Cape Breton Highlands National Park
In 1936 the Canadian Government set aside the 950 sq km (366 sq miles) of magnificent highlands in the northern tip of Cape Breton Island to form Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The park contains some of Canada’s most famous scenery, with its mountains, green wilderness, and windswept coastal beauty. The best-known feature of the park is the spectacular 106-km (66-mile) section of the Cabot Trail highway, which traces much of the park’s boundary in a loop from Cheticamp to Ingonish.
The Cabot Trail is the primary route through the park, and most attractions are found along it. Entering the park, the trail ascends along the flanks of the coastal mountains.
The 24 look-out points on this stretch present farreaching views of the highlands rising from the sea. Continuing inland, the trail travels across the highland plateau. Just past French Lake, the short Bog Walk is a boardwalk trail through marshes, with educational panels that describe this unique bogbound ecosystem, which is home to rare orchids. Visitors may even catch a glimpse of the park’s many moose grazing here in a wetland marsh.
Crossing the French and Mackenzie Mountains, the trail descends dramatically to the charming old community of Pleasant Bay. It then reenters the highlands, crossing North Mountain, which, at 457-m (1,500-ft), is the highest point in the park. The trail descends into the Aspy River Valley, where a gravel road leads to the base of the 30-m (100-ft) high Beulach Ban Falls.
At Cape North, another side road leads to the scenic whale watching destination of Bay St. Lawrence just outside the park and the stunningly pretty road to Meat Cove. Farther on, the Scenic Loop breaks away from the Cabot Trail and follows the coast, offering awesome views as it descends to White Point. This road rejoins the Cabot Trail to the east, where it reaches the resort town of Ingonish. The Highland Links Golf Course here is ranked as among the top golf courses in Canada.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cheticamp.
Tel: (902) 224 2306.
Canada Cities