Yes, it was crowded, but we wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. But, if you prefer not to hike the extension, no problem. I love this kind of trail where you have so many stunning views with so little effort. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a16af451a132b36538a8a05b3df609e8" );document.getElementById("ab5e5a1a65").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Well, we have been living an the east coast for a long time (in the US), and had never been up that way. The Skyline Trail of Cape Breton is the most scenic hike on one of Canada’s most scenic driving routes. I suspect in a windy day you wouldn’t venture down the steps to the other landings. Keep travel blogging. Even with the number of people, it is still common to see moose on this trail. Canada is still on our bucket list so we’re saving this, fingers crossed that we can go this Fall! After drinking your fill of the views, retrace your steps back to the beginning of the boardwalk, and stay right at the fork. As you begin, you will pass through a thick, boreal spruce forest. I’m sad to say that I have no idea how to fix them! The nearest full-service campground is Chéticamp in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with 122 sites. Fall in Love with Utah: A Journey on Scenic Byway... Family Road Trip through North Cascades National Park, Hiking to Lye Brook Falls in Manchester, Vermont, Exploring the Best Parks in Roanoke, Virginia, Summer Travel Styles for Road Trip Adventures, Unique and Affordable Things to Do in St. - See 826 traveler reviews, 721 candid photos, and great deals for Cape Breton Island, Canada, at Tripadvisor. The Trail is accessible via the Cabot Trail, which is essentially a long, winding highway which outlines the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. I honestly had never heard of the Skyline Trail until finding this post…definitely on my list of places to visit now! We camped at a place call Meat Cove. Public transportation is spotty on the island, and would only make sense if you were going to spend your time in one place. Came here for a walk today. * By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. I love the feel of the hiking pictures, more like a stroll rather than a 5 mile hike. The Skyline Trail takes you to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the eastern side of the island – where mountains plunge directly into the water. Of course, our favorite way to explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park is by pitching our tent, which saves money and allows us to spend more time outdoors. The skyline trail resembles Malibu sceneries. … GPS at trailhead: N 46 o 44' 15.4" W 60 o 53' 49.1" Distance: The trail can be done either as a 7.4 km (4.7 mi) return trip or a 9.2 km (5.6 mi) loop. From here, the trail is wide, smooth, and well marked back to the parking lot. Hiking Cape Breton Highland’s Skyline Trail. When we finally get over there, we’ll be sure to check it out. The loop is best hiked counterclockwise, so when the trail forks about a half mile in, stay to the right. You know, I’ve visited a few trails with the name skyline now. We hiked with people from all parts of the world and from all walks of life, including toddlers taking their first steps and senior citizens, assisted by canes. This post brought back so many memories. Mitchell died at the age of 19 of injuries and blood loss after coyotes mauled her while she was walking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park 's Skyline Trail. Back in those days it was a wild campground on a cliffside totally exposed to the ocean winds. Wow, just wow. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You will pass through a gated and fenced area that was created to protect tender saplings from moose damage. The best way to explore Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail by car. It is the most popular trail on Cape Breton Island and used to be pictured on the welcome sign just after the causeway. Hiking the Skyline Trail is definitely one of the highlights of a trip to Cape Breton. The highlight of the trail, and the reason thousands of visitors hike it each year, is the boardwalk down to the headlands with spectacular views of the Cabot Trail, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the town of Chéticamp in the distance. You can enjoy an eagle's view of the Cabot Trail as it winds its way down the mountain – vehicles look like toys. This trail is long but a fairly easy hike with the exception of the skyline extension along the cliff top. This was by far the busiest trail that we hiked in Cape Breton. Visit our privacy policy to read more. If you are short on time or hiking with small children and want an easier walk, stay to the left at the first fork and hike out to the headlands and back. There is a low lookout tower within the fenced area. And you got to see a bald eagle! Location: Before the Skyline Trail, atop French Mountain. We walked the entire trail. The