Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, Canada - map, photos and visitor information

Cape Breton Highlands National Park follows the northern coast and forested plateau of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail connects viewpoints, beaches, and hiking areas, with gateways near Chéticamp and Ingonish. Plan the drive around a few chosen stops: the Skyline Trail now has its own parking reservation requirements.

Cabot Trail views and coastal walks

• Skyline: A headland boardwalk overlooks the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the highway below. Choose the 6.5 km return walk or the 8.2 km loop.
• Freshwater Lake: A 1.7 km fine-gravel loop connects lake, ocean, and beaver-pond viewpoints near Ingonish Beach.
• Bog Trail: A 0.5 km boardwalk introduces the plateau's wetland plants.
• Cabot Trail viewpoints: Roadside stops let you see the coastal landscape between longer walks.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Roads, wildlife, and exposed shores

Slow down in rain, high winds, and darkness. Moose can be difficult to see on the road. Carry drinking water and clothing for changing coastal weather, and save reservation details offline because cell coverage is unreliable.

Ocean beaches can have strong currents, while unexpected waves can sweep rocky shores even after a storm. Avoid the water in high waves and keep clear of exposed low rocks. Follow the park's visitor safety guidance for your planned activity.

Keep to trails and protect wildlife

Store food and garbage securely rather than leaving scraps on trails or campsites. Leave plants, rocks, and deadwood in place. Keep pets leashed where allowed. Dogs are prohibited on Skyline and in certain beach areas. On the Skyline headland, remain on the boardwalk to protect fragile plants.

Skyline parking and camping reservations

Book Skyline parking before arriving during its reservation season. Normal parking periods last four hours. Arrive no earlier than ten minutes before your start time and no later than one hour after it. Roadside parking and drop-offs are prohibited. Use the Skyline booking instructions, including the correct vehicle category and accessible-parking permit requirements.

Chéticamp, Mkwesaqtuk/Cap-Rouge, Broad Cove, Ingonish Beach, and Fishing Cove accept campground reservations. Other listed campgrounds operate first come, first served. Fishing Cove campers must also register for a backcountry permit at a visitor center.

Maps, location, and access

Enter the western side near Chéticamp or the eastern side near Ingonish. The eastern park address is 37639 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach. Use the official park and trail maps to connect the day's stops rather than treating the whole park as one trailhead.

Nearby parks

• Cape Smokey Provincial Park: A Cabot Trail stop near the Ingonish approach, at 40301 Cabot Trail.
• Cabots Landing Provincial Park: Reach Aspy Bay from the northern Cabot Trail area via Bay St Lawrence Road.

Both provincial listings describe seasonal operation ending October 14. Confirm access and facilities for an autumn or winter stop.

Build stops around your route

Combine road viewpoints with one longer hike instead of relying on an unplanned Skyline arrival. Its main approach leads to a boardwalk with steps at the headland; an easy trail rating does not make the entire route step-free. Freshwater Lake provides another option near the eastern gateway.

For an overnight walk, Fishing Cove lies 6 km from its trailhead. Its backcountry setting requires a stove, carried drinking water, and removal of all garbage. It is a different commitment from a roadside picnic.

Facilities and accessibility

Visitor centers at Chéticamp and Ingonish provide park information and washrooms. Major campgrounds have showers and flush toilets, and several offer oTENTiks or cabins. Water taps are near oTENTik accommodations; Fishing Cove has no potable-water supply.

Accessible campsites and washrooms are available at selected campgrounds. Freshwater Lake's compacted-gravel route has a listed 5% grade, benches, and handrails. The Bog boardwalk offers a shorter alternative. Check the specific accessibility features before selecting a campsite or trail.

About the highlands

Protection and shared stewardship

The park was established in 1936. In 2025, the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and Parks Canada signed the Toqi'maliaptmu'k Arrangement for co-management of protected places administered by Parks Canada in the province. This recognizes ongoing Indigenous relationships with the lands and waters.

Plateau forests and coastal habitat

Acadian, boreal, and taiga habitats meet in the highlands. Black bears, moose, and coyotes live here, alongside birds associated with the forests and coast. A viewpoint is not a guaranteed wildlife sighting, and animals need space on roads and trails.

Contact

Official visitor information
Telephone: 902-224-2306
Email: [email protected]
Address: 37639 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia B0C 1L0.