Skyline Trail: Cape Breton's Coastal Crown Jewel
Hike the iconic Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park for breathtaking coastal views and unforgettable vistas.
The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must-visit for its stunning coastal views and accessible hiking. This well-maintained trail leads to a dramatic headland cliff overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, offering panoramic vistas of the Cabot Trail and the Atlantic Ocean.
A brief summary to Skyline Trail Cape Breton Highland National Park
- Skyline Trail, Inverness County, Nova Scotia, B0E 2P0, CA
Local tips
- Arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking, especially during peak season.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.
- Wear layers, as weather conditions in the highlands can change rapidly.
- Stay on the boardwalk to protect the fragile ecosystem and avoid fines.
- Check for trail updates and advisories before your visit.
Getting There
-
Car
The Skyline Trail parking area is located off the Cabot Trail. From the park entrance, drive approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) north towards Pleasant Bay. Look for the sign indicating the Skyline Trail parking lot on your right. Parking is limited and fills up quickly, especially during peak hours. A park pass is required to access the trail. Daily fees are $9.00 CAD for adults.
Discover more about Skyline Trail Cape Breton Highland National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Corney Brook Trail
3.0 km
An easy, family-friendly hike through Acadian forest to a charming waterfall in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
North Mountain look-off - The Aspy Fault
21.3 km
Breathtaking views of the Aspy Fault from North Mountain, a must-see stop along Cape Breton's Cabot Trail. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
White Point Trailhead
44.5 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of White Point Trailhead in Nova Scotia, where stunning landscapes and scenic trails await every adventurer.
Kidston Island
73.9 km
Discover the serene beauty of Kidston Island, a hidden gem in Nova Scotia, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Cape Breton Tourist Scavenger Hunt
87.6 km
Explore Cape Breton like never before with the Tourist Scavenger Hunt – an interactive journey through stunning landscapes and local culture.
East Point Lighthouse
87.8 km
Explore the historic East Point Lighthouse, a scenic gem on Prince Edward Island renowned for its maritime history and breathtaking coastal views.
Goat Island
92.0 km
Experience the serene beauty of Goat Island in Nova Scotia, where nature meets tranquility and breathtaking coastal views await. Discover your peaceful escape today.
Marconi National Historic Site
94.5 km
Discover the birthplace of transatlantic wireless communication at the Marconi National Historic Site in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.
Cape Breton Miners Museum
96.4 km
Discover the heart of Nova Scotia's coal mining history at Cape Breton Miners Museum, where stories of resilience and heritage come alive.
Unmissable attractions to see
Skyline Trailhead
2.1 km
Discover breathtaking vistas and diverse ecosystems at Skyline Trailhead, the ultimate hiking destination in Nova Scotia's Cape Breton National Park.
Skyline Trail
2.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a must-visit for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
French Mountain
2.6 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of French Mountain in Nova Scotia, where panoramic views and adventure await outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Le Vieux Chemin du Cap-Rouge Trailhead
4.4 km
Discover breathtaking views and enchanting landscapes on the Le Vieux Chemin du Cap-Rouge Trailhead along Nova Scotia's iconic Cabot Trail.
Fishing Cove trailhead
5.8 km
Explore the scenic beauty of Fishing Cove Trailhead, a premier hiking destination along Nova Scotia's iconic Cabot Trail, perfect for all outdoor enthusiasts.
Bog Trailhead
6.1 km
Discover the serene beauty of the Bog Trailhead along the Cabot Trail, a must-visit hiking area in Nova Scotia, where nature and tranquility await.
Le Buttereau Trailhead
9.0 km
Explore the breathtaking trails and natural beauty of Le Buttereau Trailhead in Nova Scotia, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
MacKenzie Mountain look-off - The Highland Plateau
9.1 km
Experience breathtaking views and serene landscapes at the MacKenzie Mountain Look-Off in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
MacKenzie Mountain Look-off - Whales
9.6 km
Discover breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline and lush landscapes at the MacKenzie Mountain Look-off in Nova Scotia, a must-visit for nature lovers.
Petit Étang beach
9.9 km
Explore the pristine sands and tranquil waters of Petit Étang Beach, a serene nature preserve in Inverness County, Nova Scotia, perfect for nature lovers and sun-seekers.
