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Sunset over a forested river valley in the Cape Breton Highlands

Activities

Hiking Trails

Activities that begin at Cape Smokey

Hiker with binoculars and a white dog in the forest

Summer activity

Hiking Trails (5 km round trip)

Explore scenic forest trails surrounded by nature — a peaceful route connecting the summit to Hawley’s Lake.

Hiker photographing the forested highlands valley from a lookout

Summer & winter activity

Hiking Trails

Explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park on trails that wind through lush forests, along rugged cliffs, and to breathtaking lookouts. From the famed Skyline Trail’s sweeping ocean views to hidden waterfall paths, every hike here is a new adventure.

Discover activities
on the hill & around it.

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Mountain biker riding through bright autumn forest Biking Player throwing a pink disc at a disc golf basket Disc golf Atlantic Gondola cabin above the green hillside and the ocean Gondola Paddle boarder with a dog on a calm lake lined with autumn trees Paddle boarding Aerial view of a lake surrounded by autumn forest Kayaking Hiker with binoculars and a white dog in the forest Hiking Trails Mini golf course with a lighthouse model above the ocean Mini Golf Wooden lookout deck among birch trees above the blue ocean Lookouts Aerial view of islands covered in red and orange autumn trees on a calm lake Fall Colours The Cabot Trail winding down a snowy mountainside above the coast Cabot Trail Northern lights glowing over a still river lined with dark spruce trees Northern Lights The Milky Way rising over the dark ocean and rocky shore Stargazing Passengers in life jackets on a fast tour boat out on the ocean Guided Boat Tour Two paddlers in a red kayak on a still river below autumn-coloured hills Canoe Adventure Sailboat under full sail on the open Atlantic Yachting Aerial view of the Highlands Links golf course along the bay and Ingonish Beach Golf Angler fly fishing in a river below golden autumn trees Fishing Surfer carrying a board along the beach out of the waves Surfing Two riders on a jet ski speeding across the ocean Jet-Skiing Side-by-side ATV with headlights on, driving a forest trail between birch trees Trail-blazing By ATV Fiddlers and musicians performing on stage at the Celtic Colours festival Seasonal Events Aerial view of Hawley Lake surrounded by autumn forest Hawley Lake Cormorants drying their wings on rocks at the water’s edge Wildlife Watching Whale tail rising out of the dark blue ocean Whale Watching Scallops searing in a cast-iron pan Taste of the Region Shoppers at a farmer’s market stall with fresh strawberries, plums and vegetables Seasonal Farmer’s Markets Maple syrup in a maple-leaf bottle and small jars on a sunny windowsill Maple Harvest Traditions Pink and purple lupins blooming in front of spruce trees Wildflowers Aerial view of the Fortress of Louisbourg on the coast Heritage & History Band with guitars and keyboard playing live to an audience Music Nights Person on a zip line platform above autumn forest Zip Line Tennis racket raised above a blue outdoor court lined with trees Tennis Aerial view of a long sandy beach between the ocean and green dunes Beach Walks