12 Fun Things To Do In Cape Breton Highlands

If you’ve never heard of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, let me ask you, do you like gorgeous ocean views, spotting moose, and amazing sunrises and sunsets? Well, if you do then you need to add Cape Breton Highlands National Park to your list. In 2019, I decided to take a Maritime Canada Roadtrip. Cape Breton Highlands National Park was the final stop of this 14-day trip. I only had 2 full days/nights in this Canadian National Park. In hindsight, I would have given myself 3 to 5 full days/nights because this place is beautiful. But let’s talk about Cape Breton and how amazing it is, here are 12 Fun Things To Do In Cape Breton Highlands National Park…

Heading To Maritime Canada, Check Out:

12 Reasons To Visit Fundy National Park

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The Basics: 

Where Is Cape Breton Highlands National Park?

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is located in the northernmost part of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. It was actually Atlantic Canada’s first national park and is often referred to as ‘where the mountains meet the sea.’ That’s a wonderfully accurate description and it’s perfect for this beautiful place.

How Do I Get To Cape Breton?

Air –

Cape Breton does have an airport but you will pay for the convenience of it. JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport: The JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport is located in Sydney, Cape Breton Island with daily air service provided by Air Canada and WestJet. Find more HERE.

Roadtrip –

As you know, I’m always up for a roadtrip and this trip was no different. I drove from New England, through New Brunswick, and up to Cape Breton Island. It’s a gorgeous trip and I would have missed so many details if I hadn’t roadtripped it. 

Ferry –

Perhaps the easiest way to get to Cape Breton Island if you are coming from the United States is taking the CAT ferry from Maine directly to the island. 2021 – International high-speed ferry service between Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, will resume in Spring 2022. Find out more HERE. 

What Can I Expect At Cape Breton Highlands National Park?

This national park really does have a special blend of ocean views, beautiful mountains, and gorgeous forests. It’s great for hiking, whale watching, camping, and just generally enjoying being out in nature.

What Wildlife Can I Spot In Cape Breton?

The wildlife spotting at Cape Breton Highlands National Park is some of the best in maritime Canada. Keep an eye out for moose, grouse, lynx, owls, fox, bald eagles, and mink whales. 

Let’s jump into some fun things you can do on your next visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park…

12 Fun Things To Do In Cape Breton Highlands

1.Marvel At A Gorgeous Sunrise – 

My favorite sunrise of 2019, and another case where I was racing the sun was on Cape Breton Island. I was actually leaving Cape Breton Highlands National Park really early to get a jump on my long drive back to the states. All of a sudden I noticed the sky turning the most gorgeous shade of orange and raced to the next pull off. And the payoff was huge – I got these stunning views and the lobster boats were just a bonus. The sky really was that color!

2. Drive The Cabot Trail – 

The park is famous for the Cabot Trail, this is one of Canada’s most famous drives. The Cabot Trail makes a 185-mile loop around most of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. It passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The trail passes through the northernmost part of the National Park, which is a 367-square-mile plateau cut by deep river valleys, this wilderness is home to black bears, bald eagles, and, of course, moose. 

It was named one of the best road trips in the world by Lonely Planet. 

You can do this drive in as little as 5 hours, but that would mean no stops, no overlooks, no hikes, and no cute little towns. And you would really be missing out!

Give yourself at least 8 hours to drive around the Cabot Trail. This gives you time for a few stops along the way.

3. Hike A Few Trails –

There was so much hiking that I was looking forward to doing on this part of my trip but the sad truth is that I didn’t get to do a single hike while in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. 

