/$41.75 Senior: $7.25/$36.75 Youth and children 17 and under: free Family/group (up to 7 people in a single vehicle): $16.75/$83.75 Seasonal Early Bird pass available from November 1 to June 30: Adult: $21 Senior: $36.75 Family/group: $83.75 Parks Canada Passes The Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year at over 80 Parks Canada places that charge a daily entrance fee. It provides faster entry and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Prices for 2024 (taxes included): Family/group (up to 7 people in a vehicle): $151.25 Children and youth (0-17): free Adult (18-64): $75.25 Senior (65+): $64.50 The Cultural Access Pass : people who have received their Canadian citizenship in the past year can qualify for free entry to some sites. Fishing per permit Daily: $9.80 Seasonal: $34.30

The Cabot Trail is the only corridor through the park, so driving it in either direction will take you close to the most of the access points for all sites within the park. It runs about 108 km (67 mi) around the west, north, and east perimeter of the park. For the most part, it is a narrow corridor with one lane in either direction, following the ocean coastline and forests of the highlands; be prepared for sharp turns, steep hills, wildlife , heavy rain, and fog. The park is best visited by motor vehicle. Public transport options are limited. There are not many places to find fuel within the park, and it is worth inquiring at the visitor centres or gas stations when to next expect gas to be available. Although the park is a worldwide destination for bicyclists, it is not recommended for novices.

Most points of interest in the park are accessible by the park's many walking trails. These may be for history (such as at Lone Shieling ) or for the views (l'Acadien, Skyline). Skyline trail is also notable for its sunset walks (which many consider to be a must). Many waterfalls are accessible by back roads or along various trails. Roadside lookout points provide views of and from the Cabot Trail along the park's perimeter. 🌍 Lone Shieling . A Scottish-style sheep crofters hut built in 1942. Most of the old growth forest in the park is protected and not accessible to visitors, but a short, easy trail here takes visitors through a small portion of the forest, with 350-year old sugar maple trees still standing. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 MacKenzie Mountain look-off . As the Cabot Trail winds its way up MacKenzie Mountain, several roadside viewpoints provide safe opportunities to park the car and look out over the Gulf of St. Lawrence or the Cape Breton Highlands. Sharp eyes may be able to spot whales in the cove below. Interpretive panels provide information at each stop. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 Whale Interpretive Centre , 104 Harbour Rd ( Pleasant Bay ). Jun through mid-Oct . A small museum with exhibits covering whales and marine life found in the waters surrounding Cape Breton, including a full size model of a pilot whale. ( updated Jul 2023 )

