Length of stay: 3 days
Visited: August 2024
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is located in the northern part of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. It was the first national park created in Atlantic Canada and offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and lush landscape. There are no shortage of trails to explore the highlands where mountains meet the sea.
Day 1: Coastal Views and Jack Pines
The forecast was calling for rain in the morning so we took our time getting ready. We stopped to pick up groceries before heading further north. Today was supposed to reach a high of 29°C and feel like 39°C with the humidity so we were in no rush to hit the trails. On the drive from Port Hawkesbury to Cape Breton Highlands we stopped at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
Alexander Graham Bell is best known as the inventor of the telephone. He was born in Scotland and emigrated to Canada in his early 20s. He fell in love with the scenery in Cape Breton as it reminded him of Scotland. And so he bought land near Baddeck, built a summer home for his family and conducted many of his scientific experiments there. It’s also where he and his wife were buried.
The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site tells the story of Bell’s life, interests and innovations. It showcases many artifacts from his inventions and experiments, most of which have been donated by his family. In addition to inventing the telephone, he made other significant contributions to society, including improving the phonograph, developing the first successful hydrofoil, experimenting with aviation and enhancing education for deaf children.
We then headed to the Ingonish Beach Campground near the southeastern entrance of Cape Breton Highlands. We were a bit early for check in, but our oTENTik had already been cleaned so they handed us the keys. Our site was pretty nice. We even got a bit of shade from the nearby trees. First things first, we opened all the windows and door to create a cross-breeze. While the oTENTik came fully furnished, it did not have electricity, which meant no air conditioning.
After eating a late lunch, we headed out later in the afternoon to go for a hike. Along the way we stopped at a few scenic overlooks to admire the coastal scenery. It was very blustery by the shoreline, which was much appreciated given the heat.
We settled on the Jack Pine Trail (2.3km loop, rated easy) which winds through a jack pine stand and connects with the Coastal Trail for a longer loop. Along the way there’s a series of interpretive panels that explain more about how the forest has undergone several changes, including a forest fire in 1921 and a budworm infestation in the late 1970s, as well as the different types of plants found in this area. The neat thing about this jack pine forest is that it’s almost 200km away from other jack pine stands in Cape Breton.
The trail passes through a young forest. The path was a bit rocky and there were a lot of roots everywhere, but it wasn’t too bad. Near the halfway point the trail connects with the Coastal Trail for a slightly longer hike with several scenic overlooks. And so that’s where we went. There were several fallen trees on this section of the path, likely from Hurricane Fiona. It swept through the area in September 2022 and was one of the strongest storms in Canadian history. What’s wild was that we were actually in Cape Breton Highlands the week before the hurricane.
Once we completed the trail we headed back to our campsite to get started on dinner. While it was still super hot outside, there was a nice breeze rolling in.
Day 2: Random Adventures and More Coastal Views
It cooled down a bit overnight, but it was overcast and still muggy the next morning. After eating breakfast we went for a hike in an effort to beat the heat. We went with the Middle Head Trail (3.8km round trip, rated moderate) which is located just beyond the Keltic Lodge in Ingonish. We got to the parking lot just before 8:30am and there were already a few cars there.
The path leads through the forest along a narrow peninsula and features a few overlooks on either side of the bay. As we neared the end of the peninsula we saw quite a few fallen trees. There was also a route detour. At the very tip of the peninsula there’s a solitary Parks Canada Red Chair overlooking the water.
We were pretty hot and sweaty by the time we circled back to the parking lot. We returned to our site to cool off and eat an early lunch. But it was even warmer inside our oTENTik and unlike yesterday, there was no breeze. So to escape from the heat we decided to take a scenic drive to enjoy the air conditioning from the car. It worked out well because the baby needed to go down for a nap anyway.
As we made our way further north it started to lightly mist and the temperature was noticeably cooler. We stopped at Dingwall to check out the lighthouse and harbour. It was neat to see some of the names on the fishing boats. My personal favourite was Government Slave II.
We made our way to Meat Cove, a small fishing village at the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. Along the way we passed a few smaller communities and some really nice viewpoints. The drive wasn’t too bad. It’s mostly paved except for the last 8 kilometres or so after Capstick, but even then there were a couple of paved sections on a few of the particularly steep hills.
We arrived at Meat Cove and stopped at the small rocky beach to stretch our legs. The waves were rockin’ and a rollin’. We saw a bunch of seaweed that had washed up on the shore. There was also a cormorant hanging out on the rocks.