Lone Shieling Loop –

• Distance: .5 mile loop trail 
• Rated: Easy

Middle Head Trail – 

• Distance: 2.5 mile loop trail 
• Rated: Easy

Skyline Trail – 

• Distance: 5.9 mile loop trail 
• Rated: Moderate

Acadian Trail – 

• Distance: 5.6 mile loop trail 
• Rated: Moderate

Franey Loop – 

• Distance: 4.5 mile loop trail 
• Rated: Moderate

The two most popular hikes on this list are the Skyline Trail and the Franey Loop. Although I didn’t have time to hike the Skyline Trail, I’ve heard that it’s both amazing and a total zoo during peak seasons. One woman at a visitor center described it as a zoo and told me not to hike that trail if I wanted an authentic experience. 

4. Take A Puffin & Whale Watching Tour – 

Donelda’s Puffin Boat Tours – 

• 1099 Highway 312, Englishtown, Nova Scotia B0C 1H0 Canada.
• Morning sail at 10:30 am
• Afternoon sail at 1:30 pm
• $52 a person on a card or $48 in cash
• Find out more HERE

5. Check out the Keltic Lodge – 

• 383 Keltic In Road, Middle Head Peninsula, Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia, Canada B0C 1L0
• Find out more HERE

The Keltic Lodge has so much to offer. A spa, golf course, fine dining, and entertainment  all in Cape Breton. 

6. Take In Some History At The Fortress of Louisburg –

Fortress Of Louisburg National Historic Site – 

• 259 Park Service Rd, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia B1C 2L2 Canada
• Daily 9:30 am – 5 pm
• Find out more HERE

Interestingly, the Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest historical reconstruction in North America. Surrounded by Cape Breton’s rocky shoreline, the Fortress of Louisbourg takes you back to French colonial life between 1713 and 1758. Costumed performers, fascinating exhibits, gorgeous scenery, and coastal trails offer unforgettable experiences for all visitors.

The Louisbourg Lighthouse – 

• Havenside Road, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada

The Louisbourg Lighthouse trail is about 1.2 miles long. This historical site, where Canada’s first lighthouse was lit in 1734, offers one of the most beautiful coastal vistas. The existing lighthouse was built in 1923 and although not open to the public will inspire you to take photos! 

7. Enjoy Inverness Beach & Boardwalk 

Inverness Beach Boardwalk – 

• 158 Beach Rd #1, Inverness, Nova Scotia, Canada

Inverness Beach is a  stretch of sand that’s around two miles long. And for beach lovers, this beach inspires you to take a dip in the waves and comb for sea glass treasures. If you are into photography it’s a must stop location. 

8. Camp In Cape Breton Highlands – 

Ingonish Beach Campground

• 37437 Cabot Trail Rd, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0, Canada
• May 21 to October 25
• 60 sites; 55 reservable
• Find Out More HERE

Broad Cove Campground

• May 21 to October 25
• 202 sites; 182 reservable
• Find Out More HERE

Chéticamp Campground

• May 21 to October 25
• 122 sites; 112 reservable
• Find Out More HERE

Corney Brook Campground

• Corney Brook is a very small, oceanside campground with 22 unserviced sites
• There is no potable water on site
• Payment is by self-registration 

9. Experience the Lifestyle of Scots At The Highland Village Museum – 

• 4119 Highway 223, Iona, Nova Scotia B2C 1A3 Canada
• July 2 – September 12
• Wed-Sun; 10 am – 4:30 pm
• Open holiday Mondays (same hours)
• Free Admission – pre-booking recommended
• You Can Book HERE

Immerse yourself into Gaelic culture on our 40-acre site dotted with 11 historic buildings depicting life for Gaelic settlers in Nova Scotia. In case you didn’t know, centuries ago, Gaelic-speaking immigrants from both Scotland and Ireland came by the tens of thousands and made Nova Scotia their home. At the Highland Village Museum, you can experience what those settlers did while you watch a blacksmith working his forge. Or costumed reenactors demonstrating spinning weaving, wool-dying, and other hand-crafts. If you like history, then this is a great place to get a feel for what those settlers dealt with centuries ago. 

10. Lantern Walk Through Time – 

• June 25 to September 28
• Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 9 pm in July
• 8:30 pm in August
• 7:30 pm in September
• 1.5 – 2 hours – $14.70 a person. 