The park is known for kayaking, whale watching and it many walking paths. There is also a world-renowned golf course in Ingonish. 🌍 Cape Breton Highlands Links , 247 Keltic In-Road ( Ingonish Beach ), ☏ +1 902-285-2880 , toll-free: +1-800-565-0444 . 18-hole, par 72 golf course on the eastern shore of the park. The course was designed in 1939 by Stanley Thompson for the National Parks Service, and nicknamed “the mountains and ocean” course. Green fees apply in addition to the park entry permit. ( updated Jul 2023 ) Hike There are 26 hiking trails maintained in the park, ranging in length and difficulty. Trails provide access to panoramic ocean views, unique aspects of the park's natural environment, and some historic points of interest. Maps and guides are available at the visitors centres. Some notable trails include: 🌍 Broad Cove Mountain Trail . A short 2.3 km (1.4 mi), 168 m (551 ft) climb to views of the rocky ocean coast and Broad Cove. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 Clyburn Valley Trail . An easy 8.5 km (5.3 mi) out-and-back hike along the river and into the forest, with some views of the park's golf course near the beginning. The trail gets less maintained further out, and passes the ruins of an old gold mine camp. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 Fishing Cove Trail . The longest (12 km (7.5 mi)), and one of the most challenging trails in the park. A somewhat steep, sometimes muddy, 355 m (1,165 ft) slope takes hikers down to a small ocean cove that was home to a small Scottish fishing community. A few backcountry camping sites are located on the trail (permitted by advance registration), but well-prepared hikers can enjoy the hike in a single day, with time for a swim before the uphill walk back to the Cabot Trail. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 Le vieux chemin du Cap-Rouge . An easy 9 km (5.6 mi) out-and-back hike that follows the old route of the Cabot Trail through the location of an old Acadian settlement, with signage explaining the history of the region. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 Salmon Pools . One of the longer trails in the park, Salmon Pools is 9.5 km (5.9 mi) out-and-back along a river canyon and through Acadian forest. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 Skyline Trail . One of the most popular trails, known for views of the ocean and Cabot Trail from the headland, and the chance to glimpse whales and moose in the distance. The trail is 6.5 km (4.0 mi) out-and-back or an 8.2 km (5.1 mi) loop. ( updated Jul 2023 ) Swim Swimmers can choose between ocean and freshwater lake beaches. The ocean coastline is rugged and rocky in many places, so water shoes can make beach strolls and wading easier on the feet. Expect cold water in the ocean, and rough currents or riptides that can make swimming dangerous in some weather conditions. Surf guards patrol Ingonish Beach in July and August. 🌍 Ingonish Beach . Close to the eastern entrance to the park, this beach features a cove that was cut off from the ocean centuries ago, offering a freshwater lake and ocean beach to swimmers. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 Black Brook Beach . The park's most popular beach, featuring a small waterfall and brook. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 La Bloc Beach . On the west side of the park, so the water is slightly warmer and the sun sets over the water. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 North Bay Beach . A quieter, somewhat sandier beach not far from Ingonish, but offering fewer amenities and services. ( updated Jul 2023 )

Ingonish provides a decent choice of restaurants and has a few choices for grocery stores. Chéticamp provides the same options, but Acadian cuisine can also be sampled. Seafood is popular throughout the area. As the Cabot Trail leaves the park boundary along the north side of the park, there are a few seasonal family-style restaurants and shops with light snacks, ice cream cones, and coffee in Pleasant Bay and Dingwall. 🌍 Morrison's , 5 Bay Saint Lawrence Rd ( Near Dingwall ), ☏ +1-902-383-2727 . Noon-7PM (Closed Su)(Jun-Oct) . Varied menu with pub-staples and seafood options. ( updated Jul 2023 ) 🌍 Rusty Anchor Restaurant , 23197 Cabot Trail ( Pleasant Bay ), ☏ +1-902-224-1313 . 11:30AM-8PM (Late May - Mid Oct) . Mostly seafood dishes, but with a few beef, chicken and vegetarian options on the menu. ( updated Jul 2023 ) To splurge, the Keltic Lodge resort within the park near Ingonish provides a seaside locale with several options for fine dining and the only place in the park where alcohol can be purchased. In addition to two dining rooms in the main lodge, the resort features a restaurant on the resort grounds and another at t [... truncated ...]

Local pubs and cafés in Cape Breton Highlands National Park serve Canadian beer, coffee, and comfort drinks. Nova Scotia has a growing craft brewery and distillery scene — ask locals for their favourites. Wine and spirits from Canadian producers are widely available. Non-alcoholic options include excellent Canadian coffee and local fruit juices.

Accommodation in and around Cape Breton Highlands National Park ranges from bed-and-breakfasts and motels to seasonal cabins and inns. Options may be limited in smaller communities — advance booking is recommended, especially during peak summer season and holiday weekends. For a wider selection of hotels, the nearest larger town or city provides additional choices.

Chéticamp and Ingonish serve as the two mains service towns on either side of the park. There is also a gift store in the visitor centre in Cheticamp. There are smaller towns to the north of the park where some supplies are available.

From Cape Breton Highlands National Park, visitors can explore other communities and natural attractions in Nova Scotia by road. The region offers scenic drives, provincial and national parks, and charming small towns worth a detour. Check highway conditions and fuel availability before setting out on longer routes, particularly in remote areas.