Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands Overview

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, known in French as Parc national des Hautes-Terres-du-Cap-Breton, is a breathtaking protected area located on Cape Breton Island in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.

Covering 366 square miles (948 square kilometers), the park is famous for its dramatic coastal cliffs, rolling plateaus, deep river canyons, and dense Acadian and boreal forests. Situated where the Gulf of St. Lawrence meets the Atlantic Ocean, the park is defined by a rugged landscape shaped by glacial activity, with the iconic Cabot Trail—a scenic highway—winding through its heart, offering sweeping ocean views and dramatic highland scenery.

Among its prominent features are the deep gorges of the Clyburn Valley, the windswept plateau of the Skyline Trail, and the towering Cape Smokey, which provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding seascape.

The terrain of the park is a striking mix of forested highlands and coastal barrens, shaped by centuries of erosion and climate shifts. The park’s vegetation is diverse, ranging from dense stands of spruce, fir, and maple in the lower elevations to windswept tundra-like plateaus.

These ecosystems support a rich variety of flora, including pitcher plants in the wetlands, wild blueberries carpeting the meadows, and rare orchids hidden within the deep forest. Waterfalls such as Mary Ann Falls and Beulach Ban Falls cascade through forested valleys, adding to the park’s picturesque beauty. Rocky headlands rise sharply from the Atlantic Ocean, where steep cliffs give way to rolling hills covered in vibrant autumn foliage, making the park especially stunning in the fall.

The wildlife of Cape Breton Highlands National Park is abundant and diverse, with large mammals such as moose, black bears, and white-tailed deer frequently spotted along trails and roadsides. Coyotes and red foxes roam the woodlands, while smaller mammals like snowshoe hares and red squirrels are commonly seen darting among the trees. The park is also home to one of the last remaining populations of the elusive Canada lynx in Nova Scotia.

Birdwatchers will delight in the variety of species found here, including bald eagles soaring over coastal cliffs, warblers flitting through the boreal forest, and the charismatic Atlantic puffins nesting along rocky shorelines. Marine wildlife is also an attraction, with seals often seen lounging on the rocks and whales—including minke, pilot, and humpback whales—frequenting the waters just offshore.

One of the park’s most popular attractions is the Skyline Trail, a breathtaking hiking route that offers some of the most spectacular ocean views in Atlantic Canada. Visitors often take in the sunset from its dramatic boardwalk, where moose sightings are common.

Other well-loved trails include the Franey Trail, known for its panoramic views of the Clyburn Valley, and the Middle Head Trail, which follows a narrow peninsula between two coastal bays. Beyond hiking, visitors enjoy camping, cycling, and kayaking, with opportunities to explore the scenic coastline by sea. Fishing in the park’s rivers, especially for brook trout and Atlantic salmon, is a cherished activity, though regulated to ensure sustainability.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park faces conservation challenges, including the impact of climate change, which threatens the delicate balance of its ecosystems. Rising temperatures affect the park’s boreal forests, while extreme weather events contribute to coastal erosion.

The park has made strides in conservation, including moose population management and habitat restoration efforts for species at risk. Its dark-sky preserve status also ensures protection from light pollution, preserving the night environment for both wildlife and stargazers. Through ongoing efforts, the park continues to maintain its ecological integrity while offering visitors an unparalleled experience in nature.

Park Map

Cape Breton Highlands National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Cape Breton Highlands National Park, located in Nova Scotia, Canada, is known for its rugged coastline, lush forests, and scenic highland plateaus. This diverse landscape is home to a variety of wildlife, from large mammals to smaller land-dwelling creatures. Below are some of the more popular species found within the park:

Moose
One of the most iconic species in the park, moose thrive in the dense boreal forests and wetlands. These massive herbivores can often be seen grazing in open meadows or wading through marshy areas.

Black Bear
A common resident of Cape Breton Highlands, black bears are often spotted foraging for berries, insects, and small mammals. Though they are generally shy, sightings along trails and roadsides are not uncommon.

Eastern Coyote
This adaptable predator, a hybrid of western coyotes and wolves, roams the forests and open areas of the park. They are elusive but can sometimes be heard howling at dusk and dawn.

White-tailed Deer
Frequently seen along roadsides and in forested clearings, white-tailed deer are graceful herbivores that play a crucial role in the park’s ecosystem.

Red Fox
With their striking orange coats and bushy tails, red foxes are a favorite sight for visitors. They are highly adaptable and often hunt small mammals, birds, and insects in a variety of habitats.

Canada Lynx
Though rarely seen due to their elusive nature, the Canada lynx roams the deep forests of the park. They are specially adapted to snowy conditions and primarily prey on snowshoe hares.

Snowshoe Hare
A staple of the park’s ecosystem, snowshoe hares are known for their seasonal fur changes—brown in summer and white in winter—to blend with their surroundings.

Beaver
These industrious rodents are known for their dam-building abilities, which help create wetlands that support a variety of other species. Their lodges can often be seen in ponds and slow-moving streams.

American Marten
This small, agile member of the weasel family is an excellent climber and hunter. It preys on rodents, birds, and even insects while navigating through the dense forests.

Porcupine
Easily recognizable due to its quill-covered body, the porcupine is a slow-moving herbivore that spends much of its time in trees, feeding on bark and leaves.

Birds

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting a variety of bird species that thrive in its diverse landscapes, from coastal cliffs to dense forests. Below are some of the more popular bird species found in the park:

Bald Eagle
A symbol of strength and freedom, the bald eagle is commonly seen soaring over coastal cliffs or perched in tall trees near water, scanning for fish.

Peregrine Falcon
One of the fastest birds in the world, peregrine falcons nest along the park’s cliffs, diving at incredible speeds to catch prey mid-air.

Common Loon
Known for its haunting calls, the common loon is often found on the park’s lakes and coastal waters. It is an expert diver, catching fish with remarkable precision.

Black-capped Chickadee
A small but lively bird, the black-capped chickadee is known for its cheerful “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call. It thrives in the park’s forests year-round.

Great Horned Owl
This powerful nocturnal predator is recognized by its large ear tufts and deep hoots. It preys on a variety of small mammals and birds throughout the park.

Northern Gannet
These striking seabirds are often seen diving dramatically into the ocean from great heights to catch fish. They are especially common along the coastal regions of the park.

Blue Jay
A highly intelligent and vocal bird, the blue jay is known for its bright blue plumage and noisy calls. It is commonly found in wooded areas of the park.

Osprey
Also known as the “fish hawk,” the osprey is often spotted gliding over rivers and coastlines, scanning for fish to snatch from the water with its sharp talons.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The smallest bird in the park, the ruby-throated hummingbird flits among flowers, using its long beak to drink nectar while rapidly beating its wings.

Hermit Thrush
Known for its beautiful, flute-like song, the hermit thrush prefers quiet, wooded areas of the park where it can forage on the forest floor for insects and berries.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is teeming with wildlife, offering visitors the chance to experience nature at its finest. Whether hiking through the highlands or exploring the coastal cliffs, there’s always an opportunity to encounter the incredible species that call this park home.