It was then time to make the drive back to our campsite. But before that we stopped to hike the Freshwater Lake Trail (1.7km loop, rated easy). There are a couple different access points to the trail from either Ingonish Beach or the main road. We opted to park at Ingonish Beach so we could check out the water afterwards.
From the main parking lot we followed the signs for the trail. After walking past the tennis courts we found a paved path. At the junction we turned left to get to Freshwater Lake, but if we continued straight we would have found the other access point. This section follows a wide gravel path and hugs the shoreline of the lake. Along the way there are numerous viewing platforms to enjoy the views overlooking the water.
By the time we returned to our campsite it was time for dinner. It was now much more comfortable outside and it was supposed to cool down to 18°C overnight.
Day 3: Skyline
From Ingonish Beach we planned to drive the rest of the way through the park along the Cabot Trail to Chéticamp. After eating breakfast, we packed up and hit the road. We stopped to hike a few trails along the way starting with the Lone Shieling (0.4km loop, rated easy). The trail weaves through one of the largest old hardwood forests in the Maritimes. Some of the trees are over 350 years old. As such it is one of the most protected areas in the park.
The trail also passes a replica of a Scottish shepherd’s hut which was built to commemorate Donald S. MacIntosh and his Scottish heritage. He bequeathed 100 acres of his homestead, which helped create Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
We were back on the road for a short stretch before pulling over to hike the MacIntosh Brook Trail (1.7km round trip, rated easy). The path follows a brook through the valley in an Acadian old growth forest. There are several bridges along the way that criss-cross over the river. Once we reached the waterfall we turned around and walked back the way that we came.
By the time we wrapped up our hike it was close to lunch time. Conveniently there’s a sheltered picnic area and restrooms located by the parking lot so this seemed like as good a spot as any to take a break. Just as we got settled in, a tour bus pulls up, everyone gets out and they take over the sheltered picnic area. It was a bit too loud and way too crowded for our liking, so we left and found a spot in the shade outside. This probably worked out better as there was a nice breeze.
We hit the road again, stopping to hike the Bog Trail (0.5km loop, rated easy). It follows a boardwalk through the French Mountain Bog, which is situated on the highland plateau 410 metres (or 1,350 feet) above sea level. Along the trail there’s a series of interpretive signs that provide more information about the bog and the types of plants that are typically found here.
Wetlands are common in the highland plateau because of poor drainage and a cool, wet climate. This bog is actually a slope fen, which receives all of its moisture from precipitation, but also through the seeping ground or surface water. They are important as they support a wide variety of plants and animals and also help to reduce flooding.
We planned to hike the Skyline Trail afterwards, but there was a sign to indicate that it was temporarily closed. There was someone there that told us that the parking lot had reached capacity and that we should return closer to 5pm. So we drove to the Chéticamp Campground to check into our oTENTik. It turned out to be our best site yet as it was off on its own, tucked into the forest by the river.
We ventured out later in the afternoon to finally hike the Skyline Trail (8.2km loop, rated easy). We arrived at the trailhead just after 4:30pm and the temporarily closed sign had been removed. There were still quite a few cars in the parking lot, but we had no issues finding a spot.
We’ve actually hiked this trail before and knew what to expect. The path is wide and relatively flat. It’s also mostly gravel except for a boardwalk section to get to the main lookout. We decided to bring our stroller. We had to lift it over a few rocky sections, but it was mostly fine. After a few hundred metres, the trail branches off in either direction to form a loop. Most people go left to get to the main lookout and simply turn around and walk back the way they came, which shaves off a couple of kilometres from the hike. We turned right to take the longer route to the main lookout to escape the crowds. Along the way there’s two other overlooks of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. But even the walk through the windswept vegetation was scenic.
To get to the main lookout requires walking along a series of boardwalks and steps that lead down a ridge, providing sweeping views of the Cabot Trail, rolling hills and rugged coastline. The terrain here is an example of wild boreal headland where global winds and ocean currents converge on this mountain rock.
We completed the rest of the loop, passing through more windswept vegetation and a moose exclosure with an observation tower. Overall it took us two and half hours to complete the trail. Once we returned to our campsite it was time to put M down for bed then eat a very late dinner. The next morning we planned to drive to the Fortress of Louisbourg.
L
Wow I added Cape Breton Highlands to our list. We enjoy watching cormorants fish on Cayuga lake. What a lovely family.
