Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Contact Information:
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Ingonish Beach, NS
Canada B0C 1L0
902-224-2306

Size: 950 sq. km. 

Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park stretches across the northern tip of Cape Breton Island between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. Entrances are located on the Cabot Trail north of Cheticamp (west side of the Island) and at Ingonish Beach (east). 

Description: The first national park established in the Atlantic provinces features some of the last remaining protected wilderness in Nova Scotia. Here the Cape Breton Highlands, the most striking feature of northern Cape Breton, include steep cliffs and deep river canyons carved into a forested plateau bordering the Atlantic Ocean. The 113-km Cabot Trail traverses the park from Cheticamp to Ingonish, offering numerous lookoffs, roadside exhibits, walking trails, and scenic side routes.

Places to Stay: Campgrounds at Cape Breton Highlands National Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park does not accept reservations for its ‘regular’ camping sites. Reservations are accepted for the accessible sites at Broad Cove Campground and Cheticamp Campground. Reservations are also accepted for organized youth groups to use Robert’s Brook Group Campground in Cheticamp. Reservations can be made by calling 902-224-2306. 

Throughout the park, small towns and villages offer a variety of services and amenities. For a complete list of all services available you can order a copy of the Nova Scotia Travel Guide by calling 1-800-565-0000 or you can visit the Nova Scotia tourism web site. Accommodations are located in most communities along the Cabot Trail including Ingonish and Cheticamp. Call ahead for reservations. 

Operating Hours: Park is open year round. Full services available from mid-May to early October (Victoria Day weekend to the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend).

History: Established in 1936.

See other Canadian National Parks
See other Nova Scotia National Parks