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Top Hikes in Cape Breton

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Top Hikes in Cape Breton

Hiking in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park 

With 26 hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging climbs – all leading to panoramic views of canyons, highlands, waterfalls and/or coastlines, you have plenty of hiking adventures to plan in Cape Breton.

Top 6 recommended trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park

 

Franey Trail look-off at Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Franey Trail look-off at Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Hike the Highlands Festival 

Don’t miss the annual Hike the Highlands Festival that takes place each September. Hikers from all over come to Cape Breton Island to participate in guided hikes, sightseeing, workshops, evening activities, and more.

Acadian Trail Look Off at Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Acadian Trail Look Off at Cape Breton Highlands National Park

10-trails-in-one-day Hiking Challenge

Up for a hiking challenge? Parks Canada’s 10-trails-in-one-day hiking challenge welcomes visitors to experience 10 shorter trails within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Once you finish all 10 trails, bring the list of your completed trails, along with photos, back to the park’s visitor centre to collect a souvenir to mark your accomplishment.

Middle Head Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Middle Head Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Hiking the Skyline Trail at Sunset

Embark on the Skyline Sunset Hike. The trail guide will lead you out to the top of a mountain headland to one of the most spectacular panoramic views that overlooks the Cabot Trail and the ocean at sunset.

Skyline Trail at sunset, Cape Breton Highlands National Park​​
Skyline Trail at sunset, Cape Breton Highlands National Park​​

Hike to an Historic Lighthouse

Hike the 2 km (1.25 mile) Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail that begins at the lighthouse and runs along the coastline and through forests and wetlands with views of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site across the harbour. Expand your hiking and venture to one of the other short trails including 2.25 km (1.4 mile) Old Town Trail and the Ruins Walk, a 2.3 km (1.44 mile) trail that takes you through the remains of the original 18th century town.

Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail
Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail

Don’t miss these popular Provincial Park hiking trails

Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park
Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park

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