Thanks so much for your kind words. The scenery in Cape Breton Highlands is gorgeous. I’m glad we were able to share the experience with our little one. It was a nice surprise to see the cormorant on the beach. We would have missed it entirely if it wasn’t for another couple that pointed it out.
Wow, so many beautiful views and trails, and photos Linda! What I love most about Cape Breton Highlands National Park is its diverse wilderness and how you can go from hiking through forests and looking for dolphins and whales to swimming in freshwater lakes and stopping at the many lookout points to admire the beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thanks Aiva. Cape Breton is incredibly scenic and there’s so much to see and explore. There’s a bit of something here for everyone whether you’re into hiking, driving or hanging out at the beach. Thanks so much for reading. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Cheers. Linda
Breathtaking! I loved all the photos and highlights! And, yes, what a lovely family!
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. Despite the heat we had a wonderful time exploring the trails and overlooks. And I’m so glad we could share the experience with our little one. She loves being outside.
What beautiful scenery, some of your shots remind me of visiting Acadia National Park. Baby M is so adorable with her little arm rolls. Such special memories for you all.
You’re right, the coastal scenery is similar to Acadia. Prior to the pandemic we used to go there every spring. We haven’t been in a while though, which I’m thinking we need to change that. The baby rolls are very cute. I’m sure you’re super excited to meet your little one soon!
WoW !!! Absolutely Beautiful
The scenery in Cape Breton Highlands is stunning. I’m glad we had clear skies to enjoy the coastal views. Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment.
Looks really beautiful!!
Even though it was hot and humid, I’m glad we had blue skies to enjoy the coastal scenery.
There is very beautiful, certainly you enjoy being there!!
Oh absolutely! It’s always a real treat to be surrounded by nature!
Oh you had such gorgeous weather for your stay, drive and hikes Linda. This drive has long been one of our favourites. The museum at Baddeck is worth seeing and we also stayed at Ingonish Beach, but in a cabin. We walked down to the coast a couple of times, but did not have a lot of time for hiking. So, thanks for showing me the trails. On the last day of our drive toward Cheticamp, we ran into a road crew who had sprayed tack coat on the highway, ready for paving and then had to leave it sit while the rain fell. Our white car was tar speckled by the time we were done and we had to spend a few hundred dollars and countless hours to get it all off. I am still finding some specs 6 years later. Great post. Happy Friday. Allan
It was stinking hot and humid the first day we explored Cape Breton Highlands, but thankfully it cooled down towards the end. And hey, I’d rather take the heat over the rain. The drive along the Cabot Trail is incredible scenic. It’s one of my favourites as well. It’s too bad about your car, but think of it this way, every time you found a tar spec, I’m sure it brought back memories of your trip!! Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Linda
Wow!!! I would love to be on the trails along the ocean, incredibly beautiful! But hold the tour bus, kind of a bummer, eh? I love your family photo, baby M is so adorable! Thank you for sharing this beauty, Linda! ❤️😊🇨🇦
The coastal scenery is stunning and there are no shortage of beautiful viewpoints from the trails or along the drive. The tour bus taking over the sheltered picnic area wasn’t ideal since we had just settled in with baby M. But, once we found a spot outside in the shade, it wasn’t too bad. And at least we got to enjoy some live Scottish music. I think baby M preferred it as well. She just loves being outside. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Linda
Aw how sweet! Hi, baby M! ❤️😊
She’s got great taste already! It works out quite well for us as we also enjoy being out in nature!!
So wonderful! 🙏🏻❤️
A fabulous weekend. Looking at your photos I can see how the group of seven was so inspired by Canada’s amazing scenery. Like everyone I loved the family photo. Baby M has seen more of North America than many adults! Thanks Linda.
Oh I know! It makes us want to visit Scotland now to spend more time in the highlands. I’m glad we had blue skies to appreciate the beautiful views. Baby M has been such a delight to travel with. She’s so curious and loves being out in nature. We might as well take advantage of her being able to fly for free until she’s two!
It’s as gorgeous as i imagined. It’s been on my fall list to rent a motorcycle and drive/hike the trail. Wonderful to see a picture of the 3 of you!
The Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic drives we’ve taken. And there is no shortage of beautiful viewpoints and trails along the way. You would love it there.
Beautiful scenery, and I really like the look of your accommodation, even if it can get a bit overheated in there. Great trails by the sound of it.
