Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada and the largest in the Maritime provinces. It covers 948 km² (366 sq mi) on the island of Cape Breton in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. It contains a significant portion of the Cabot Trail, the world-famous overland route.

Understand

The park is roughly definable by its two coasts. The western side represents the Acadian culture and the eastern side is much more English, and in fact the park feels like two parks. Most of the publicity shots come from the western portion of the park, although the eastern part is much more visited as it is more accessible.

History

The park was established in 1936 to protect the specific ecosystem contained within.

Landscape

The park is best known for the Cabot Trail. This trails winds its way along the coast with mountains on one side and the water on the other. The access to the park is provided primarily by the coastal road. No viable way of exploring the interior exists, though this is where the highest mountains can be found.

Flora and fauna

Iconic Canadian mammals such as bear and moose are visible in the park. Bunchberries dominate the ground during certain periods of summer. Wild blueberries are also present, and if able to properly identify them they make an interesting snack.

Climate

The park is in Canada's Maritime provinces and its weather is comparable to the overall region, with both relatively mild winters and summers. Expect a lot of snow in wintertime.

Get in

The park is accessible primarily by car. The area is not served particularly well by bus. It is approximately four hours from Halifax to either park entrance. There are steep inclines and drivers should be prepared for such challenges. The Cabot Trail is also a common destination for bicyclists, so be prepared to share the road.

Fees and permits

Daily/seasonal fees for 2018:

• Adult: $7.80/$39.20
• Senior: $6.80/$34.30
• Youth and children under 18: free
• Family/group: $15.70/$78.50

Seasonal Early Bird pass available from November 1 to June 30:

• Adult $19.60
• Senior $17.60
• Youthand children under 18: free
• Family/group $49.00

Parks Canada Passes

The Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year at over 80 Parks Canada places that charge a daily entrance fee. It provides faster entry and is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Prices for 2024 (taxes included):

• Family/group (up to 7 people in a vehicle): $151.25
• Children and youth (0-17): free
• Adult (18-64): $75.25
• Senior (65+): $64.50

The Cultural Access Pass: people who have received their Canadian citizenship in the past year can qualify for free entry to some sites.

Fishing per permit

• Daily $9.80
• Seasonal $34.30

Get around

The park is best visited by motor vehicle. Public transport options are limited. There are not many places to find fuel within the park, and it is worth inquiring at the visitor centres or gas stations when to next expect gas to be available. Although the park is a worldwide destination for bicyclists, it is not recommended for novices.

See

Most points of interest in the park are accessible by the park's many walking trails. These may be for history (such as at Lone Shieling) or for the views (l'Acadien, Skyline). Skyline trail is also notable for its sunset walks (which many consider to be a must). Some waterfalls are accessible by back roads.

Do

The park is known for kayaking, whale watching and it many walking paths. There is also a world-renowned golf course in Ingonish.

Buy

Chéticamp and Ingonish serve as the two mains service towns on either side of the park. There is also a gift store in the visitor centre in Cheticamp. There are smaller towns to the north of the park where some supplies are available.

Eat

Ingonish provides a decent choice of restaurants and has a few choices for grocery stores. Chéticamp provides the same options, but Acadian cuisine can also be sampled. Seafood is popular throughout the area.

The Keltic Lodge lies within the park and provides a seaside locale with fine dining and the only place in the park where alcohol can be purchased. The only other eatery within the park's confines is at the beach in Ingonish.

Drink

There are liquor stores in Ingonish and Chéticamp.

The park has imposed a ban on drinking inside the park on Canada Day.

Sleep

The Keltic Lodge (+1 902 285-2880) is the only option within the park, though prices may be out of some budgets ($237-300 for a standard room for 2017).

Ingonish and Chéticamp provide some motel and hotel options as do the towns to the north of the park. There is also a hostel in Pleasant Bay, near the northwestern corner of the park.

Camping

The park has three large campgrounds, at Broad Cove and Ingonish in the Eastern section and at Chéticamp (co-located with the visitors centre) in the Western section. There are also three austere sites, at Corney Brook, MacIntosh Brook and Big Intervale in the Western Section. A particular standout is Corney Brook, squeezed between a mountain and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. No water is locally available at the austere sites, though they have bathrooms and picnic areas (and two have playgrounds). There are a lot more biting insects at MacIntosh Brook and Big Intervale.

Fees per night:

• Primitive with pit privies (Big Intervale) $17.60
• Unserviced with toilets only
  • MacIntosh Brook and Overflow $21.50
  • Corney Brook - high occupancy rate $23.50
• Unserviced with toilets and showers:
  • Chéticamp and Broad Cove $25.50
  • High occupancy rate (Cheticamp, Broad Cove & Ingonish Beach) $ 27.40
• Serviced with electricity (Chéticamp) $29.40
• Serviced with electricity, water, and sewer
  • Chéticamp and Broad Cove $35.30
  • High occupancy rate $38.20
• Equipped camping (Chéticamp & Ingonish Beach) $70.00
• oTENTik (Chéticamp, Broad Cove & Ingonish Beach) $100.00

Backcountry

There is one backcountry site at Fishing Cove. It is accessible by one of two paths, one twice as long as the other.

• Fee per person overnight $9.80

Stay safe

There have been numerous serious encounters with coyotes. Heed the advice available at the Visitors Centres. Despite their imposing appearance and reputation, black bears do not pose a great risk as long as the regular precautions are taken. If camping or hiking inquire as to bear safety tips.

The Cabot Trail is a popular destination for bicyclists and motorcyclists. Take necessary precautions to share the road.

Go next

Many visitors combine a visit to the park with a journey to the far north of the island at Meat Cove.