Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada

Cabot Trail Sightseeing

Some of the most spectacular views in Atlantic Canada.

One third of the celebrated Cabot Trail runs through the national park and for picturesque views, it is one of the most visited regions in Canada. In fact, Cabot Trail sightseeing is one of the most popular activities offered by the national park; the numerous look-offs providing ample opportunity to admire the striking beauty of the landscape.

A park pass is required to tour this section of the Cabot Traill.

If you start your trip in Chéticamp , take advantage of the Visitor Centre with its beautiful exhibits, a nature bookshop and a family corner. Informative staff will help you plan your trip. They can recommend various points of interest to suit your needs and time frame.

Each of the exhibits through the Park have a different story to tell.

Exhibit and Trail map for Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
© Parks Canada

Trail #1. Acadian
Trail #2. Salmon Pools
Trail #3. Le Chemin du Buttereau
Trail #4. Le Buttereau

The first exhibit is at :

La Bloc

With its rocky cliffs and jagged shoreline this area doesn't look like a spot for a fishing village - and yet it was! Over 30 French once families lived here and made their living from the sea. They even had a cannery! Colourful panels depict the history of the area as you enjoy the great ocean views. It is also a picnic area, so pack a lunch and linger awhile.

Trout Brook - Picnic Area

Trail #5. Corney Brook

Travel along up the hilly coast.

Cap Rouge Exposition

Learn about the geology of the coastline at Cap Rouge.
© Parks Canada / J. Pleau, 2000

A man-made display explains the rock formation that Mother Nature spread before us along the coast to the north. Here is a rare opportunity to observe the basic rock types that make up the entire earth's crust - sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic. Spectacular coastal views compliment this exhibit.

Continue on up French Mountain.

The Veteran's Monument

During the Parks Canada centennial year in 1985, this plaque was placed here by the Department of Veteran's Affairs to recognize the contribution of Canadians who died overseas during the World Wars. A similar plaque was unveiled in a National Park in each province. The monument stands guard over a commanding view of the western coastline.

“They will never know the beauty of this place,
See the seasons change, enjoy nature's chorus.
All we enjoy we owe to them, men and women who
Lie buried in the earth of foreign lands and in
the seven seas. Dedicated to the memory of
Canadians who died overseas in the service of their
country and so preserved our heritage.”

Once you reach the top of the mountains...

Trail #6. Skyline
Trail #7. Bog
Trail #8. Benjie's Lake

The Fishing Cove Look-off

Try not to get dizzy as you look down at Fishing Cove from this lookoff on the Cabot Trail!
© Parks Canada / J. Pleau, 2000

Take in the view! 335 metres (1000 ft.) below you there is a small cove and grassy clearing at the base of MacKenzie Mountain that was once a fishing village. Here the Scottish settlers fished in the Gulf waters and traded with the French for supplies. Fishing Cove is now the site of the only designated wilderness campsite in the Park. Camping is restricted to a small number of people at any one time in order to preserve the wilderness experience and reduce impact on the environment. You must register to camp; bring your own camp stove and drinking water. Remember, it's a long way down but there is a shorter alternate route back up.

Trail #9. Fishing Cove

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