Outdoor Winter Adventures in Nova Scotia
Winter in Nova Scotia offers endless outdoor opportunities. Whether it's a scenic hike or a journey byJeep, you can find your next winter adventure.
For the outdoor enthusiast, Cape Breton Island is a must-visit spot when in Nova Scotia. Here are 9 outdoor adventures that simply can not be missed!
Go kayaking, tubing, canoeing, SUPing, Jet Skiing, and more!
With outdoor adventure tour operators offering a variety of tours ranging from kayaking and canoeing on the Bras d’Or Lake to pedal boating within a National Historic Site and standup paddle boarding or tubing on the Margaree River, you’re sure to discover the perfect afternoon or multi-day escape for you!
Learn about Mi’kmaw culture on Goat Island with Eskasoni Cultural Journeys
During this journey, you’ll walk along a 2.4 km trail with a Mi’kmaw cultural interpreter and experience a smudging ceremony, the art of basketry, learn traditional dance, learn to make four cent cake over an open fire, and much more.
Cycle, hike, or walk the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
Make your way past active fishing communities, sandy and cobblestone beaches, and scenic look-offs as you explore this 92 km (57 mi) trail that hugs the western coastline of Cape Breton Island. Looking to explore a section of the trail? Stop at one of the marked trailheads located along the Ceilidh Trail drive.
Did we mention the spectacular sunsets that can be experienced all along this trail?
Go Whale Watching
Go whale watching off Cape Breton Island where pods of Atlantic Pilot and Minke whales spend their summers gorging on squid, jellyfish and other sea life. Don’t be surprised if you spot larger species of whales, sunfish, Atlantic Puffins, dolphins or even a leatherback turtle. Be sure to take in the spectacular view of the Cape Breton Highlands mountain range from the tour as well.
Take a boat tour to the Bird Islands.
Book your tour with Bird Island Boat Tours or Donelda’s Bird Island Puffin Tours for a chance to see thousands of nesting sea birds, bald eagles, grey seals, and Atlantic puffins.
Sail on the Bras d’Or Lake
Known for gentle, fog-free waters, beautiful anchorages, hundreds of coves and islands, and abundant wildlife, the Bras d’Or Lake is also part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Sail through the historic St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site from the Atlantic to the Bras d’Or Lake, or view the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site as you sail past his summer estate that overlooks Baddeck.
Need a sailing tour? Sailing CBI and Amoeba Tours on the WinStar lead tours out of Baddeck while Cape Breton Sailing Charters sail out of St. Peter’s.
Plan a beach day!
While some of the warmest saltwater beaches on the Island can be found between the beaches located in Port Hood and Inverness, if it’s waves that you want, grab your surf or boogie board and head to Black Brook Beach, Ingonish Beach or Point Michaud Beach.
Explore the amazing Cape Breton Highlands National Park
With 26 walking & hiking trails, six magnificent beaches, 24 stunning look-off points, eight campgrounds, and numerous waterfalls, Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the perfect place for for families, couples and solo adventurers to experience Cape Breton Island.
Golf three of the Top 100 golf courses in the world
Cape Breton Island is a golfer’s paradise with Cabot Links, Canada’s first true links golf course and its sister course, Cabot Cliffs, both in Inverness AND Highlands Links in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Ingonish.
Learn from the locals
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