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Photo: Tony Webster from San Francisco, California, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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 out-and-back or an 8.2 km loop.
The Skyline Trail is a seven-kilometre, looping, hiking trail at Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, Canada. It lies on the western side of the Cabot Trail, near French Mountain's summit. This trail is well known for its scenic views, but also for the 2009 fatal coyote assault on Taylor Mitchell. The trail’s busy hours are from 11am to 3pm, so it’s best to do the hike before or after these hours. A Park Pass and Parking Permit are required to do the hike as it is in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. No dogs are permitted on the trail.
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The longest (12 km), and one of the most challenging trails in the park. A somewhat steep, sometimes muddy, 355 m 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.
An easy 9 km 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.
On the west side of the park, so the water is slightly warmer and the sun sets over the water.
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.
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.
One of the longer trails in the park, Salmon Pools is 9.5 km out-and-back along a river canyon and through Acadian forest.