Cape Breton

Hikes

13 amazing places to discover in Cape Breton

Skyline Trail

Skyline Trail

The most iconic Cape Breton hike featuring dramatic cliff-edge views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Hikers emerge from forest to spectacular ocean vistas that are breathtaking enough to forget to even reach for your camera.

Highlights

coastal viewsboardwalkwhale watchingdramatic cliffs
Middle Head Trail

Middle Head Trail

A spectacular coastal loop following a narrow peninsula separating North and South Ingonish Bays, ending on headland cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Smokey, and Ingonish Island.

Highlights

coastal looppeninsulaseabird watchingfishing boat sightings
North River Falls Trail

North River Falls Trail

Leads to Nova Scotia's tallest waterfall at 32 meters through Cape Breton forest terrain with technical and non-technical sections. Features seasonal butterfly migrations in June-July.

Highlights

waterfalltallest waterfallriver crossingsbutterfly migrations
Uisge Bàn Falls

Uisge Bàn Falls

A well-maintained 3.5km trail with excellent effort-to-reward ratio, featuring riverbank views, wooden bridges, and hardwood forest leading to impressive waterfalls.

Highlights

waterfallwell-maintainedriverbank viewswooden bridges
Gypsum Mine Trail

Gypsum Mine Trail

Short 2.6-3km hike to a beautiful man-made swimming hole in a former gypsum mine that operated from 1908-1939 - perfect for cooling off during Cabot Trail drives.

Highlights

swimming holehistoric mineshort hikecooling off
Fishing Cove Trail

Fishing Cove Trail

Steep descent to a remote coastal cove with backcountry camping options and spectacular ocean views. Features wilderness camping and coastal isolation.

Highlights

remote covebackcountry campingcoastal isolationstrenuous climb
Pollett's Cove

Pollett's Cove

Remote coastal wilderness hike leading to a beautiful, secluded cove with wild horses and spectacular coastal scenery. Complete wilderness experience with challenging access.

Highlights

wild horseswildernesssecluded covechallenging access
Franey Mountain Trail

Franey Mountain Trail

Currently closed due to construction. When open, offers panoramic views of the Clyburn River canyon and coastal areas. Spectacular canyon and coastal views with challenging elevation gain.

Highlights

mountain trailcanyon viewspanoramicchallenging
Acadian Trail

Acadian Trail

Loop trail through Acadian forest with panoramic views of the Chéticamp River valley and Gulf of St. Lawrence. Diverse forest ecosystems with moderate challenge.

Highlights

Acadian forestvalley viewsloop trailmoderate
Warren Lake Trail

Warren Lake Trail

Gentle loop around a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by forest, offering peaceful woodland walking. Easy accessibility and family-friendly with lake swimming opportunities.

Highlights

lake trailfamily-friendlypeacefulswimming
Cape Smokey Hiking

Cape Smokey Hiking

Various trails around Cape Smokey offering spectacular coastal views and connections to the famous ski area. Coastal vistas with gondola access options and varied terrain.

Highlights

coastal vistasgondola accessvaried terrainski area
Meat Cove Hiking Network

Meat Cove Hiking Network

Remote trails in Canada's easternmost settlement offering rugged coastal experiences and wilderness camping. Extreme remoteness with small community atmosphere.

Highlights

remote trailswilderness campingeasternmost settlementrugged
Louisbourg Fortress Coastal Trails

Louisbourg Fortress Coastal Trails

Coastal walks combining historic sites with dramatic Atlantic coastline views. Historical significance with coastal geology and educational opportunities.

Highlights

coastal walkshistorical sitescoastal geologyeducational