Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada

Cabot Trail Sightseeing

As you wind your way across the top of the mountains...

MacKenzie Mountain Look-off - The Highland Plateau

Find out how the plateau was formed at this exhibit.
© Parks Canada / P. St-Jacques, 1996

Over 90% of the Park’s surface area is Highlands Plateau. These seemingly flat-topped mountains are part of what makes this Park unique. They make up the largest remaining tract of wild land left in Nova Scotia. With an average elevation of 400 m (1312 ft.), the plateau is a harsh land cut with valleys and pocketed with shallow lakes and bogs. Learn about the bedrock that has resisted change for millions of years, the MacKenzie River as it winds its way through the canyon below or just enjoy the view of the highland plateau as it stretches out before you.

MacKenzie Mountain Look-off - The Gulf of St. Lawrence

Learn about the gulf and enjoy the view at this exhibit.
© Parks Canada / P. Doyle,

It is difficult to discuss the land around you without paying attention also to the water that reaches the shores. The Gulf of St. Lawrence, a strategic waterway throughout history, still plays a vital role in transportation and in the migration of marine mammals. The waters are warmer and less salty than the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean floor in the Gulf is not unlike the dry land around you - its features are just given different names because they are underwater. The floor is cut by “troughs” (valleys) and has “shelves” (plateaus). The ebb and flow of the Gulf currents are of great interest. Creating a nursery for a variety of fish species, the currents also have an effect on all five provinces that they border. ¼ of the total Canadian fish catch comes from these waters.

MacKenzie Mountain Look-off - Whales

Look for whales from the shore at this look-off and exhibit on MacKenzie Mountain.
© Parks Canada / J. Pleau, 2000

Want to go whale watching? You can actually do it from here! Keep your eyes on the ocean-look for plumes of vapour as whales surface in the Gulf. You'll find a colour exhibit of whales, species of fish, their food sources, various sea birds and life on the ocean floor at this lookoff. To get a good understanding of these large but graceful mammals, visit the Whale Interpretation Centre in Pleasant Bay, the community directly below you.

As you descend the mountain and go through Pleasant Bay, you are in the Grande Anse Valley.

MacIntosh Brook Day Use Area
Trail #10. MacIntosh Brook

The Lone Shieling

This is one of the most protected areas of the Park. The 350 year old sugar maple trees are just part of this virgin forest which is also home to rare animals like the rock vole and Gaspé shrew.

What will catch your eye first is the Lone Shieling itself. An exhibit tells the story of why it's here in our Highlands and what they were used for in the Highlands of Scotland. The 20 minute walking trail is the only access permitted in this old growth hardwood forest, so please stay on the trail to reduce trampling damage.

Trail #11. Lone Shieling

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