
On the hill
First time at Smokey?
Your first visit. Every season. A mountain above the ocean. A first visit can be a ride above the Atlantic, a walk to Hawley Lake or your first turns on snow. Choose your season and make Smokey your own.
Choose your season
Summer
Start with the view.
Gondola rides, trails, lake days and time outdoors.
Plan your summer visit
Winter
Start with your first turns.
Snow School, snowy trails and a mountain above the ocean.
Plan your winter visitPlan your first visit
A little planning.
More time to experience Smokey.
Book online before you travel and check the day’s hours, weather and open activities. Arrive at the base with your booking confirmation and everything you need for your chosen adventure.
Check hours & conditions
Book online
Tickets and rental purchases are online only. Confirm what your chosen product includes.
Getting here
38696 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach. Allow time to park, check in and get organised.
What to bring
Water, layers and footwear suited to your plans. Add sun protection in summer and warm gear in winter.
Before heading up
Use the lodge washrooms at the base. Check the last gondola ride and leave time to return.
explore more &
plan your visit
on snow
- gondola tickets Get your tickets and learn more about our deals.
- winter rentals Learn what you can rent for winter.
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trail maps
Explore & Discover
the trail map at Cape Smokey. - NEWS & events Discover what's on at Smokey!
- Eat & drink Discover what to Eat and Drink at Smokey and around Smokey.
- hours Discover our operation hours.
- getting here Find your way to Smokey.
- First time? Prepare your self for your trip.
Summer // your first day on the hill
Begin with the gondola. From the summit, choose a relaxed visit, a trail to the lake or a day exploring by bike. You set the pace.
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Gondola & summit
Enjoy the coastline from above, try summit mini golf and stop at The Cape. A long hike is optional.
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Hawley Lake
Follow the 5 km round-trip trail. Bring walking shoes and water, and add kayaking when available.
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Biking
Bring your own bike or arrange an E-Bike rental. Choose open routes that suit your experience.
SUMMER CHECKLIST / Walking shoes · Water · Sun protection · A weatherproof layer · Snacks for longer outings
Winter // find your feet
New to skiing
or snowboarding?
Start with Cape Smokey Snow School. An instructor helps you get comfortable with your equipment, practise stopping and turning, and build confidence in the Learning Zone.
The Magic Carpet introduces you to a gentle beginner lift. Progress onto suitable open runs when your instructor feels you are ready.
Prefer a day without skiing? A Snowshoe Day Pass includes snowshoes and one gondola ride up and down. Check weather and route access before setting out.
Explore snow school ↗01 / Choose your lesson
Private ski and snowboard lessons offer individual guidance. Explore ticket + lesson + rental options and check current inclusions before booking.
02 / Get your gear
Rental sets include skis or a snowboard, boots and a helmet, with poles for skiing. Follow your confirmation and leave time for fitting.
03 / Meet & start small
Meet your instructor as directed in your booking. Start in the Learning Zone and move to terrain that matches your ability.
Winter // dress for the mountain
Warm layers.
Room to move.
- Base layer — wool or synthetic; avoid cotton next to your skin.
- Mid layer — fleece or light insulation for warmth.
- Outer layer — waterproof jacket and snow pants for coastal wind and snow.
- Feet & hands — one pair of ski socks, plus warm waterproof gloves or mittens.
- Head & face — helmet, goggles and a neck gaiter. A helmet is included with rentals.
FAQ // first visit
- Do I need to ski or hike to enjoy Smokey?
- No. Choose a scenic visit, summer activities or a snowy adventure. Check the ticket options and activity availability for your date.
- How do I plan a summer lake visit?
- Bring walking shoes, water and layers for the 5 km round-trip hike. Allow time for the trail, your lake stop and the last gondola ride.
- Where should a first-time skier start?
- Book a lesson and start with your instructor in the Learning Zone. The gondola does not make every run suitable for beginners.
- Can I buy tickets and rentals on arrival?
- Purchases are online only. Arrange your booking before your visit and follow the confirmation instructions.
- How early should I arrive for a lesson?
- Follow the arrival time in your lesson confirmation and allow extra time for parking, check-in and equipment fitting.
- Where are the washrooms?
- Washrooms are in the lodge at the base. There are no washrooms at the summit, so plan ahead before going uphill.
Your first Smokey memory starts here.
Choose your season. Bring your curiosity. We will see you on the mountain.
Around the hill // Your day, your season
A day at Smokey
From summer trails to winter turns. Two ways to spend a memorable day above the Atlantic.

Summer
Take the scenic route.
Ride above the coast, wander to Hawley Lake and make time for the little moments in between.
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01 / Arrival
Start above the Atlantic
Take the gondola to the summit. Let the coastline unfold beneath you, then pause for your first mountain view.
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02 / Morning
Follow the trail to Hawley Lake
Set out on the 5 km round-trip hike. Take your time along the trail and leave room for a peaceful break by the lake.
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03 / Midday
A little time on the water
Enjoy a kayaking on Hawley Lake.
Prefer dry land? Stay lakeside and soak up the unreal scenery. -

04 / Afternoon
Taste the regional food, then enjoy the sunset by the ocean
Return from the lake and stop for lunch at The Cape. Add a round of summit mini golf before your final gondola ride.

Winter
Ski above the ocean.
Fresh mountain air, ocean views and a day of turns at your own pace. This is winter at Smokey.
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01 / Arrival
Get ready for the mountain
Collect your equipment if renting and check the trail report. Choose open runs that suit your ability.
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02 / Morning
Find your first turns
Ride up and spend the morning skiing or snowboarding. New to the slopes? Start with a Snow School lesson booked in advance.
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03 / Lunch
Warm up at The Cape
Take a proper lunch break. Refuel, warm up and share your favourite moments from the morning before heading back out.
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04 / Afternoon
Make the most of the mountain
Return to your favourite open runs, take in the Atlantic views and finish with a final run before the lifts close.