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National park in Nova Scotia, Canada
Photo: Niels Elgaard Larsen - (WT-en) Elgaard at English Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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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.
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.
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.
A short 2.3 km, 168 m climb to views of the rocky ocean coast and Broad Cove.
An easy 8.5 km 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The park's most popular beach, featuring a small waterfall and brook.
On the west side of the park, so the water is slightly warmer and the sun sets over the water.
A quieter, somewhat sandier beach not far from Ingonish, but offering fewer amenities and services.
Varied menu with pub-staples and seafood options.
Mostly seafood dishes, but with a few beef, chicken and vegetarian options on the menu.
Pub located in the pro shop, also open to non-golfers.
The only lodging within the park's boundary; a resort-style hotel that offers large suites and a mix of more private cottages in addition to standard guest rooms in the main lodge.
The park's largest campground, with 202 camp sites, and 6 "oTENTik" sites (glamping-style tent-cabins). Kitchen shelters with wood stoves are shared throughout the unserviced areas. Picnic shelters and laundry facilities are centrally located. Some site are serviced with electrical, water and sewage connections.
122 campites, including 10 oTENTik sites. Kitchen shelters with wood stoves are shared throughout the unserviced areas. Some site are serviced, with electrical, water and sewage connections.
60 unserviced camp site, and 4 oTENTik sites.
42 unserviced tent sites and 5 oTENTiks. Campers park in the central lot, and can borrow a cart to carry equipment to their site. Kitchen and picnic shelters available. Food lockers are provided throughout the campground. A small rocky beach is connected to the campground by a short trail.
Open layout campground squeezed between French Mountain and the Gulf of St. Lawrence with 22 unserviced sites. A kitchen shelter is centrally located. Swimming is possible at the small rocky beach.
10 unserviced sites in an open layout. Features a kitchen shelter, playground, and a connection to the Macintosh Brook hiking trail, with waterfall views.
5 unserviced sites; the campground is located directly off of the Cabot Trail.
8 platforms for wilderness camping can be reserved for Leave-no-trace camping; there are no services or amenities on site. Campers will need to hike about 6 km down the coastline from the Cabot Trail to access the camping area. Fires are not permitted. Potable water is not available. The extra effort lets campers wake up to peaceful ocean views watch the sunset over the cove.
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.
Read in the guideThe 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.
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