Hike the Highlands Festival 2026

Experience the beauty of late summer/early autumn in Cape Breton during the annual Hike the Highlands Festival, a seven-day hiking festival that takes place along the Cabot Trail and in Northern Cape Breton Island, featuring guided hikes during the day, photo contest, evening activities and presentations including the hiker distance award, as well as opening and closing ceremonies.

Attracting hikers from across North America and Europe, this annual hiking festival is taking place September 12-18, 2026.

2026 Guided Hike Schedule *tentative*

• Saturday, September 12
  • 3:00 pm – Jack Pine
• Sunday, September 13
  • 9:00 am – Franey
  • 10:00 am – Warren Lake
  • 2:00 pm – Broad Cove Mountain
• Monday, September 14
  • 9:00 am – Money Point Gulch (Kauzman Trail)
  • 10:00 am – Sugar Loaf Mountain
  • 2:00 pm – Cabot Landing Beach
• Tuesday, September 15
  • 9:30 am – Squirrel Mountain
  • 10:00 am – Salmon Pools
  • 2:00 pm – Cheticamp Island
• Wednesday, September 16
  • 9:00 am – Gordon’s Camp
  • 10:00 am – Corney Brook
  • 2:30 pm – Lower Chéticamp River
• Thursday, September 17
  • 9:00 am – Clyburn Valley
  • 2:30 pm – Middle Head
  • 6:00 pm – Sunset – White Point
• Friday, September 18
  • 10:00 am – Aspy
  • 2:00 pm – Freshwater Lake

Visit the Hike the Highlands Festival office website for the most up-to-date information on events and activities taking place. Online registration is now open!