We’re a huge fan of those oTENTiks and have stayed in a few of them across Canada. It’s a great way to stay within a national park without having to actually rough it in a tent. But the lack of air conditioning wasn’t ideal. Thankfully it started to cool down after our first night in Cape Breton Highlands. The hiking and the driving was incredibly scenic.
Very enjoyable post! NS is so beautiful and your photos of it are lovely. I especially like your lovely little family photo, Linda. 😊Too bad it was humid and muggy at times but you seemed to have managed it well. Fantastic hikes. We really should visit NS again.
Thanks so much for your kind words. As you can probably tell by now, we’re not a fan of the heat. The humidity was the worst though. It was tough not having air conditioning in our oTENTik, but thankfully it started to cool down towards the second half of our trip. Either way, we enjoyed the scenery and got some decent hiking in as well. Hopefully you’re able to return to Nova Scotia. It’s such a beautiful part of Canada.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park looks to have plenty of scenic boardwalks. I was interested to read about Alexander Graham Bell as there is an entire gallery devoted to him in the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and even a lovely pub bearing his name filled within photographs and memorabilia. In Canada I’ve so far only visited BC and Victoria Island so I’ve much to discover!
I’m such a sucker for a trail with a boardwalk. It’s a great way to visit an area that otherwise would have been inaccessible (in the case of the Bog Trail) or helps protect a fragile environment (in the case of the Skyline Trail). It was neat to visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and learn more about him and his other inventions besides the telephone. Good to know there’s a museum (and pub) dedicated to him in Scotland. We must make our way over there someday. And yes, you definitely should visit more of Canada. You’d love it, especially on the east coast.
Your trips are always so refreshing. I love the pictures especially the family photo.Too adorable.
Thanks for your kind words. We had a wonderful time exploring Nova Scotia. Cape Breton Highlands was such a highlight. We figure we might as well take advantage of our little one flying for free until she’s two!
That’s good to hear. You guys go on all the coolest adventures, hands down!!Very smart to get those free flights in.haha
Aww thanks!! It’s always exciting to visit somewhere new. And yes, we figured we might as well take advantage of those free flights while we can, which means we should start travelling further afield!
What lovely photos of the park area. We wished we had more time to explore the hikes and the weather wasn’t the best when we were there, which was in August 2022, like you just before the storm that damaged so much of the area. I’d love to go back and explore more of Eastern Canada one day! You seem to enjoy the OTentik experience…will have to try those sometime too. I know they have them in many of the parks now. Thanks for bringing back lovely memories!
Thanks for your lovely comment. We could have easily spent more time exploring Cape Breton Highlands as well. Sorry to hear that you didn’t have the greatest weather when you were there in 2022. We’ve stayed in a few oTENTiks across Canada. It’s a much more comfortable way to camp within a national park without having to travel with all our camping stuff. It’s great that they have that option and are adding more to many of the parks.
Cape Breton is amazing. Baby M has grown so much!
Cape Breton Highlands was such a highlight. It makes us want to visit Scotland now. It’s crazy how quickly baby M has grown. She’s changed so much too. I can’t believe she’ll be one next month!
Adorable family! Quaint location and love the phones, especially the blue one. 💙
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. The scenery was spectacular. I’m glad we got to share the experience with baby M!
So beautiful place, so cozy cabin and nice touch with the red chairs wich i love it. Thank’s for share Linda.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Take care.
Thanks so much for your kind words. We’re such a fan of staying in those oTENTiks. They’re a comfortable way to camp without us having to travel with all our camping gear. It’s always nice to stumble upon the Red Chairs. They’re often located at a beautiful overlook, which is the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the moment and enjoy the views. Hope you had a nice weekend. Linda
I wasn’t aware of the historical connection between this part of Canada with Alexander Graham Bell. I remember learning about his name and invention at primary school. From your photos, I can tell that this trip was definitely hotter than many of the hikes you did before. But the sun really made everything look more alive.
I didn’t realize that Bell had such a strong connection with Cape Breton Island either. It was neat to learn more about his early days and other contributions besides the telephone. He seemed to just really like to tinker around with things.
You’re right, the sun does make the landscape appear more vibrant. As much as I complained about the heat, I’d take the sun over the rain any day!
Oh my, all these areas are spectacularly beautiful! I’ll have to add them to,our itinerary when we visit? Lovely photo of the three of you; baby looks so happy!
