Hiking
Cape Breton Highlands National Park's hiking trails range from easy strolls to challenging climbs with panoramic views of canyons, highlands and seacoasts. The trails provide a chance to intimately explore the complex habitat of northern Cape Breton Island. Nature doesn't end at the park's boundaries. Many surrounding areas boast equally breathtaking trails.
The following is a list of Cape Breton Highlands National Park's hiking trails. Distances are round-trip with average walking times. Click on the trail name for more detailed information.
Our trails have been rated for difficulty with the internationally recognized symbols:
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Easy | Family-friendly trails that are suitable for all visitors. |
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Moderate | Medium-length trails with moderate elevation gain and some short, steep sections. Suitable for most visitors. |
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Difficult | Longer trails with long, steep sections that are suitable for visitors who have trail experience and are prepared (proper equipment and water). |
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Time | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acadian (loop) | |
8.4 km | 3 - 4 hours | 20 - 365 m |
| Salmon Pools | |
9.5 km | 3 - 4 hours | 15 - 110 m |
| Le Chemin du Buttereau | |
4.6 km | 1.5 hours | 25 - 65 m |
| Le Buttereau (loop) | |
1.6 km | 30 - 45 minutes | 0 - 55 m |
| Le vieux chemin du Cap-Rouge | |
9 km | 2.5 - 3.5 hours | 40 - 110 m |
| Corney Brook | |
6.5 km | 2 hours | 30 - 170 m |
| Skyline | |
7 km or 8.7 km (loop) |
2 - 3 hours | 290 - 405 m |
| Bog (loop) | |
0.5 km | 15 minutes | 410 m |
| Benjie's Lake | |
3 km | 1 - 1.5 hours | 400 m |
| Fishing Cove | |
12 km | 5 - 6 hours | 0 - 355 m |
| MacIntosh Brook | |
1.7 km | 30 - 45 minutes | 30 - 65 m |
| Lone Shieling (loop) | |
0.6 km | 15 minutes | 70 m |
| Aspy | / |
9.6 km | 3 - 4 hours | 60 - 450 m |
| Mica Hill | |
7.9 km | 3 - 3.5 hours | 260 - 410 m |
| Jack Pine (loop) | |
2.3 km | 1 hour | 0 - 50 m |
| Coastal | |
2.4 km | 1 hour | 0 - 45 m |
| Jigging Cove (loop) | |
2.4 km | 40 - 50 minutes | 50 - 65 m |
| Green Cove | |
0.2 km | 10 minutes | 10 m |
| Broad Cove Mountain | |
2.3 km | 1 hour | 35 - 180 m |
| Warren Lake (loop) | |
4.7 km | 1.5 hours | 15 m |
| Branch Pond Look-off | |
8.4 km | 2 - 3 hours | 100 - 305 m |
| Franey (loop) | |
7.4 km | 2 - 3 hours | 95 - 430 m |
| Clyburn Valley | |
8.5 km | 2 - 3 hours | 5 - 50 m |
| Middle Head | |
3.8 km | 1.5 hours | 0 - 45 m |
| Freshwater Lake Look-off | |
0.3 km | 10 minutes | 10 - 45 m |
| Freshwater Lake | |
1.7 km | 30 - 40 minutes | 0 - 15 m |
Remember that you are hiking in a protected wilderness environment.
- Do not approach, disturb or feed wild animals.
- Hike with friends and a solid walking stick.
- If you choose to walk alone, tell somebody where you are going.
- Pack in, pack out. Littering attracts wildlife and puts you and the animals at risk.
- Stay on boardwalks to protect fragile vegetation.
- Mountain bikes are permitted only where indicated, for public safety and protection of the environment.
- Dress appropriately. Weather may change rapidly on the plateau and along the coast.
- Bring water, especially for longer trails, climbs and open barrens.
- Bring insect repellant. Black flies and mosquitoes are common all summer.