Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a protected highland and coastal region on northern Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, conserving rugged plateaus, deep river valleys and dramatic ocean-facing cliffs. The park was established in the 20th century and covers roughly 950 square kilometres.

The park is crossed by the scenic Cabot Trail, with multiple lookouts and driving sections that provide expansive coastal views; visitors commonly use the drive to access short hikes and viewing points. Hiking trails range from short boardwalk paths with cliff views to longer backcountry routes across the highland plateau.

Signature walks such as the Skyline Trail lead to cliff-edge platforms where the coastline and offshore waters are visible and are focal points for whale and seabird watching. Wildlife in the park includes moose, black bear and diverse birdlife, and the area is popular for fall foliage viewing.

The park was created as part of Canadian conservation efforts in the 20th century to protect the unique highland and coastal landscapes of Cape Breton; infrastructure for visitors has been developed since its establishment.

The park occupies the northern section of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, with principal access points and communities at Ingonish on the Atlantic side and Cheticamp on the Gulf of St Lawrence side.

• Size and establishment: Park area is approximately 950 square kilometres and it was established in 1936 to protect the Cape Breton Highlands landscape.
• Wildlife and seasons: Best wildlife viewing for moose and seabirds is in early morning and at dusk; the Cabot Trail viewpoints are especially popular in fall for colour displays.

What to See #

• Skyline Trail: Skyline Trail - a boardwalk and cliff-top path that offers panoramic views and is one of the park's signature hikes.
• Cabot Trail sections: Sections of the Cabot Trail that run through the park, offering long coastal drives and several scenic lookouts.
• Ingonish and Cheticamp areas: Coastal headlands and river valleys such as those around Ingonish and Cheticamp that provide access points and visitor services.