Chéticamp Campground - National Park
11.5 km
Explore the natural beauty of Chéticamp Campground in Cape Breton National Park, a perfect retreat for outdoor adventures and peaceful relaxation.
Acadian Trailhead
11.9 km
Explore the breathtaking trails of Acadian Trailhead in Cape Breton Highlands, a must-visit hiking destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Whale Interpretive Centre
12.1 km
Explore the Whale Interpretive Centre in Pleasant Bay for an unforgettable journey into the world of whales and marine conservation.
Salmon Pools Trailhead
12.2 km
Discover the natural beauty of Salmon Pools Trailhead in Nova Scotia, a stunning hiking area along the scenic Cabot Trail, perfect for outdoor adventures.
MacIntosh Brook Trailhead
12.7 km
Discover the natural beauty of MacIntosh Brook Trailhead, a premier hiking destination in Cape Breton National Park, Nova Scotia.
Essential places to dine
Rusty Anchor Restaurant
10.6 km
Experience fresh seafood delights at Rusty Anchor Restaurant on Nova Scotia's scenic Cabot Trail - perfect for family dining.
Highland Breeze Bistro
11.5 km
Experience authentic Nova Scotian cuisine at Highland Breeze Bistro in Inverness County—where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
The Mountain View Restaurant
11.5 km
Experience local flavors and breathtaking views at The Mountain View Restaurant in Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia.
L'abri café, restaurant et bar
14.1 km
Discover L'abri Café in Chéticamp: where local flavors meet stunning views along Nova Scotia's famous Cabot Trail.
Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge
14.8 km
Discover authentic Nova Scotian flavors at Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge in Chéticamp - where fresh seafood meets warm hospitality.
Harbour Restaurant and Bar
15.3 km
Discover exquisite seafood dining at Harbour Restaurant and Bar along Nova Scotia's scenic Cabot Trail - where freshness meets flavor.
The Newland's Island cuisine
15.6 km
Experience authentic Nova Scotian cuisine at Newland's Island, where fresh local ingredients meet warm hospitality amidst breathtaking coastal views.
Morrison's Restaurant
33.9 km
Discover delicious seafood and local cuisine at Morrison's Restaurant on the scenic Cabot Trail in Cape North, Nova Scotia.
Angies Family Restaurant & Pizza
34.4 km
Discover Angies Family Restaurant & Pizza in Cape North - where delicious comfort food meets breathtaking views along the Cabot Trail.
South Harbour Pines woodfired pizza
35.9 km
Experience authentic wood-fired pizza amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Cape Breton Island at South Harbour Pines.
Danena's Bakery & Bistro
35.9 km
Experience the best of Cape Breton at Danena's Bakery & Bistro—where every bite tells a story amidst stunning coastal views.
Belle View Restaurant Ltd
36.8 km
Experience coastal dining at its finest with breathtaking views and locally sourced cuisine at Belle View Restaurant in Nova Scotia.
Crofter's Table Restaurant & Thirsty Hiker Pub
38.9 km
Experience authentic Cape Breton flavors at Crofter's Table Restaurant & Thirsty Hiker Pub along the scenic Cabot Trail.
Coastal Restaurant & Pub
39.8 km
Discover Coastal Restaurant & Pub in Ingonish - where fresh seafood meets scenic views along the Cabot Trail.
Main Street Restaurant
40.2 km
Experience local flavors at Main Street Restaurant on the scenic Cabot Trail in Ingonish Beach – where great food meets stunning views.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cardinal Points Gift Shop
11.1 km
Explore the heart of Nova Scotia through unique local crafts and souvenirs at Cardinal Points Gift Shop, a gem along the Cabot Trail.
The Bargain! Shop
14.8 km
Explore The Bargain! Shop in Petit Étang for unique local products, great deals, and a welcoming shopping experience in Nova Scotia.
Lola's Hooked Rugs
15.1 km
Explore the beautiful craftsmanship of hand-hooked rugs and unique local gifts at Lola's Hooked Rugs in Chéticamp, Nova Scotia.
Marguerite boutique et provisions
15.1 km
Explore Marguerite Boutique et Provisions for a unique blend of local groceries, vintage finds, and a cozy café experience in Chéticamp.