Cape Breton Highlands was such a highlight of our road trip through Nova Scotia. The coastal scenery is stunning whether you’re driving or hiking. And thanks. Baby M is such a good little traveller and enjoys the outdoors!
How wonderful that you managed to enjoy such an unrushed time exploring this fabulous national park. All the trails and coastal landscapes look lovely, particularly at Meat Cove where you met Mr/Ms. Cormorant. I had no idea that Graham Alexander Bell’s story played out in this area of Canada, nor indeed that part of his life’s work helped to improve the lives of deaf children. The oTENTik being a bit of a sauna doesn’t sound like it was much fun.
It was nice to spend a few days exploring Cape Breton Highlights since it’s such a big park. I had no idea Bell had such a strong connection to the area either. It was neat to learn more about his early life and some of his other contributions to society besides inventing the telephone. We’re generally a huge fan of staying in oTENTiks when we’re travelling in Canada. But it was a bit rough during the middle of a heat wave! Oh well, we survived. And it was nice to stay overnight in the park for a few nights so we could scale back on driving.
Beautiful family, photos and landscapes!!! 🤗
Thanks so much for your kind words. Cape Breton Highlands was such a highlight of our road trip through Nova Scotia. The coastal scenery is stunning whether driving or exploring the trails. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Linda
Beautiful pictures and beautiful views. This place is on my list to visit. Actually, my husband and I have a plan to visit all 47 national parks in Canada. So far we have been to six. Long way to go. Oh and the hike looked amazing.
Thanks for your lovely comment. That’s a fantastic goal to try to visit all the national parks in Canada. I’d love to do the same!! We’ve been to 22, so also a long way to go!
Oh wow! Good for you!
Thanks! Visiting the remaining ones will be a bit tougher, but I like a good challenge!
Oh yes, some of them will take a bit of savings for.
No kidding, like all the ones in the territories! But, I bet it would be a trip of a lifetime!
I love this! My family and I loved Cape Breton when we visited, and we actually did all but one of these trails so this was such a fun walk down memory lane for me!
Cape Breton Highlands was such a highlight of our road trip through Nova Scotia. Even the drive through the park along the Cabot Trail was scenic. Glad to hear you hit up most of the same trails as us. We managed to explore a few more when we were there a couple of years ago but had to scale back a bit with our little one. After this trip we ended up buying one of those backpack baby carriers. She’s getting heavy!!
I had no idea Alexander Graham Bell emigrated to Canada, but I can see why he chose to settle in Cape Breton. It’s such a pretty, scenic spot! It’s a shame it was so hot and muggy while you were there though.
Same, I had no idea Alexander Graham Bell had such a strong connection with Cape Breton. But with beautiful scenery like that, how could you not fall in love with the area!? It was neat to learn more about him and his passion for tinkering with things.
How absolutely beautiful and what gorgeous weather you had (even it was a bit too hot!) and I love your family shot 🙂
Thanks! As much as I complained about the heat, it’s so much better than rain. And the sunshine always makes for better pictures of the water!
Hi Linda,
First off – what a cute picture of you and your family. Your daughter is so sweet.
This post brings back memories! I had completely forgotten about the Bell museum. I remember reading about his wife and her challenges.
My favourite trail you did is the Skyline. I loved the paving stones, and the stone hut. The Scots are amazing people, and have thrived everywhere they go. When I was in Scotland, I was surprised by how empty it was. It seems they all moved here. Both of my grandparents are from Scotland, so it’s fun for me to see these historical markers. The scenery changes so much on your hike too. A bit of everything.
For your oTENTik, it looks like it sleeps quite a few people. Is there a sleeping loft as well? You don’t have to share it, right? The whole thing is yours? I’m used to huts out west, where you just rent a single bunk in a hut not much bigger than your oTENTik.
Thanks! I can’t believe how fast she’s growing! The Skyline Trail was one of our favourites as well. I can see why it’s so busy. After spending a few days in Cape Breton Highlands we’re now really curious to see how they compare to the highlands in Scotland. We’ve never been before but would love to visit. It’s neat that you have so much family history there.
The oTENTiks are fantastic. They can sleep up to six people (four on the bottom and two in the loft up top). And you aren’t sharing with randoms. When you book the site, it’s all yours. Some of them even come with electricity, heating, dishes, and everything you need to cook and eat with (minus the food of course). We’ve stayed in a few of them at the national parks across Canada. It’s a great way to camp while travelling without having to lug your tent or sleeping pads with you.
