Cape Breton Highlands National Park covers the northern tip of the island, from the Chéticamp coast on the west to Ingonish on the east. About a third of the Cabot Trail runs through it, so most visitors see the park from the road, but the real value is on foot: Parks Canada lists 26 hiking trails, from short boardwalks to long coastal and plateau routes, plus sandy beaches, campgrounds and deep-cut canyons. Moose, bald eagles and sometimes bears share the area, and the fall colours in late September and early October are among the best in eastern Canada. The park is open year-round and the Cabot Trail stays open through it, but visitor services run only from mid-May to 25 October in 2026, and a few trails and washrooms become hard to reach in winter.
What to do
Pick two or three trails and a beach rather than trying to cover everything. The Skyline Trail is the headline hike, Middle Head at Ingonish is a gentler headland walk, and trails like Benjie's Lake and MacIntosh Brook are quieter alternatives. Between hikes, use the lookoffs along the Cabot Trail and the beaches at Ingonish and on the west coast. Bring layers and wet-weather gear, because fog and wind can arrive quickly.
Seasons and planning
Parks Canada's park page gives visitor services from 15 May to 25 October 2026, and the page notes the park is open year-round. After late October there are no visitor services, and in winter the Cabot Trail takes plowing priority, so some trailheads may be hard to reach; ungroomed trails are open for walking and Parks Canada suggests routes including Benjie's Lake, MacIntosh Brook, Clyburn Valley, Middle Head and Freshwater Lake, with snowshoe rentals by arrangement.
Regular entry fees applied from 8 September 2026, and ice on ponds and the coast should never be trusted. Cell service is unreliable, so tell someone your plans.
Fitting it in
Allow a day for the highlights, two or three if you hike. The park sits between Chéticamp and Ingonish, so staying at either end, or in Baddeck for the full loop, works well. It pairs with the Cabot Trail itself, the Skyline Trail and a whale cruise from Pleasant Bay in summer.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided national park with trails, lookoffs, beaches and campgrounds, crossed by the Cabot Trail, with regular entry fees.
Best time
June to mid-October for services and trails, with late September and early October best for colour.
How long
Plan a full day for the highlights and two to three days if you want to hike several trails.
Tips
Pack layers and rain gear, carry water and a map on plateau trails, give moose a wide berth and tell someone your route.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Hikers, photographers and anyone who wants the island's wild coast and highland scenery.
- Families
- Choose short boardwalk trails and the beaches at Ingonish rather than long plateau routes.
- Couples
- Walk a coastal trail in the late afternoon and watch the light from a lookoff on the Cabot Trail.
- Pair with
- The Cabot Trail, the Skyline Trail and a summer whale cruise from Pleasant Bay.
- Time needed
- A full day for the highlights, two to three days for real hiking.
Good questions
Is the park open in November?+
Yes, the park is open year-round, but visitor services end on 25 October in 2026. Expect no staffed services, limited trailhead access after snow and the Cabot Trail as the plowing priority.
Do I need to pay to enter the park?+
Yes, regular entry fees apply, and Parks Canada's fees page lists the current rates. Free entry that applied earlier in 2026 ended on 7 September.
What are the best trails?+
The Skyline Trail is the best known, with Middle Head at Ingonish and the plateau trails such as Benjie's Lake offering quieter walks. Parks Canada lists 26 trails in all, so choose by time and fitness.
Are there bears and moose?+
Yes, moose are common and black bears live in the park, so keep your distance, never feed wildlife and report sightings to Parks Canada. Dogs are not allowed on some trails, so check before you go.
Where is the park entrance?+
The park has entrances at Chéticamp on the west and Ingonish on the east, both on the Cabot Trail. The administration address is 37639 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach.