Flora's Cabot Trail
20.1 km
Experience the best of Nova Scotia at Flora's Cabot Trail, where delicious ice cream meets unique local shopping in a stunning coastal setting.
T & R Crafts & Gifts
30.6 km
Uncover the beauty of local craftsmanship at T & R Crafts & Gifts in Cape North, Nova Scotia, where every item tells a story.
Cabot Trail Food Market Ltd
34.4 km
Explore the essence of Nova Scotia at Cabot Trail Food Market Ltd, your go-to stop for local groceries and unique regional flavors.
Courtney's Country Crafts
35.9 km
Discover unique handcrafted treasures at Courtney's Country Crafts, a charming craft store on the scenic Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.
Tartans and Treasures
35.9 km
Explore Tartans and Treasures in Dingwall, Nova Scotia - a unique store offering authentic Scottish goods and local crafts along the scenic Cabot Trail.
Margaree Harbour Craft & Gift Shop
39.3 km
Explore the charm of Margaree Harbour Craft & Gift Shop, where local artisans showcase their unique crafts and gifts along the stunning Cabot Trail.
Sew Inclined
44.0 km
Discover unique handmade hats and local craftsmanship at Sew Inclined, the must-visit hat shop in Englishtown, Nova Scotia.
Wreck Cove General Store
44.9 km
Discover the perfect blend of convenience and local charm at Wreck Cove General Store on the stunning Cabot Trail.
Two Macs Gallery
47.7 km
Explore Two Macs Gallery: A treasure trove of Cape Breton crafts and art in North East Margaree, perfect for unique gifts and local souvenirs.
Myles From Nowhere
48.8 km
Explore Myles From Nowhere, where history meets charm in Inverness County's finest antique store, filled with timeless treasures.
Wildfire Pottery
48.9 km
Explore the beauty of handcrafted ceramics at Wildfire Pottery, a unique store along the scenic Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Doryman Pub and Grill
14.3 km
Experience the warmth and local flavors at The Doryman Pub and Grill, a must-visit destination on the Cabot Trail in Chéticamp, Nova Scotia.
Thirsty Hiker Pub
38.9 km
Discover the warmth of Cape Breton at Thirsty Hiker Pub, where local brews and hearty meals await after your adventure on the Cabot Trail.
Purple Thistle
41.9 km
Experience the essence of Nova Scotia at Purple Thistle, where local flavors and breathtaking views create an unforgettable dining experience.
Castle Rock Country Inn
42.6 km
Discover the perfect blend of comfort and culinary delight at Castle Rock Country Inn on the iconic Cabot Trail.
Normaway Inn Music Barn
46.4 km
Discover the heart of Nova Scotia's music scene at Normaway Inn Music Barn, a cozy venue in Margaree Valley with unforgettable live performances.
Route 19 Brewing
64.2 km
Experience the vibrant craft beer culture at Route 19 Brewing in Inverness, Nova Scotia, where local flavors meet a unique dining atmosphere.
Cabot bar
64.6 km
Discover Cabot Bar in Mabou, Nova Scotia – a picturesque spot for craft drinks and breathtaking views along the Cabot Trail.
Blue Mist Dining Room and Lounge
72.6 km
Discover the warmth of Nova Scotia at Blue Mist Dining Room and Lounge, where local flavors meet a charming pub atmosphere.
The Narrows Cafe and Bar
73.6 km
Discover the flavors of Nova Scotia at The Narrows Cafe and Bar, where stunning views meet exquisite cuisine in Baddeck.
The Underground
76.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife at The Underground in Sydney Mines, where locals and tourists mingle over cocktails and live music.
The Cellar Bar
78.5 km
Discover The Cellar Bar in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, where local brews and unique appetizers create a cozy dining experience.
Island Folk Cider House
86.8 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Nova Scotia at Island Folk Cider House, where local ciders and a welcoming atmosphere await.
The French Club
86.8 km
Discover The French Club, a cozy bar in Sydney, where exquisite drinks meet a warm ambiance for the perfect evening.
Capri Cabaret
87.1 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Capri Cabaret, Sydney's premier destination for live music, dancing, and unforgettable entertainment.
The Crown Cafe & Bar
87.1 km
Experience the heart of Sydney at The Crown Cafe & Bar, where great food, drinks, and local culture come together in a vibrant pub setting.