nearest international airport is the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. I didn’t even know there’s an eagle species called a bald eagle. It still remains level, taking you through lush meadows, ripe with wildflowers and intermittent spruce forests. Our travel posts are great for making future plans or dreaming about your next escape. You were lucky to have seen one in close range. Gorgeous Tara! The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is best used from May until October. Drive the Cabot Trail: The Cabot Trail is one of the world’s most beautiful drives, rewarding visitors … The  trail is fairly flat, gaining 377 feet in elevation as you head toward the coast. This is a much easier, 4.3-mile hike, on gravel and wooden boardwalks. You can still walk a beautiful loop with awesome For good reason. I would like to do this trail some time. I am very jealous. Please don't travel until it's safe to do so! The Cabot Trail Discovery Tour explores Nova Scotia’s most iconic road trip. You simply can’t visit Cape Breton National Park without hiking on the island’s most famous trail. Chéticamp and Pleasant Bay are just about equidistant from the Skyline Trail, but Chéticamp is bigger, with a better selection of hotels. Adventure is better shared with friends! The size of the parking lot will give you an idea of how popular Skyline A dramatic headland cliff overlooks the rugged coast from the end of this level trail. for 8 years we have been saying “we should check out the Maritimes” After reading this you have inspired us even more. 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We were here in 2012. Skyline Trail is a 4.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, Canada that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. @2020 - Back Road Ramblers. Hiking the Skyline Trail: Cape Breton Highlands National Park In Accessible Trails, Canada, Day Trails, Nova Scotia by Hikers MovementAugust 1, 2019 The Skyline Trail is one of the most beautiful, must-see trails in Nova Scotia. There are beautiful (and toddler-friendly!) Skyline Trail, Cape Breton Island: See 826 reviews, articles, and 721 photos of Skyline Trail, ranked No.12 on Tripadvisor among 264 attractions in Cape Breton Island. Back Road Ramblers shares travel tips, road-trip destinations, and outdoor adventures for the wanderer in everyone. Excellent well groomed trail. From the rugged coastlines and majestic mountains to the charming small fishing villages, this tour provides breathtaking viewpoints, & endless photo opportunities. Is this a must-do if you are travelling with a, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia Canada, A lovely trail leading to the breathtaking views of the gulf! Site designed by PenciDesign. If you are going to see the sights, take the shorter route. It lies on the western side of the Cabot Trail, near French Mountain's summit. Rating: Moderately-Easy. The view is spectacular. Judging by the number of cars in the parking lot, hiking the Skyline Trail is clearly the most popular attraction. If you are planning a trip to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the one thing you won’t want to miss is a hike on the Skyline Trail. This well-known hike is 6.5 kms return or if you decide to loop, the trail length is 8.2kms. To put up the tent, half the family had to get inside while the other half pitched it to keep it from blowing off the cliff. We love road trips and if hiking is in the picture, it’s even better. I love that with even 6 miles there is still plenty of changes in the landscape. It’s a quiet spot to reflect, with a decent view, but it won’t compare to the one you’ve just witnessed on the headland. You might spot moose and northern gannets, as well as minke whales, harbor seals, and dolphins just offshore. Thanks, Anthony! Crazy, wild and wonderful memories. To help maintain physical distancing on the trail, please note that parking at Skyline Trail will be limited. You can still walk a beautiful loop with awesome. The Skyline Trail is a seven-kilometre, looping, hiking trail at Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, Canada. Skyline Trail Loop is a 5.9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near La Prairie, Nova Scotia, Canada that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. For more on camping in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, read our complete Cape Breton camping guide. It’s such an amazing landscape! Once you have soaked in the vistas on the headland, simply retrace your steps back to the parking area. Once you cross the causeway, it’s a two-hour drive to the trailhead, but you won’t want to drive all this way without a road trip on the world-famous Cabot Trail. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Thanks for pointing out the issue with the Pinterest photos. Distance: 5.4 mile (8.7 km) loop or 4.3 mile (7 km) out-and-backDifficulty: Easy to moderateSuitable for Kids: Definitely – there are some drop-offs near the coast, so be sure to stay on the boardwalk.Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the Skyline Trail, but are allowed in other parts of the national park. We have been living on the west coast of Canada for the last 8 years. The trail looks amazing. Watch for whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the viewing decks. As you get closer to the water, you’ll notice that the trees become more stunted and windswept, until they finally disappear altogether, opening up to incredible views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. I’ve always wanted to spot one, but in all honesty I’ve never been to Canada. The views were awesome And the trail is smooth, easy accessible for all. Don't miss this one. The views near the coast are indeed spectacular! A dramatic headland cliff overlooks the rugged coast from the end of this level trail. Although if you wanted to go to the look-off take the trail to the left at the fork in the trail. The size of the parking lot will give you an idea of how popular the trail is but don’t be discouraged, there’s plenty of room to spread out once you get walking. What a lovely place. Parks Canada is asking visitors to comply with recommendations from Nova Scotia public health authorities by wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, and by respecting recommended social distancing measures at all times. A lovely trail leading to the breathtaking views of the gulf! If you’re ready to plan your trip, check out these resources: Tara is a writer and photographer from Vermont with a passion for outdoor adventures. The hike seems pleasantly manageable. Cloud, Minnesota, 10 Incredible New York Yurts for Your Next Vacation, The Best Things to do in Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Winter Edition. The trail is primarily used for walking, running, nature trips, and bird watching. Cape Breton Island Map; Cape Breton Island Guide; All Cape Breton Island Hotels; Cape Breton Island Hotel Deals; Last Minute Hotels in Cape Breton Island; By Hotel Type. Skyline Trail, Cape Breton Island: See 826 reviews, articles, and 721 photos of Skyline Trail, ranked No.12 on Tripadvisor among 264 attractions in Cape Breton Island. It us why Nova Scotia is considered a great destination! To help maintain physical distancing on the trail, please note that parking at Skyline Trail will be limited. 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Adding this to my list to visit in Canada. It is one of the most exciting hikes along one of the most gorgeous stretches of highway in the whole world. This is a first-come, first-served campground with no potable water. The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton has all this and more. Definitely should be on your bucket list. There was an employee there, she gave the history of the trail and the park as well. The trail's highlights include coastal views from atop a headland cliff, allowing you to see way off into the distance. If not, the Skyline Trail which can be found in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the perfect one to showcase our windy roads, our mountains, and the rugged coastline. You can enjoy an eagle's view of the Cabot Trail as it winds its way down the mountain and vehicles look … It did feel more like a stroll, actually. A fantastic hike with a breathtaking ending. 3 reviews of Skyline Trail "There are an infinite number of places to visit and things to do on the Cabot Trial. The Skyline Trail is located on the western side of Cape Breton Island in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, between the towns of Chéticamp and Pleasant Bay. The day we visited there was a light wind However at the look off it was. Thanks for sharing. The view from the look off is amazing. This looks stunning though, such a nice break from all the city posts we usually read. If you hike early in the morning or late in the evening, you have a very good chance of spotting wildlife, including coyotes, bears, eagles, and moose. . You will need to pay a fee to enter the park either in Cheticamp or Ingonish. I especially loved that picture of the eagle. Trail Information. It doesn't get better than this. Sentier en boucle avec vue sur côte accidentée. We are not campers, but the way you say “spend more time outdoors” sells the concept. Our trip to explore the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Nova Scotia was one of the best trips we have ever taken. If you want something more rustic, there is a very small campground nearby that is right on the water called Corney Brook Campground. Our tour takes you to places the cruise tours do not go and tailors the time of the tour to the time you have in port. I guess it is a popular name…it never disappoints though! The Skyline Trail is trail #7 in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Majestic vistas, incredible wildlife, and an easy hike that will take your breath away? Besides that, great post! 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