Skyline Trail – Cape Breton Highlands National Park

An easy-to-moderate trail suitable for all abilities, which offers a spectacular visual experience. It’s mostly flat, with wooden boardwalks and plenty of spots to pause and admire the views before ending at a dramatic cliff-top viewing platform.

Access to the trailhead is just off Cabot Trail, where you’ll find parking areas. Beginning on French Mountain, you’ll cut through boreal forest and across high plateaus, key landscapes of this thriving ecosystem. As bears and moose are known to frequent the area, we’d recommend familiarising yourself with wildlife safety. Keep an eye on the sky too, as bald eagles often soar overhead.

The trail leads you down to an incredible viewing platform perched on a cliff above the surging swell of the Atlantic. You’ll enjoy far-reaching views across to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and may even spot whales breaching the surface. Be mindful of cliff edges and be prepared for strong winds that can whip around this exposed coastline.

Please stay on the boardwalks, as the vegetation can be easily damaged. The more stable weather of summer and spring is an ideal time to visit, or capture the beauty of autumn’s vibrant colours and softer light.

A Parks Canada pass is required. These can be purchased at the visitor centres in Chéticamp or Ingonish. Whilst the park is open all year round, full services are only available from mid-May to the end of October.