Navigating Cape Breton Highlands National Park : Answers to common questions
- Admission Fee: Admission fee required, with daily or seasonal passes available.
- How Long to Visit: Time spent can vary from a few hours to several days, depending on activities and exploration.
- Washrooms: Restroom facilities are available at visitor centers and designated areas in the park.
- Hours of Operation: The park is open year-round, but some facilities and roads may be closed in winter.
- Important Information: Check the park's website for trail maps, weather conditions, and event listings.
- Family Friendly: Great for families, offering outdoor adventures and learning opportunities in nature.
- Photography: A paradise for photographers, with stunning landscapes, wildlife, and sunsets.
- WIFI: WIFI is limited to visitor centers and certain accommodations within the park.
- Gift Shop: Gift shops at visitor centers offer local crafts, books, and park memorabilia.
- Parking: Parking available at various trailheads and scenic viewpoints throughout the park.
- Pets: Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a leash at all times.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, including nature walks and cultural experiences.
- Restaurant or Cafe: Dining options are available in and around the park, including restaurants and picnic areas.
- Handicap Accessible: Many trails and facilities are accessible, but terrain varies widely across the park.
Please note all times and prices subject to change. Please check the offical website for details.
More in our list of Things To Do In Nova Scotia
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Map for Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Did You Know?
The Acadian cultural influence is evident within the park, especially in the Chéticamp area, where visitors can experience Acadian hospitality, cuisine, and music. This cultural heritage adds a unique dimension to the park's natural beauty, offering insights into the history and traditions of the Acadian people who have lived on this land for centuries.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, is renowned for its striking landscapes that encompass rugged coastlines, lush forests, and highland plateaus. Established in 1936, it is the first national park in the Atlantic provinces and covers an area of 948 square kilometers.
The park features the Cabot Trail, a scenic highway that winds through the park and along the island's coastline. This road is considered one of the world's most scenic drives, offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as access to a variety of hiking trails.
The park's diverse ecosystems support a wide range of flora and fauna. It is home to several species that are rare or endangered, such as the Bicknell's thrush and the Canada lynx. The varied landscapes, from coastal cliffs to Acadian forests, provide habitats for more than 200 bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to the famous Skyline Trail, a must-visit for hikers. This trail leads to a dramatic headland cliff that overlooks the ocean, offering stunning vistas and the chance to spot wildlife, including moose and bald eagles, in their natural habitat.
Travel Information for
Nova Scotia Visitors
Time Zone: Nova Scotia operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-4).
Weather: Nova Scotia experiences a maritime climate, which means milder winters and cooler summers compared to areas further inland. Winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the interior, with temperatures often ranging from -10 to 0 degrees Celsius (14 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are generally pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Coastal areas may experience fog and cooler temperatures.
Population: Nova Scotia has a population of approximately 1 million people. It's one of the four Atlantic provinces of Canada.
Size: The province covers an area of about 55,284 square kilometers (21,345 square miles), including the mainland and over 3,800 coastal islands.
Language: English is the predominant language spoken in Nova Scotia, though there are also French-speaking communities, particularly in the Acadian regions.
Currency: The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the currency used. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash can be helpful, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.
Safety: Nova Scotia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, with a low crime rate. Standard safety precautions are always recommended.
Tipping: Similar to the rest of Canada, tipping is customary in Nova Scotia. A tip of 15-20% on the total bill before tax is standard in restaurants, and tipping for other services like haircuts and taxi rides is also common.
Electricity and Plugs: Canada uses Type A and Type B plugs, and the standard voltage is 120 V with a standard frequency of 60 Hz. Travelers may need adapters or converters for their electronic devices.
Water: Tap water in Nova Scotia is safe to drink in most areas and is subject to strict quality controls.
Verified & Trusted Contact Information for Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Address:
Ingonish Beach, NS, Canada
Latitude: 46.7409
Longitude: -60.8862
More Places and Things To Do in Nova Scotia Within 500 km/300 mi of Cape Breton Highlands National Park
The Cabot Trail
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to The Cabot Trail is 18.2 KM / 11.3 MI
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is 71.8 KM / 44.6 MI
The Glenora Distillery
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to The Glenora Distillery is 73.5 KM / 45.6 MI
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site is 117 KM / 72.7 MI
Things to do in Halifax
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to Things to do in Halifax is 312.7 KM / 194.2 MI
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is 313 KM / 194.4 MI
The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site is 313 KM / 194.4 MI
The Halifax Public Gardens
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to The Halifax Public Gardens is 313.5 KM / 194.7 MI
Grand-Pré National Historic Site
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to Grand-Pré National Historic Site is 321.1 KM / 199.5 MI
Wolfville Magic Winery Bus Tour
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to Wolfville Magic Winery Bus Tour is 325.2 KM / 202 MI
Halls Harbour
The Distance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park to Halls Harbour is 335.6 KM / 208.5 MI
