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Ski tourer skinning up a groomed slope with the bay and gondola behind

Activities

Ski Touring

Activities that begin at Cape Smokey

Cross-country skiers on a snowy trail below the highlands

Winter activity

Cross-Country & Backcountry Skiing

Winter in Cape Breton offers more than downhill thrills. Just beyond Cape Smokey, you’ll find a network of serene cross-country (Nordic) ski trails, winding through snow-covered forests and open landscapes with breathtaking ocean and highland views. For those seeking more adventure, the island’s backcountry terrain invites exploration on untouched slopes, where fresh powder and quiet wilderness create an unforgettable escape. Whether you prefer a gentle glide or a challenging climb, skiing here is as much about the beauty of the setting as it is about the sport itself.

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on the hill & around it.

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Skier carving down a groomed run above the Atlantic coast Skiing Snowboarder in mid-air above the snowy coastline Snowboarding Atlantic Gondola cabin above the green hillside and the ocean Gondola Paddle boarder on calm water near the rocky shore Paddle boarding Aerial view of a lake surrounded by autumn forest Kayaking Skier in a yellow jacket skiing powder between bare trees Glade Skiing Ski tourer skinning up a groomed slope with the bay and gondola behind Ski Touring Two snowshoers walking through a snowy birch forest Snowshoeing Hiker with binoculars and a white dog in the forest Hiking Trails Mountain biker riding through bright autumn forest Mountain Biking Wooden lookout deck among birch trees above the blue ocean Lookouts 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 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 Angler fly fishing in a river below golden autumn trees Fishing Surfer carrying a board along the beach out of the waves Surfing 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 Two snowmobilers riding a groomed trail through snow-laden spruce forest Snowmobile Angler drilling a hole in the lake ice at dusk, lit cottages behind Ice Fishing Cormorants drying their wings on rocks at the water’s edge Wildlife Watching Scallops searing in a cast-iron pan Taste of the Region