They have them in Point Pelee National Park in Ontario and we typically try to go every year. They are becoming much more popular though and you have to book them as soon as that reservation window opens up for the season. We found they are much easier (and a bit cheaper) to book them out east.
Thanks for the info on the oTENTiks. Such a great idea. Your own hut without the randoms 🙂 I live sleeping in my own space. When backpacking, I’ll lug my own tent just so I can have a bit of privacy.
The Scottish Highlands are stunning. I was there two Octobers ago (has it really been that long????) and I loved it. Oct meant very few people, and NO bugs. However there was some rain, which is totally to be expected. Ben Nevis was busy, as per usual, but by getting up early, we missed the worst of the crowds. Other than hiking on a few weekends, we had the place to ourselves. SO nice. Highly recommend it, and I’d love to go back.
Oh I know. I go to bed early and like to wake up early. And I’m such a light sleeper. I much prefer my own space (and some comfort), even if I have to pay extra for it.
Good to know that October is a nice time of the year to visit Scotland. I’d take the shorter days and more rain over the crowds and bugs. We’re debating about whether this can be our big trip (combined with Ireland) for 2026. Another option is Norway/Sweden. My husband will be getting a six week sabbatical then so we’re trying to brainstorm ideas. I think we’re going to wait and see how our little one does in New Zealand first.
Oh, tough choice between Scotland and Norway/Sweden. What a great life you live!
Hahaha oh I know!! We’ve now thrown Italy and France into the mix. How will we ever decide!?!
Hmmm, two totally different vibes. Since you were recently in Italy…
I’m one to talk though. I’m planning the Dolomites for next September but I’m dreaming about Iceland.
Ha!! I’m always dreaming about Iceland. It’s where my love of travel and hiking first began! Happy trip planning!!
Really??? How cool! Is that the first place you went?
Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed, and end up going somewhere easy instead of planning the location I really want. It’s like I want to go and have such a good time, that I put too much pressure on it – did I book the right time of year? Did I miss a key activity? It’s silly, but if I go to a place with less importance to me, I just go, kinda wing it, and have a great time. So I have to stop that, and just put more effort in making my big trip ideas happen.
Iceland was one of our first major trips that we took that really got us into camping, hiking and enjoying the outdoors. We were there for three weeks. I actually bought most of our camping stuff for that trip and we’re still using a lot of that stuff now. I know what you mean about trip planning. It can be overwhelming and time consuming. There’s something comforting about going somewhere that’s already familiar. And it gives you the opportunity to visit spots that you missed. That being said, it’s always exciting to explore somewhere new.
Oh, the Cape Breton Highlands are so so beautiful. On my wishlist to visit one day. The scenery just looks so amazing! I can see why Bell fell in love with it. It does remind me a bit of the Scottish Highlands indeed.
You visited and took in so much together on those three days and Baby M is just adorable and getting bigger by the day!
Cape Breton Highlands were such a highlight of our trip to Nova Scotia. We’re now curious to see how they compare to the highlands in Scotland. We’ve never been, but it’s on our travel list!
And yes, baby M is definitely getting bigger! I can’t believe she’ll be one in a few weeks!
What a nice record of your excursion! That furnished tent looks very nice and your baby girl is so cute – do you have her in a carrier on your back for these hikes? Just wait until she’s toddling along on the trail with you!
Thanks for your lovely comment. We’ve been wearing her in a forward facing carrier but recently splurged on one of those backpack child carriers as she’s getting pretty heavy! We tested it out last weekend and it’s been a total game changer while hiking. And yes, I’m looking forward to when she can walk the trails herself!!
You had beautiful views of the shoreline on your hikes. We also find the names of boats fascinating (and beach houses) – people are very creative with their choices of names. Just love how old some of these trees are – and rightly a protected area. I can also see why you guys didn’t mind walking the Skyline Trail again – the views are lovely. Beautiful photo of the three of you.
Just a thought: I wonder what Alexander Graham Bell would say about the cell phone today.
The coastal scenery in Cape Breton is stunning. I’m glad we had a lot of sunshine to enjoy the views and beautiful colour of the water. It would be neat to hear more about how people decide upon the names of their boats. You’re right, they really do get creative (and funny)! Good question about Alexander Graham Bell and the cell phone. Even though I use my cell phone for practically everything now, I’m actually really glad I didn’t grow up with one!
