In Partnership with Destination Cape Breton
I recently just got back from an action pack 4-day adventure on Cape Breton Island. If you are not too familiar with where Cape Breton Island is, let me explain before we get into it. Cape Breton Island is located on the east coast of Canada, nestled between Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. It’s a cozy island on the most eastern tip of Nova Scotia. Do a quick little google search, so that we're on the same page. Now that you have an idea of where I was, I am going to share with you, my Top 5 Winter Activities.
Franey Mountain
It was my first day on Cape Breton Island, and we were already on the trails. This was one of the highlights of my visit. The perfect snowshoe hike that takes you back into the valley, giving you a stunning view of Middle Head and the harbor town of Ingomish. The hike is 7.5km round trip, but during the winter it is an extra 2km due to the limited access to the trailhead. The trail starts pretty gradually but you’ll slowly gain about 350m in elevation by time you reach the top. Give yourself around 2-3 hours to get up. Once you’re up near the top there is plenty to see, so take some time to relax and take it all in. If you’re looking for a solid hike, I would highly recommend it!
Skyline Trail
The iconic Skyline Trail, a place that I had seen countless photos of before and for good reason it should be on your list of places to visit when you come to Cape Breton Island. After all, popular places are popular for a reason. You may recognize this place as a busy summer/fall trail with a beautiful boardwalk at the end. Offering you a 180-degree view of the ocean and a breathtaking view of the Cabot Trail highway as it curves along the coastline. And although summer and fall are a beautiful time to visit, the wintertime is just as stunning and offers a truly unique experience. Not to mention during the winter season, the crowds will be significantly smaller. The trail can be either completed as an 8.2km loop or a 6.5km return. As the snow was falling quite heavy that day, we elected to do the 6.5km return route. You can also expect to do a couple of extra kilometers due to the limited access to the trailhead. This was probably my favorite hike.
Please Note: Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, as the wind can make it feel a lot colder than the thermostat reads.
Gypsum Mine
If you’re looking for ideas of an easy hike to start your morning or end your day, Gypsum Mine is a solid choice. Located near the fishing village of Chéticamp. It is a 2.6km round trip hike that brings you to an awesome little mine quarry, which is a popular swimming spot in the summer. Although it freezes over in the winter, the area is still beautiful. Once you have reached the quarry, there is a trail that’ll lead you up to an overlook. From the top, you can get a 360-degree view of the area and a unique perspective of the quarry below. Although it wasn’t extremely cold out we thought we would have some fun and attempt to try the water trick where you toss hot water into the cold air, in which the water instantly turns into a snow-like mist. The stunning results can be seen down below. We ventured out here in the early morning and to our luck, there was no one else on the trail. Follow up your adventure with a hot breakfast at Restaurant Evangeline back in Chéticamp, they make a solid two egg breakfast.
Please Note: I’d advise not venturing out onto the quarry as it is spring fed and may not be frozen enough to walk on. As well take your time up getting up to the overlook as the trail can be slippery. Take all precautions and be safe.
Cape Clear
Located in the Margaree River Wilderness, Cape Clear offers stunning views of the Western Highlands. We had the pleasure to explore this magical place via snowmobile. The folks at Highland View Snowmobile Rentals, are the absolute best and have all the gear you need to have a stellar day out in the snow. It is a unique and exciting way of seeing the highlands and I would highly recommend it. It is a solid 2-3 hour ride up to the viewpoint, as you start near the town of Baddeck. But don’t be surprised if it takes a whole lot longer, as you’ll easily find yourself stopping along the way. Of course, after a long afternoon of snowmobiling around the highlands, we were hungry and tired. And what better way to refuel then stopping for a slice of pizza at Tom’s Pizza in Baddeck. Make this a must-do activity while you’re visiting!
Black Brook Beach and Squeaker’s Hole
Out of the five locations listed above, I would probably say that this was the most underrated out of them. Black Brook Beach can be seen right off the Cabot Trail highway, and your eyes will automatically be drawn to the red rocks that make up the shoreline. Be prepared to use snowshoes to get to the beach area, as the snow can be deep. It's quite the sight to see the massive waves crashing up against the shore, and I could have most definitely sat there all afternoon. If you can manage to find the will power to leave the amazing beach views and explore some more, Squeaker’s Hole is just a quick stroll away. Squeaker’s Hole offers another unique perspective of the coastline and is equally as stunning as Black Brook Beach. Tucked away from the highway, it is a quiet spot to hang out and enjoy an afternoon snack. This is definitely a spot you don't want to miss!
These are my Top 5 Winter Activities to do when planning a winter vacation to Cape Breton Island. I hope you found this guide helpful and that you now have the itch to visit. If you are looking for more winter activities or additional information about this beautiful place, please visit their website: Destination Cape Breton Winter Activities