Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada

Hiking - Trail Descriptions

1. Acadian

You climb up and up through a changing forest, and what a view from the top!
© Parks Canada / Geordon Harvey, 2005

Climb 365 metres above the Chéticamp River for panoramic views of the Acadian coastline, the Chéticamp river valley and the Park's highland interior. Benches along the way let you rest periodically and enjoy the scenery. Watch how the forest changes as you climb steadily to the top and be on the look out for black bear and moose.

Caution: long steep climb, carry water.
Trailhead: Opposite the Chéticamp Visitor Centre.
Significant Feature: Ocean and mountain scenery
Length: 8.4 km (5.2 miles) loop
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Elevation: 20 - 365 m (65 - 1200 ft.)

2. Salmon Pools

Admire the Chéticamp River as you walk or cycle along the Trous de Saumon trail
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / Elaine Wallace, 1987

Ideal for a fitness walk or a stroll, this level trail follows the bottom of the Chéticamp river canyon with cliffs almost 400 metres (1300 ft.) high towering above. The First Pool is about 3.6 km up the Chéticamp River. The trail narrows and continues to Chance Pool where polished exposed bedrock makes a great location for a picnic. At the Second Pool the trail narrows to the Third Pool which marks the end of the trail. Watch for Atlantic salmon in the deeper pools. Mountain bikes are permitted, but there are rough sections. Listen for barred owls at dusk.

Trailhead: At Chéticamp Campground
Significant Feature: Acadian forest, river canyon
Length: 12.2 km (7.6 miles) return.
Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours
Elevation: 15 - 110 m (50 - 360 ft.)

3. Le Chemin du Buttereau

View from Le Chemin du Buttereau Trail
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / E. Wallace

Feel the history on this trail. Retrace the steps of the Acadian pioneers who travelled this cart path from Le Buttereau, a small settlement of seven families, to Chéticamp . The open fields and bits of foundations are visible reminders of those hardy settlers. This trail offers glimpses of the Chéticamp River, old pastures, small mammals and birds.

Link to the Le Buttereau Trail .

Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the turn off for the Chéticamp Campground.
Significant Feature: Acadian forest, history, river flood plain
Length: 4.6 km (2.9 miles) return.
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation: 25 -65 m (80 - 215 ft.)

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