Top Things to do in Cape Breton Island
Countries
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Cape Breton Island, Canada
"For simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all." So said Alexander Graham Bell of the island he adopted as his home. Rich with Celtic, Mi'kmaq and Acadian heritage, Cape Breton is a delight for history buffs, music lovers and explorers of nature. Immerse yourself in 18th-century life at the Fortress of Louisbourg, explore the winding roads and Atlantic vistas of the Cabot Trail, and seek out a local Ceilidh for a lively and rousing experience.
Restaurants in Cape Breton Island
1. Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,529 reviews
Treasures abound throughout the headlands and rugged cliffs of Cape Breton Highlands with its abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery and human history dating back to the last Ice Age.
Reviewed By live2love_love2live - Wilmington, United States
There is so much to see, do, and explore in this beautiful area of Nova Scotia. If you love a variety of hiking trails, great photo opportunities, chance encounters with wildlife, remote/quiet locations, and unsurpassed beauty, then you MUST visit this national park.
2. Port Hawkesbury Community Park
3. Louisbourg Lighthouse Coastal Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By SylviaA478 - Colorado Springs, United States
This trail starts by the Louisbourg Lighthouse and goes along the coast with spectacular views of the Ocean. This trail is in the open as opposed to most in Nova Scotia which are in the trees. The wide vistas, beautiful wild flowers and crashing waves on the rugged coastline made this our favorite hike. Wish we had planned for more time spent there.
4. White Point Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By JFLeB325 - Moncton, Canada
We came here today for a quick walk. What a great place for a hike. There are no signs here. Park at the wharf and follow the rocky road. You will not regret it.
5. Kauzmann Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Spuddler - Charlottetown, Canada
Beautiful hike in Cape Breton. Narrow ridge hike 1000 feet above the Atlantic. Easy hike but not so easy to find the road in. It is the first right on an unimproved road after Sugarloaf on the right. It is number 6410 road but sign is no longer there. Bad ruts when we were there from a lot of rain and a 4 wheel drive was needed as some of the ruts a car would not have enough clearance. It is around 5.6 km from Bay St. Lawrence Road to the trailhead which is marked by a bouy. Hike is 3.7 km return.
6. Cabot Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,759 reviews
One of the most magnificent loop drives in North America treats visitors to the spectacular scenery of the Cape Breton Highlands.
Reviewed By Lets_Cruise_13 - Ottawa, Canada
On Tuesday August 20th, 2019, leaving Baddeck my wife and I drove the Cabot Trail which is a scenic highway completed in 1932 in northern Victoria County and Inverness County on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail is 298 km or 185 miles in length and completes a loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park (the Park). That morning, at the Park’s East Gate we stopped to purchase two $7.80 adult day passes to drive through the Park. At the booth, the Park employee provided us with information on what to look for and other fishing villages to visit. The western and eastern sections of the Park follow the rugged coastline, with views of the ocean. The southwestern section passes through the Margaree River valley before passing along Bras d'Or Lake. Driving the Trail, we stopped at the many lookout spots in and outside the Park, such as Lakies Head, Neil’s Harbour, Rusty Anchor Restaurant in Pleasant Bay, Chéticamp and in Inverness to take photos of mountainous plateau, ocean views and fishing villages during our scenic drive through stunning landscape. What a marvelous day it was for travelling! For nature lovers, hikers or just anyone wishing to visit Cape Breton Island and the surrounding areas, the Cabot Trail and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must to see as it provides beautiful scenes. We would recommend it to family and friends.
7. Ceilidh Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Following the shore of western Cape Breton, this 67-mile-long trail offers magnificent views of dramatic coastline, bays, inlets and rolling farmlands.
8. Bras d'Or Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By BearBel50 - Oberhausen, Germany
This salt water lake has it all. Serenity, watersports, wildlife. It will take you more than a day to drive around and take it all in. You will always come back and want to see more.
9. Skyline Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 825 reviews
Reviewed By LuluReview - Canada, null
This trail is a must when traveling along the Cabot Trail! There is lots of free parking and bathrooms at the trail entrance. While the trail is located high up in the mountains, the terrain was quite level and easy to navigate. We did the shorter route and took our time to enjoy the views along the way, and especially at the end (even with some fog).
10. Black Brook Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By WHMeg - Willoughby Hills, United States
As we were doing a one day drive of the Cabot Trail, I tried to pick a few places to stop to enjoy views or hike. I saw the beach from a distance, and then saw the entrance. I had my husband pull in and I was so glad we did! Not only did I get the opportunity to dip my feet (well, up to my knees) in the ocean (I live in Ohio now — and, no, Lake Erie is not like the ocean) but we managed to climb up the rocks to view the beautiful waterfall at the end of the beach. There was a good collection of people (mostly couples or families) enjoying the beach, but it wasn’t so crowded that I felt bothered. Yes, the water is cold, but there were three younger teens having a blast jumping the waves, and other people in their bathing suits. Definitely a place I would recommend for anyone — even if you just eat your picnic lunch there.
