Explore Cape Breton » Attractions » Highlands National Park

One-third of the Cabot Trail passes through this scenic protected wilderness area featuring spectacular ocean and mountain views.

The park was the first National Park in the Atlantic provinces and covers an area of 950 square kilometres. The park's forested areas are home to many wildlife including moose, black bears, coyotes, and bald eagles.

Whales and Northern Gannets can often be seen from the park's coastal hiking trails.

The Park stretches across the northern tip of Cape Breton Island between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. (46°N)

Entrances to the Park are located on the Cabot Trail north of Cheticamp (west side of the Island) and at Ingonish Beach (east).

From the Canso Causeway
You can either take Trans Canada Highway 105 to just outside Baddeck and follow the Cabot Trail north to Margaree Forks and Cheticamp, or follow Route 19 (the Ceilidh Trail) along the west coast of Cape Breton Island to Margaree Forks, then follow the Cabot Trail to Cheticamp. Driving time for either route is 2.5 hours.

From Sydney
Take Route 125 to Trans Canada Highway 105, then take the Cabot Trail at the Englishtown ferry or at St. Ann's to Ingonish Beach. Driving time is two hours.