Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cape Breton Highlands
National Park
adult/child/vehicle & passengers $7.80/3.90/19.60)
of woodland, tundra, bog and startling sea
views. Established in 1936 and encompassing 20% of Cape Breton's landmass, it's the
fancy feather in Nova Scotia's island cap.
There are two park entrances: one at Chéticamp and one at Ingonish. Purchase an
entry permit at either park entrance. A one-day pass is good until noon the next day.
Wheelchair-accessible trails are indicated on the free park map available at either
entrance.
Activities
Hiking
Two trails on the west coast of the park have spectacular ocean views.
Fishing Cove
Trail
gently descends 330m over 8km to the mouth of rugged Fishing Cove River. You
can opt for a steeper and shorter hike of 2.8km from a second trailhead about 5km north
of the first. Double the distances if you plan to return the same day. Otherwise, you must
preregister for one of eight backcountry sites ($9.80) at the Chéticamp Information
Centre (
Click here
)
. Reviews of trails in and near the park are available at
Most other trails are shorter and close to the road, many leading to ridge tops for im-
pressive views of the coast. The best of these is
Skyline Trail
, a 7km loop that puts you
on the edge of a headland cliff right above the water. The trailhead is about 5.5km north
of Corney Brook Campground.
Just south of Neil's Harbour, on the eastern coast of the park, the
Coastal Trail
runs
11km round-trip and covers more gentle coastline.
Cycling
Don't make this your inaugural trip: the riding is tough, there are no shoulders in many
sections and you must be comfortable sharing the incredible scenery with RVs. Alternat-
ively, you can mountain bike on four inland trails in the park. Only
Branch Pond
Lookoff Trail
offers ocean views.
Sea Spray Outdoor Adventures
( 902-383-2732;
www.cabot-trail-outdoors.com
; 1141
White Point Rd; bicycle rental per day/week $45/160;
9am-5pm Jun-Oct)
in Smelt Brook near
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