Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada

Hiking - Trail Descriptions

7. Bog

Keep your eyes open for carnivorous plants, cotton grass and bog orchids when you walk the Bog Trail.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / E. Wallace

In keeping with Parks Canada's mandate to protect the natural environment, a boardwalk keeps your feet dry as you walk while preventing you from trampling the fragile life in this highland plateau bog. A self guiding trail, signs explain life here - pitcher plants, delicate orchids, colourful dragonflies, green frogs and gigantic moose. The trail as well as the privy at the trailhead are wheelchair accessible. Ideal for baby strollers.

Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the top of French Mountain
Significant Feature: Boreal -Taiga, highland bog
Length: 0.5 km (0.3 mile) loop.
Hiking Time: 15 minutes.
Elevation: 410 m (1345 ft.)

8. Benjie's Lake

Sit and relax while you watch for moose and other wildlife at Benjie's Lake.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / E. Wallace

On the plateau at the top of the mountain, this trail crosses wet barrens and evergreen forests typical of the highlands. The trail is boardwalked in places to keep you dry and protect the habitat from trampling. A viewing platform at the lake allows you to relax in this tranquil setting to await the arrival of moose that feed on plant life in the lake.

Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the top of French Mountain
Significant Feature: Boreal highland forest
Length: 3 km (1.9 mile) return.
Hiking Time: 1 - 1.5 hours
Elevation: 400 m (1315 ft.)

9. Fishing Cove

Not for the faint of heart, this long, steep hike holds a peaceful cove as its reward.
© Cape Breton Highlands National Park / E. Wallace

You are 335 metres (1000 feet) above sea level! Hike from the top of the mountain about 8 kilometres down to a small ocean cove and grassy clearing - the only designated wilderness camp site in the park. This was once the site of a Scottish fishing community and these settlers traded with the French for supplies. Explore the beach, roam the hills or swim in fresh or salt water. You must register at a park visitor centre prior to camping.

No potable water on site.

Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the top of MacKenzie Mountain.
Significant Feature: Acadian forest, ocean cove and headlands
Length: 15.7 km (9.8 miles) return (also a 5.7 km alternate route)
Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours
Elevation: 0 - 355 m (0 - 1165 ft.)

Trails Index page