White Point

Difficulty Level: Easy

Direction: 2103 White Point Rd, Dingwall, NS B0C 1G0

White Point is a small coastal community located on the east coast at the Northern Tip of the Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is known for its stunning scenery, which includes nearby white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and rugged cliffs that drop into the ocean. The area is popular among tourists who come to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing. White Point is also a great place for birdwatching, as it is home to a variety of seabirds and shorebirds. The local economy is largely based on tourism and fishing, and it’s only minutes away from Blue Bayou Resort. The community is close-knit, and residents take pride in preserving the natural beauty of their area. Overall, White Point is a charming and peaceful place that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. White Point is one of the most visited area that is Outside of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The drive to White Point is one of the best for views and once you get there you will truly feel part of the Highlands. Simply take White Point road to the end while passing by the “Bayou”.

Kauzmann Trail

Difficulty Level: Easy

Direction:  Kauzmann-Trailhead, 6014 Rd, Saint Margaret Village, NS B0C 1R0

From Ingonish, drive approximately 30 minutes North along the Cabot Trail, to the community of Dingwall. Turn right onto Bay St. Lawrence Road.  Drive approximately 20 minutes (18km) until you reach 6014 road on your right. The trailhead is located 5.6 km from Bay St. Lawrence Road and marked by a buoy hanging from a tree and flagging tape. Available on Google Map.

Note: The road can be tricky at times, but it is maintained to provide access to quarry, power line access, and transmission towers.  Take your time, it is worth the drive; trust me.  Enjoy some great views of Bay St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean on route to the trailhead.

There's about 1 km of dense brush, and then you're out in the open, ridgeline hiking. On your left are all the mountains of northern Cape Breton, and on your right is a sweeping vista of the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear sunny day, you'll be able to see for 10 km in every direction and enjoy the cool ocean breeze. The trail itself is not too hard, as long as you've got good footwear. You are doing the climbing while driving there, the rest is easy. Narrow ridge hike 1000 feet above the Atlantic.

Franey Trail

Difficulty Level: Moderate 

Direction: 230 Franey Rd, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0

Enjoy this 7.2-km loop trail near Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 28 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, snowshoeing, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Pollett’s Cove

Difficulty Level: Hard

Direction: 1773 Red River Rd, Pleasant Bay, NS B0E 2P0

Head out on this 16.4-km out-and-back trail near Red River, Nova Scotia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 56 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are May through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

The only access to the cove is via boat or a narrow trail. It is owned by a local who generously makes it available for public use. The hike starts near Gampo Abbey, a Buddist monastery in Pleasant Bay. The trail mostly follows the coast line. 

It starts with a steep climb until you reach a stretch that is briefly flat along a cliff edge. It is followed by 3 knolls and then a steep decline into the cove valley. The trail is narrow throughout, and often traverses near vertical slopes and cliffs, often rough with loose rocks. Do not hike this in wet weather as it would be very treacherous. 

The latter part of the hike has a couple of stretches through deep wild roses and other 6 ft tall vegetation. The cove was outstanding consisting of a valley with a mountain stream draining to the ocean and populated by wild horses who are very tame and curious about campsites - a beautiful place truly in the wilderness. 

Beulach Ban Falls

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Direction: Aspy Trailhead, National Park Of Canada, NS B0C 1K0

Nestled within the Northern borders of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, these spectacular cascades are sure to amaze you. To reach these falls, it is only a short hike through the park, near Cape North in the Aspy Valley. The Beulach Ban Falls fall from the top of the highlands and are surrounded by forest, and with its close entry to the road, these falls are easily accessible—allowing for everyone to enjoy the view. A Skip and a hop from where you park.

Mary Ann Falls

Difficulty Level: Easy 

Direction: Ingonish, Nova Scotia B0C 1K0

Experience this 1.1-km out-and-back trail near Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 min to complete. This is a popular trail for walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are June through September.