This National Park is named after the Cape Breton Highlands, a striking mountain range that extends through the northern part of Cape Breton Island. These highlands are part of the northern Appalachian Mountain system. Located in Nova Scotia, Canada the easiest way to get around the island and in the park is by car.
Bordering the Atlantic, the striking cliffs and deep winding river canyons will keep your attention as you drive along the Cabot Trail and into the park. The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway that circles the National Park and takes travelers through some of the most picturesque areas in the providence. However breathtaking the views are behind the windshield, you can expect to find even more beauty hidden within the National Parks hiking trails.
The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Its accessibility, moderate difficulty level, and stunning vistas attract a wide range of visitors, from seasoned hikers to families looking for an adventurous outing.
The trail is a 4.7 mile long loop with a 787 feet elevation gain. Beginning at the trailhead (located here) you’ll start your hike in the forest. When I visited in July the trail was abundant with wildflowers. There is also a section of the forst being protected from moose in the area. You’ll open and shut two gates as you walk along this portion of the Skyline trail. We began the hike about two hours before sunset (around 6 pm). This was maybe a little too early for our plan to watch the sunset from the overlook but this also allowed us to enjoy the trail with a smaller crowd.
The mid-point of the trail, and the turn around for the loop, gives hikers panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the forest and striking cliffs it collides with.
While the weather was on our side, the bugs did make their presence known on the return journey. We made it back to the trailhead and our vehicle by 9 pm after hiking to the overlook, passing some time enjoying the views and sunset and hiking back before it got dark. If you are planning to hike this trail for sunset, you should bring along headlamps or flashlights. While the trail is mainly a boardwalk, you’ll still need light to navigate home.
More things to do in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Do some whale watching: The waters off the coast of Cape Breton Highlands National Park are known for offering excellent opportunities for whale watching. Visitors might spot species like humpback whales, minke whales, and pilot whales during their migratory seasons.
- Explore cultural heritage: The park holds cultural significance as well. It features remnants of early Scottish and Acadian settlements, including the famous Cabot’s Landing site, where John Cabot is believed to have made landfall in North America in 1497.
- Visit a Dark Sky Preserve: In recognition of its minimal light pollution, the park has been designated as a Dark Sky Preserve, making it an exceptional location for stargazing and observing celestial events.
- Other outdoor activities: Apart from hiking, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, kayaking, fishing, and bird watching. There are also interpretive programs and guided hikes available to enhance visitors’ understanding of the park’s natural and cultural history.