Alexander Graham Bell was mentioned as one of the esteemed sons of Edinburgh, Scotland. We even saw where he used to live.
Cape Breton looks like another amazing place to visit.
After visiting Cape Breton we’re even more curious to go to Scotland and to see the highlands. It’s neat to hear that there’s some attractions related to Alexander Graham Bell there.
Cape Breton remains my greatest travel regret of not getting to see it when I was in Nova Scotia. It is such a dynamic area and you have captured it beautifully. I love that there is such a variety of landscapes and trails. I really need to get back up there and go visit it. Also, Baby M is getting so big and beautiful 🙂
Sorry to hear you missed out on Cape Breton Highlands. It was such the highlight of our road trip. Hopefully you’re able to get back there someday. The hiking is fantastic. And yes, baby M is growing up so fast! She’s also getting much heavier, which adds an extra element of difficulty while hiking!
Ah, Canada. Where 29C is super hot. (Ok, muggy sucks.) Pretty spot though.
The humidity is the worst! And the heat is never fun while hiking. But hey, at least we enjoyed some sunshine which always makes the landscape appear more vibrant.
Alexander Graham Bell was an interesting creator, I’ve read his biography borrowed from our local library, his innovations were remarkable. Wow, 350-year-old trees. You all hiked to so many beautiful places, on lovely boardwalks, and saw gorgeous water overlooks. This sounds like an area we should put on our list, and you’ve made me more interested in visiting Scotland. Your family is so adorable!❤️
Oh I know. I had no idea he was so passionate about tinkering with things and that he helped change the way deaf children were taught. Nova Scotia is definitely worth exploring. We now want to visit Scotland as well after visiting the highlands in Cape Breton. Thanks for your lovely comment. Baby M always knows how to bring a smile to my face.
This looks like an amazing park to explore, and I love your photo of the cormorant!
Thanks! I think this was the first time we’ve ever seen a cormorant in person before. We would have missed it entirely if it wasn’t for another couple who pointed it out.
Beautiful place especially the coast. It does feel a bit like Scotland.
The coastal scenery is breathtaking. We’re now curious to see how the highlands in Cape Breton compare to those in Scotland!
A lovely spot, so green and scenic. The shepherd’s hut is an interesting, unusual structure. Great photo of you three – glad to see baby hasn’t slowed your hiking lifestyle down a bit!
Thanks! The scenery in Cape Breton Highlands is beautiful. Baby M seems to be enjoying the outdoors as much as us. Our pace is definitely slower as she’s getting heavier! But hopefully soon she’ll be able to hike the trails herself!
I didn’t have as much time to travel around Cabot Tail, and I regret not having been able to do more walks like you did.
That’s too bad that you didn’t have more time to explore the Cabot Trail as it’s such a scenic area. This was our second time visiting Cape Breton Highlands and there’s still so many trails we haven’t done. Thankfully Nova Scotia isn’t too far from Toronto so I have a feeling we’ll be back someday!
Lovely coastal pics. Unfortunately we didn’t have time cycle Cabot Trail –though I wonder how I would have fared. Your little girl looks gurgly sweet…when she’s not howling.
Thanks for your kind words. It’s too bad you didn’t have enough time to complete the Cabot Trail. It’s incredibly scenic. But it’s also hilly with some sharp turns in a few spots. And yes, baby M sure knows how to charm people! She just celebrated her first birthday last week.
I’ve always wanted to see an old growth forest !!!My friend, John always sends me photos of them!!
There’s something special about hiking through an old growth forest and being among the tall trees. You should check out some of the old growth forests on the west coast though. They look very enchanting.
I want to visit them so badly. That is definitely a trip to save up for. One of these years. I hope they’re being protected from the fires, though. It’s so scary. So many people lost their homes. I hope they stop soon
For sure. There are so many tall and old trees along the west coast. Agreed, it’s heartbreaking to see some of the damage from the wildfires though, especially in Jasper and now more recently in California. I can’t even imagine what it would be like for the people who had to evacuate or those that lost everything.
I know. It’s so scary 😨. My heart goes out to them. Hopefully, there won’t be any fires once these are done:( I’m praying
Me too. And hopefully they won’t cut the fire department budgets even more.
I hope not. These poor people and nature in general, need help
No kidding. We had record breaking damage from wildfires over the past two years. Here’s hoping this year won’t be as bad.
I’m going and praying it won’t be