The Park's 27 hiking trails range from 20-minute family strolls to panoramic climbs. For spectacular coastal views, we recommend:
For details, purchase Walking in the Highlands at the information centres.
All backpackers must purchase a backcountry use permit. Drinking water should be boiled; backpacking stoves recommended. Garbage must be packed out. Information on bears available at information centres.
Interpreters present daily programs in July and August, highlighting northern Cape Breton's natural and human history. Nightly programs at outdoor theatres in Cheticamp and Broad Cove Campgrounds. Check the information centres and campground bulletin boards for details.
Look for orchids at the Bog, listen for the Northern Waterthrush along the Salmon Pools or search for moose at Benjies Lake. Ask for a Fact Sheet and speak to an interpreter for details.
Fresh water or salt water? Ingonish Beach has two superb beaches to choose from. Lifeguards on duty in July and August.
Other swimming areas include:
North Bay, Black Brook and Warren Lake on the east side and La Bloc on the west.
Tee off at Ben Franey, and prepare to enjoy a 10.5-km (6.5-mi.) nature hike through some of the world's most spectacular scenery. The Highlands Links, one of the world's best courses, is located in Ingonish. For tee-off times, reservations and tournament play, call the Golf Pro Shop at (902) 285-2600 (mid-May to mid-October). At other times, call (902) 285-2691.
Ingonish Beach offers three paved tennis courts, free of charge, from late April to mid-October. Rental equipment is available at the Golf Pro Shop. To arrange tournament play, call (902) 285-2691
The highlands rise steeply along the Cabot Trail from sea level to over 450 m (1,500 ft.) - an unforgettable cycling experience. Rental mountain bikes are available for short treks at the Cheticamp Information Centre.
Purchase national park fishing licences for trout and salmon and obtain fishing regulations at the information centres and campground kiosks.
Plan six to eight hours from Cheticamp to Ingonish to take advantage of the numerous lookoffs, roadside exhibits, walking trails and scenic side routes (106 km, actual driving time is two hours.)
The Cabot Trail offers a safe, but spectacular, driving experience. The section between Cheticamp and Ingonish is maintained by the Canadian Parks Service.
You won't want to miss:
January to early April:
Camp for free from mid-October to mid-May. Cheticamp Campground: flush toilets, kitchen shelter with woodstove, drinking water. Park at Information Centre and walk in.
Ingonish Campground: pit privies, kitchen shelter with wood stove, drinking water. Park at kiosk and walk in. Axe recommended.
Camping facilities and interpretive presentations are available for organized groups year-round, with advance arrangements. For more information, call the Park.
Public washrooms are located throughout the Park. Lone Shieling Trail has a serviced washroom, partway along the trail, open from late-May to mid-October.
Public and emergency telephones anre located at the Cheticamp and Ingonish Information Centres, the entrances to the major campgrounds, the Grande Anse and Big Intervale Warden Stations, some roadside emergency shelters and all nearby communities.
Wheelchair-accessible washrooms are available at the Cheticamp Information Centre, North Bay Beach and Black Brook Beach. The French Mountain Bog Trail and pit privy are wheelchair accessible. Two campsites and a washroom/shower facility at Broad Cove Campground are wheelchair accessible, as are the Cheticamp Information Centre exhibit and some roadside interpretive signs.
Pets must be kept under control at all times and must not interfere with wildlife or with the enjoyment and safety of other visitors.
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