About Fishing Cove Trail
Steep descent to a remote coastal cove with backcountry camping options and spectacular ocean views. Features wilderness camping and coastal isolation.
Features & Highlights
Detailed Information
Fishing Cove Trail
Fishing Cove Trail descends through old-growth Acadian forest to one of Cape Breton Highlands National Park's only backcountry campsites on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The trail drops roughly 300 metres over its 6 km descent to a small cobble beach framed by sea stacks, where the restored Fishing Cove backcountry site offers tent platforms and a food cache. The return climb is the main challenge—budget 2–3 hours uphill. The trailhead is on the Cabot Trail, 26 km north of Chéticamp.
Practical Information
Location:
Fishing Cove Trail is in Cape Breton Highlands National Park on the Cabot Trail, atop MacKenzie Mountain between Chéticamp and Pleasant Bay. The trailhead is well-marked from the parking area, but note this is a wilderness site with no street address.
Hours & Access:
A Parks Canada entry pass is required year-round. Check in at the Chéticamp Visitor Centre (16 Visitor Centre Rd.) or Ingonish Visitor Centre (37637 Cabot Trail) for permits. Visitor Centre hours:
- Spring/Fall: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Summer: 8:30 AM–7:00 PM
Open mid-May to mid-October.
Reservations & Permits:
Fishing Cove is the park's only backcountry camping area. Reservations are mandatory via the Parks Canada Reservation System. After booking, obtain your permit in person at a visitor centre or by calling 902-224-2306. All 8 campsites are reservable through the Parks Canada reservation system.
Cost:
Park entry fees apply year-round. The Canada Strong Pass offered free admission June 19-September 7, 2026 (now concluded); youth 17 and under are always free per Parks Canada policy. Backcountry camping is $15.00/person/night (plus park entry fees).
Essentials:
- No cell service or amenities; pack in/out all supplies.
- Trail: 12 km round trip, 355m elevation change, strenuous difficulty.
- Campsite features: grassy hillside, cobblestone beach, and river access.
Fishing Cove Trail delivers exactly what adventurous hikers seek: a challenging wilderness experience with spectacular coastal rewards. While the steep 12-kilometer round trip requires proper preparation and physical fitness, the payoff of camping in Cape Breton's only designated backcountry site makes the effort worthwhile. This trail is ideal for experienced hikers who appreciate true solitude, open ocean views, and the satisfaction of earning their wilderness escape. Despite some logistical challenges with the reservation system and the need for complete self-sufficiency, visitors consistently agree that the pristine coastal setting and sense of accomplishment make Fishing Cove one of Nova Scotia's most memorable outdoor adventures.
At a Glance
| What it is | A strenuous backcountry hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, descending through old-growth Acadian forest to a cobble beach and the park's only backcountry campsites on the Gulf of St. Lawrence |
|---|---|
| Trail stats | 12 km round trip with a 355 m elevation change, rated strenuous; roughly 300 metres of descent to the cove and a 2 to 3 hour climb back out |
| Backcountry camping | 8 reservable sites with tent platforms and a food cache; camping is $15.00 per person per night plus park entry fees |
| Trailhead | On the Cabot Trail atop MacKenzie Mountain, 26 km north of Chéticamp; a wilderness site with no street address |
| Season | Open mid-May to mid-October; a Parks Canada entry pass is required year-round |
| Reservations | Mandatory via the Parks Canada Reservation System; permits are picked up at the Chéticamp or Ingonish visitor centre |
| Essentials | No cell service or amenities; pack in and pack out all supplies |
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Fishing Cove Trail?
It is rated strenuous, and the rating is honest. The trail covers 12 km round trip with a 355 m elevation change, and the real challenge is the return: after descending roughly 300 metres to the cove you climb it all back, which most hikers should budget 2 to 3 hours for. Proper preparation and honest fitness expectations matter here.
What is at the bottom of the trail?
A small cobble beach framed by sea stacks on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, beside the restored Fishing Cove backcountry site. The site offers tent platforms, a food cache, a grassy hillside and river access, which is why this trail also serves as the access route for the park's only designated backcountry camping.
Can I camp at Fishing Cove?
Yes, it is Cape Breton Highlands National Park's only backcountry camping area. All 8 campsites are reservable through the Parks Canada Reservation System, and reservations are mandatory. Camping runs fifteen dollars per person per night on top of park entry fees, and after booking you obtain your permit in person at a visitor centre.
What should I bring on this hike?
Everything you need, because there is no cell service and no amenities at the cove: you pack in and pack out all supplies, including food and water. Use the food cache at the campsite to keep provisions away from wildlife, and carry layers for changeable coastal weather on the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Where does the trail start?
The trailhead is on the Cabot Trail atop MacKenzie Mountain between Chéticamp and Pleasant Bay, 26 km north of Chéticamp, well marked from the parking area. There is no street address since this is a wilderness site; the Chéticamp Visitor Centre can issue your permit and point you toward the start.
Do I need a pass or a reservation to hike it?
A Parks Canada entry pass is required year-round, even for a day hike, and the trail area is open mid-May to mid-October. Only camping requires a reservation, made through the Parks Canada Reservation System, with permits collected at the Chéticamp or Ingonish visitor centre. Youth 17 and under enter the park free under Parks Canada policy.
