Winter in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Winter transforms Cape Breton Highlands National Park into a serene wonderland. Glistening snow-covered trees and peaceful trails await those seeking a winter hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing experience.

Wintertime in the highlands

At Cape Breton Highlands National Park, we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy all winter has to offer. By staying active and connecting with nature, you need have no fear of the winter blues! While visitor services close for the season in late-October, the world-famous Cabot Trail is open year-round, and ungroomed trails remain accessible for outdoor treks within the park. As you make your way through the enchanting and unique mix of Acadian, taiga, and boreal forests, watch for majestic wildlife like moose and bald eagles. Scenic look-offs offer spectacular views, with sea ice filling the bays and frozen spray coating the rocks. Prepare for the ultimate winter road trip, where the mountains meet the sea!

Recommended trails and activities for your winter adventures:

• Skyline – Hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing. If heading out on this dramatic headland, be sure to stay on the boardwalk, as ski poles and snowshoe cleats can damage the rare and fragile vegetation along the trail, even under snow cover. Added caution is also needed as snow drifts can disguise cliff edges.
• Benjie’s Lake - Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing. Be mindful of bright orange trail markers located along this trail, as windy conditions and snow drifts may cover your tracks and make it more difficult to navigate back along the same path. If you plan to explore areas along the plateau, a GPS device is recommended as it is easy to become disoriented without a visible trail/tree line to follow.
• Mica Hill - Hiking, snowshoeing. Be mindful of windy conditions and snow drifts on Mica Hill, as these conditions may cover your tracks and make it more difficult to navigate back along the same path. If you plan to explore areas along the plateau, a GPS device is recommended as it is easy to become disoriented without a visible trail/tree line to follow.
• MacIntosh Brook- Hiking, snowshoeing
• Clyburn Valley - Cross-country skiing, family friendly
• Warren Lake – Cross-country skiing
• Middle Head – Hiking, snowshoeing
• Franey – Hiking, snowshoeing
• Freshwater Lake - Hiking, snowshoeing, family friendly
• Salmon Pools - Hiking, snowshoeing, family friendly
• Acadian - Hiking, snowshoeing
• Cape Breton Highlands Links - snowshoeing, cross-country, tobogganing

Snowshoe rentals

Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers snowshoe rentals so that more visitors can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors during the winter months. Reserve yours Monday to Friday by emailing cbinfo@pc.gc.ca at least 24 hours in advance. Equipment pick-up and drop-off take place at the Ingonish Visitor Centre.

See prices.

Winter preparedness and safety in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Keep it wild, keep it safe

Do you know what to do if you encounter wildlife in the park? Before your next visit, familiarize yourself with moose, bear, and coyote safety. Be respectful and act responsibly.

To make the most of this winter wonderland, it is important to exercise caution and come prepared. Winter essentials include plenty of snacks and drinking water, layers of clothing, hand sanitizer, a phone or communication device, and emergency supplies such as a first aid kit and sleeping bag. Cell service can be unreliable in this mountainous area, so let someone know your plans in advance.

Anyone exploring the national park in the winter is reminded that they are responsible for their own safety and should be sure to properly prepare and plan for their trip, taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves from inclement weather and potential natural hazards found in the park.

• Be prepared for sudden weather changes, particularly along the coast and on the plateau. Be mindful of windy conditions when on trails, as snow drifts may cover your tracks and make it more difficult to navigate back along the same path. If you plan to explore areas along the plateau, such as Benjie’s Lake and Mica Hill, a GPS device or map and compass are recommended, as it is easy to become disoriented without a visible trail/tree line to follow.
• Ice thickness is not monitored, and freshwater springs can lead to unexpected weak spots on pond ice. Coastal ice is unstable and unpredictable. Use caution when in these areas.
• There are no visitor services available in the park during the winter months. Be sure to check road reports in advance (call 511 or visit 511.novascotia.ca).
• Visitor washrooms are available at the Chéticamp Visitor Centre year-round, although visitor services close in late-October. Pit privies along the trails may become inaccessible after large snowfalls.
• In case of emergencies, call 911, or call Jasper Dispatch Service, available 24 hours a day, at 780-852-6155.