About Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Renowned for its rugged natural beauty, offering long sea-cliff vistas, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. World-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Set along the rugged coastline of Cape Breton Island, Cape Breton Highlands National Park protects one of Canada's most spectacular stretches of coastline and interior plateau. This is the park where the Appalachian Mountains run out of room and drop into the Atlantic Ocean, and the world-famous Cabot Trail was built to show it off. Spanning nearly 950 square kilometers of pristine wilderness, the park protects dramatic coastal cliffs, deep river canyons, and rolling highland plateaus that have captivated travellers for generations. With 26 diverse hiking trails, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and some of the most photographed landscapes in Eastern Canada, this national park consistently earns its reputation as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers seeking authentic wilderness adventures.
Practical Information
Address: 37637 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0, Canada
Phone: 902-224-2306 (admin offices, Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m., closed holidays)
Email: cbinfo@pc.gc.ca
Hours:
- Park access: Year-round
- Visitor services: Mid-May to mid-October
- Visitor centres (Chéticamp & Ingonish):
- Spring/Fall: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Peak season: 8:30 a.m.–extended evening hours (closing varies)
Admission (2026):
- Adults (18-64): $10.00
- Seniors (65+): $8.75
- Youth (6-17): FREE
- Family/vehicle (up to 7 people): $19.50
- Seasonal Pass: Adult $48.25, Senior $42.50, Family/Group $96.75
- Parks Canada Discovery Pass: Adult $83.50, Senior $71.50, Family/Group $167.50 (all national parks/sites)
- Canada Strong Pass: Free admission June 19 to September 7, 2026.
- Free for Mi'kmaq of NS; special passes for expropriated individuals.
Booking & Policies:
- Camping reservations required for summer (June onward) via gov't system.
- Chéticamp Campground: mid-May–late Oct 2026.
- No timed entry required (as of Oct 2025).
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-friendly trails: Bog Trail, Middle Head.
- Accessible viewpoints, visitor centres, picnic areas, and rest benches.
- Audio tour (CD) available.
Key Notes:
- Park passes mandatory.
- Drones restricted.
- Fishing rules differ from provincial regulations.
- Full services May-Oct; limited in winter.
- 26 hiking trails (easy to challenging).
Plan around the two practical frictions and the park is straightforward: cell coverage disappears on the west side between Chéticamp and Pleasant Bay, and the popular campgrounds (Broad Cove, Ingonish Beach) need reservations rather than luck once June arrives. Outside those two items, the park asks little of you — pick a trailhead, buy the pass at the gate, and go. The Skyline Trail at sunset and the Franey climb above the canyon are the two walks people remember years later.
At a Glance
| What it is | A national park spanning roughly 950 square kilometres where the Appalachian Mountains drop into the Atlantic, threaded by the Cabot Trail |
|---|---|
| Address | 37637 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0 |
| Trails | 26 hiking trails from easy to challenging, including the wheelchair-friendly Bog Trail and Middle Head |
| Season | Park access year-round; visitor services and both visitor centres (Chéticamp and Ingonish) run mid-May to mid-October |
| 2026 day admission | Adult $10.00, senior $8.75, youth 6 to 17 free, family or vehicle group of up to 7 people $19.50; seasonal and Discovery passes available |
| Camping | Reservations required from June onward through the government booking system; Broad Cove and Ingonish Beach campgrounds fill first |
| Rating | 4.8 stars across 1,591 Google reviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the park, and which entrance should I use?
The park sits on Cape Breton Island along the Cabot Trail, with two main gateways: Chéticamp on the west side and Ingonish Beach on the east, where the park address is 37637 Cabot Trail. Pick the side that matches your route around the Cabot Trail, since driving between the two entrances crosses the highlands plateau itself.
What does entry cost?
For 2026, adults pay ten dollars, seniors slightly less, and youth aged 6 to 17 are free, with a per-vehicle family rate covering up to seven people travelling together. The Canada Strong Pass made admission free from June 19 to September 7, 2026, and seasonal passes or the Parks Canada Discovery Pass suit repeat visits.
Which trails should I hike?
The park's 26 trails run from easy strolls to challenging climbs. Two wheelchair-friendly options are the Bog Trail and Middle Head, and the two walks people remember years later are the Skyline Trail at sunset and the Franey climb above the canyon. Pick trailheads to match your fitness and the time you have.
When is the best time to visit?
The park is open year-round, but full visitor services and both visitor centres (Chéticamp and Ingonish) operate from mid-May to mid-October, with extended evening hours at peak season. Summer and early fall give the fullest access; winter entry remains possible with limited services.
Do I need camping reservations?
Yes. From June onward camping requires a reservation through the government booking system, and the popular campgrounds such as Broad Cove and Ingonish Beach fill rather than leaving room for drive-ups. Day visits need no timed entry, though a park pass is mandatory even for a quick drive through.
What should I know before driving the west side?
Cell coverage disappears between Chéticamp and Pleasant Bay on the west side, so download maps and sort your plans before setting out. Drones are restricted in the park, passes are mandatory, and the administrative office in Ingonish answers questions on weekday business hours if you need help planning.
