The best walks and hikes around Victoria, Subd. A

The Middle Branch North River, a tributary of the North River, flows through the highland valley near the communities of Meadow and Oregon, at an elevation of about 281 metres. The brook and its tributaries include several waterfalls, dropping more than 100 metres in less than half a kilometre as they descend from the plateau.

North River Falls Trail is a moderate out-and-back route that winds through forest in Nova Scotia’s North River Wilderness Area, leading to the base of the province’s tallest waterfall. The trail closely follows the river in some areas, with uneven footing and muddy sections that make it feel remote and rugged rather than a well-maintained path. Reaching the lookout at the falls is rewarding, especially as the sound and scale of the cascade build steadily as you get closer.

North River Falls is a breathtaking, powerful cascade on the North River in Nova Scotia’s North River Wilderness Area, dropping about 32 metres into a deep, forested gorge. The water tumbles over layered rock in an impressive single plunge, and is especially powerful after rain or during the spring melt. With no nearby development and dense woods surrounding it, the falls are truly special, and you'll likely spend an hour here taking it all in.

This trail is a beautiful path through coastal forest and grassy headlands, with the route staying mostly level as it follows the ridge crest. As you move farther out, the landscape opens to expansive views over Aspy Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with low cliffs and rolling highlands stretching along the coast. The trail ends at an exposed viewpoint, where the sense of space and ocean air make it an ideal spot for lunch or simply a peaceful place to soak in the views before heading back.

From this vantage point, the ridge opens up to a panoramic view over Aspy Bay, with the long barrier beach below. It’s a memorable, exposed viewpoint that gives you a clear sense of the scale and raw coastline of northern Cape Breton, and is worth taking some time to enjoy the scenery and capture unforgettable photos.

Kauzmann Ridge offers one of Cape Breton’s most impressive viewpoints as it sits high above Bay Saint Lawrence East. The trail climbs through forest before opening onto this narrow ridgeline, with steep cliffs dropping toward the Atlantic on one side and a deep ravine on the other. Rising about 113 metres above sea level, the fantastic, sweeping 360-degree vistas make it a hidden gem of the northern Cape Breton Highlands.

You're surrounded by dense coniferous forest on your way up Broad Cove Mountain. There are steps on the steeper sections to counter soil erosion, which can get slippery in the wet.

A worthy end to the hike up. Enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of the wild Atlantic coast with Middle Head and Cape Smokey in the distance.