The visitor centers at Cape Breton Highlands National Park are open from May 16 to October 26. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm in the spring and fall, and 8:30 am to 7 pm in the summer.
At Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the daily entrance fees are $9.00 for adults, $7.75 for seniors, and free for youth. A family/group of up to seven people pays $17.50. Seasonal passes are $43.50 for adults, $38.25 for seniors, and $87.25 for families. Annual Discovery Passes are $75.25 for adults, $64.50 for seniors, and $151.25 for families.
By car: Take the Cabot Trail via Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 105) from mainland Nova Scotia or Sydney. From PEI, ferry to Caribou, NS, then drive. Airports: Sydney (nearest), Halifax (major). Guided bus tours available from Halifax and Sydney.
Plenty of parking throughout the park. Broad Cove and Chéticamp River campgrounds offer sites for cars, RVs over 35 feet, and motorcycles. Overnight parking permitted in campgrounds. Parking fees included in campsite or day pass ($16/day, $80/week).
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Located on the northeastern tip of Nova Scotia, this rugged and enchanting park spans over 950 km², offering dramatic coastal cliffs, lush forests, and sweeping highland plateaus. Visitors can explore boreal, Acadian, and taiga ecosystems while traversing the scenic Cabot Trail, one of the most breathtaking drives in North America. Rich in wildlife and Celtic heritage, the park offers panoramic lookouts, star-filled night skies, and coastal adventures.
- Area (km²)
- 589.02
- Annual visitors
- 300 000
- Established year
- 1936
Top 3 Facts about Cape Breton Highlands National Park
The park includes the highest point in Nova Scotia, White Hill, standing at 533.5 meters above sea level, featuring a unique tundra-esque plateau. This elevation supports a diverse range of Acadian and Boreal forest types.
One of Nova Scotia’s largest wilderness areas, covering over 1,000 km².
Ideal for stargazing with minimal light pollution—see the Milky Way and Northern Lights.
Family programs
- Ranger-led Tours
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Night Sky & Astronomy
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Arts & Crafts
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Reserve campsites early and check for trail conditions or closures in advance.
Pack Appropriately
Bring layers, waterproof jacket, hiking boots, snacks, water, and navigation tools.
Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from moose, bears, and other wildlife. Never feed animals.
Stay Informed
Visit weekdays or off-season for fewer crowds; check Parks Canada for alerts and updates.
Seasons
Crisp and blooming, with wildflowers and fewer crowds. Trails reopen and wildlife becomes active.
Warm, sunny, and great for beach visits, kayaking, hiking, and sightseeing. Peak tourist season.
Fall colors peak in late September–early October. Ideal for hiking and photography.
Snow-covered scenery ideal for snowshoeing and solitude. Cold but scenic and peaceful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Cape Breton Highlands National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The drive from Halifax to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is approximately 5 hours, covering a distance of about 413 kilometers. This drive can take you through scenic routes and various towns before reaching the park at the northeastern part of Cape Breton Island.
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The Skyline Trail is a good option for kids, as it is rated easy and is 6.5 km long with a return trip, offering panoramic views and a boardwalk with steps at the headland. It is suitable for most skill levels and features a dramatic headland cliff and ocean views. However, be cautious with children around the cliffs and keep them on the boardwalk to protect the fragile headland plants.
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You can take your dog on most trails, but not on the Skyline Trail, as it is restricted to protect wildlife like moose and bears. Your dog must be on a leash and you need to clean up after them. Some beach areas are also off-limits to dogs.
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Parking is not included with admission; it is part of the services for which you need a park pass. You still need to pay the daily admission fee even if you are using the campgrounds or other facilities.
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Explore 26 hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs with panoramic views of canyons and highlands. Enjoy camping at one of the 8 campgrounds, including oTENTiks in Chéticamp, Ingonish Beach, and Broad Cove. Other activities include swimming, cycling, golfing, fishing, and participating in interpretive programs to learn about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