The Lantern Walk Through Time begins at Ingonish Beach near the trailhead sign. This is the perfect tour for anyone who likes legends and myths. You can learn more here.

11. Glamp In the Highlands – 

Glamping is becoming a huge thing at Cape Breton Island, particularly in domes. I had my first glamping experience while in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. And absolutely loved it!! I got a dome for 2 nights. I’ve got to admit there was something very luxurious about sleeping in a dome! There are so many options for glamping in Cape Breton but I chose Blue Bayou Resort…

Blue Bayou Resort

• 25 old road loop South Harbour, Dingwall, NS B0C 1G0, Canada
• They are also listed on Airbnb, which is what I booked through
• You can also check them out HERE

12. Don’t Miss A Sunset – 

One of my favorite sunsets of 2019 was here in Cape Breton. I also saw the only moose of my entire trip. And he was a big bull! I was actually driving out to find a good sunset spot and racing the sun (like always) when I saw a guy with the biggest telephoto lens running across the road. When I looked over and saw this big beautiful moose with the sunset as his background. I didn’t get any great photos (I didn’t bring my telephoto lens D’OH!) but I bet that guy got some great photos!

But where should you eat and drink? I’ve gotchu…

Cape Breton Sips & Eats Guide

Main Street Restaurant and Bakery – 

• 37764 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS, B0C 1L0 Canada
• Daily 8 am – 8 pm

The Lobster Pound and Moore – 

• 161 Queen St, North Sydney, NS B2A 1A9 Canada 
• Mon-Tues Closed, Wed – Fri – 12 pm – 3 pm, 5 pm – 8 pm. Sat-Sun – 4 pm – 8 pm

The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse – 

• 424 Charlotte St, Sydney, NS B1P 1E2 Canada
• Daily 11 am – 11:59 pm

Governors Pub & Eatery – 

• 233 Esplanade St, Sydney, NS B1P 1A6 Canada
• Sun-Wed – 11 am – 12 am, Thurs – Sat – 11 am – 2 am

The Frolic’n Folk Pub & Grill – 

• 4115 Highway 233, Iona, NS B2C 1A3 Canada
• Daily 11 am – 9 pm

Lighthouse Ice Cream Parlour – 

• Lighthouse Road, Neil’s Harbor, Nova Scotia B0C 1P0 Canada

Breton Brewery – 

• 364 Keltic Drive, Sydney, Cape Breton
• Mon-Wed – 10 am – 8 pm, Thurs – Sat – 10 am – 11 pm, Sun – 12 pm – 5 pm

I really wanted to try the Strawberry Rhubarb but couldn’t get to the brewery.

This one is special and it was one of my favorite experiences from my trip to Nova Scotia.

Glenora Inn And Distillery –

• 13727 Highway 19, Mabou, NS B0E 1X0, Canada

As I mentioned, the 1800s brought an influx of Scottish immigrants to Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. It’s easy to see why, Cape Breton resembles the beauty of the Highlands (I’ve been to both and I would say if you don’t have the money to go to Scotland, visit Cape Breton). Those immigrants brought some whisky makin’ magic with them across the pond! 

I highly recommend taking the whisky tour and then checking out the Washback Pub and getting a whisky flight (It was $35 in 2019). The Opilio crab dip is also excellent.

My favorite whisky from Glenora (not an easy decision): Ghleann Dubh (The Dark Glen) a 13-year-old peated whisky. It’s so hard to find a good peated whisky in the U.S. and I’m still nursing my bottle from 2019.

Mapping Out 12 Fun Things To Do In Cape Breton Highlands: 

Cape Breton Highlands National Park really is a special place, and anyone who has been here knows that to be true. It’s the place where the mountains meet to sea and it’s absolutely stunning and beautiful. It’s a place that should be on your list! Have you been to Cape Breton Highlands National Park? What was your favorite thing about it?

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