Special Events for 2012
© Parks Canada / D. Wilson
January | May | June | July | September
Special Events:
January 2012
"Take the Roof Off Winter" - Launch Event
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is one of several locations hosting launch events for Take the Roof Off Winter. This campaign encourages Nova Scotians to be active outdoors during the winter months to improve their health and quality of life. Residents are invited to celebrate the outdoors with this year's theme: Snowshoeing in Our Parks and Protected Areas.
On Saturday, January 21, join Les Amis du Plein Air in Chéticamp for a snowshoeing adventure. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow a pair on site courtesy of Ingonish County Recreation. The group will gather at the Salmon Pools trail head and depart at 10:30 a.m. After the snowshoe trek, hot beverages and snacks will be served in a warm shelter.
Take the Roof Off Winter is coordinated in partnership with Recreation Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness. Parks Canada hosts various events like this to encourage new ways of experiencing this special place. For more information about the event, visit TakeTheRoofOffWinter.ca.
May 2012
May 26-27 - Cabot Trail Relay Race
Seventy teams of 17 run almost 300 kilometres around the entire Cabot Trail in a 24-hour relay race on some of the most challenging and spectacular terrain in North America. Pre-registration required: www.cabottrailrelay.com
June 2012
June 24 - Ingonish Triathlon - Ingonish Beach Day Use Area - 8 a.m.
Swim, bike and run individually or as part of a fun team.
Sprint Triathlon (minimum age 16) - 750 metre swim, 23 kilometre bike, 5 kilometre run
Olympic Triathlon (minimum age 19) - 1,500 m swim, 42 km bike, 10 km run
Try-a-Tri (minimum age 14) - 300 m swim, 9.2 km bike, 4 km run
Team Triathlon - same distance as Sprint
Cash prizes for top three men and women in Olympic and Sprint. Pre-registration required. www.atlanticchip.ca
July 2012
July 1 - Canada Day - Enjoy FREE entry to all Parks Canada sites
July 21 - Parks Day - Free entry to all Parks Canada national parks and national historic sites
July 21 - Cape Breton Highlands Three Peaks Challenge - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hike three peaks in 12 hours! You will have climbed over 1,300 m and completed a half-marathon (21 km). This is not a timed event but participants are expected to complete the challenge within daylight hours. Register (teams of four) at www.hikethehighlandsfestival.com. Fee applicable.
September 2012
September 14-23 - Hike the Highlands Festival - Cape Breton Highlands National Park - multiple locations
This annual festival features 24 hikes within and adjacent to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Participate in workshops and talks on nature photography, Nordic trekking poles, GPS, plants and wildlife.
Register at www.hikethehighlandsfestival.com. Fee applicable