Cabot Trail’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park Towns
Wondering what sorts of towns you’ll find in Cabot Trail’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park?
Then I’m glad you’re here! There aren’t many towns along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. But the ones we have blend right into the natural beauty of the park.
I’ve lived in the park for over 4 years, and I’ve fallen in love with these friendly little places – villages, actually. You won’t find better people anywhere, or more charming settings.
Along with its beaches and viewpoints, seafood and scattered boutique shops, the towns of Cabot Trail’s Cape Breton Highlands National Park (CBHNP) are an incredible part of this famous road trip trail.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is located on the stunning Cabot Trail, and is a treasure trove of natural beauty. The park is overflowing with dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and sweeping coastal views that are absolutely breathtaking.
A favourite activity in the park is exploring its variety of hiking trails, each offering its own unique perspective of the landscape. The Skyline Trail, in particular, is famous for its panoramic views and the chance to spot moose and bald eagles.
The park is a retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Plus, the wide open beaches along the coastline are perfect spots for a relaxing day by the water.
Bet sooner or later you’ll need a bite to eat or a tank of gas. We’ve got you covered there, too. I think you’ll find the park’s town as enjoyable as what’s in between them.
The Towns of Cape Breton Highlands National Park
The few pretty towns within the park are great stopping points on your visit.
Ingonish
Travelling counter-clockwise up the eastern side of the Cabot Trail, Ingonish is a favourite spot to explore. Along with the beaches and beauty in its boundaries, it has a few useful businesses if there’s anything you need for your trip.
These include a Scotia Bank (one of Canada’s major banks) with a 24-hour ATM, and a small library. You’ll also find a Home Hardware store, bottle shop (aka. NSLC / liquor store), 2 small grocery stores, and a gas station.
I mention these boring, everyday businesses because they’re in short supply along the Trail. Fill up for gas here – there are 2 options.
And stop at Home Hardware if you need things like camping equipment, batteries, or auto supplies, like motor oil.
There are also a few fantastic local shops – Sugar Witch is a decadent bakery on Beach Crossing Rd, near the bank (they use real butter).
Groovy Goat sells soaps and personal care products. They’re made from milk from their own goats – goats you’re free to stop and visit with.
They also make and sell their own addictive gelato in all kinds of flavours.
Next door is the Salty Roses & Periwinkle Café, with delicious treats and teas, as well as handmade jewelry and artisan products. These are 2 don’t-miss spots.
Clay’s Confectionery, under Doucette’s Food Market, is a fantastic place for local candies, preserves, and handmade ice cream treats.
And for full delicious meals, we have the Main Street Restaurant, and further on, Coastal Restaurant & Pub and the Seagull. All have fantastic food, with sea views at the Seagull.
I’ve included all of this info under one heading – Ingonish, as the area is called. But there are actually 5 separate communities under the heading ‘Ingonish’.
Ingonish Ferry (with no ferry), Ingonish Harbour, Ingonish Beach, Ingonish Centre, and Ingonish – a local could be talking about any one of these when discussing Ingonish.
But they’re all strung together like little jewels. If you’re like me, you won’t ever be quite sure which one you’re in.
The Ingonish area also has easy access to several trails and beaches. Try these out:
Trails:
➤ Middle Head Trail – A scenic trail that takes you along a peninsula with amazing ocean views.
➤ Franey Trail – Offers a challenging hike with a rewarding view of the Clyburn Brook canyon and the Atlantic coastline.
➤ Freshwater Lake Look-off – A short trail providing a great view of Freshwater Lake.
➤ Broad Cove Mountain Trail – A moderate hike with views over Broad Cove and the surrounding forest.
Beaches:
➤ Ingonish Beach – A popular beach with both saltwater and freshwater swimming options, thanks to a nearby lake.
➤ Black Brook Beach – Known for its beautiful waterfall and picnic areas.
➤ North Bay Beach – A quieter spot, perfect for a peaceful day by the water.
Neil’s Harbour
Next, you’ll come to Neil’s Harbour. You’ll find a small hospital here, as well as a grocery store, a pharmacy, and a mechanic.
Stop at the Neil’s Harbour’s Lighthouse Ice Cream Parlour for a few scoops, after a seafood lunch next door at the Chowder House.
Or if you’d rather dish it up yourself, go around the back of the pharmacy to the Victoria Co-operative Fisheries. Pick up some fresh frozen lobster or crab, then stop at the Co-op grocery store nearby and construct your own lobster rolls.
If you keep following the Cabot Trail through the CBHNP, you’ll pass a couple of crafty shops. If you’re used to stopping at Danena’s Bakery & Bistro in this area, you’ll find South Harbour Pizza at that location now.
Dingwall
You’ll come to the last gas station for the next 72 km, Highland Gas – XTR Energy, at the corner of Dingwall Rd. I’m afraid the gas stations do occasionally run out of fuel, so it’s a good idea to fill up whenever you get the chance.
The WTR station also sells snacks and some groceries, plus necessities such as jumper cables.
Dingwall doesn’t offer any other services aside from a post office. But if you need pizza, turn off Cabot Trail at the gas station, and follow Dingwall Road to Nicki T’s, across from St. Andrew’s Lighthouse and Museum. It’s the best around.
Cape North
The Cabot Trail Food Market in Cape North has a selection of groceries and necessities – a little pricey – and baked goods, as well as some take-out.
The take-out food is good, but I’m afraid I can’t recommend their pizza. Each time I’ve had it, the crust has been dense and undercooked.
Disappointing, as the individual slices sold around lunchtime are tasty. I have to say the same about Angie’s Restaurant across the road. Doughy crusted pizza – but, everything else I’ve had there has been a bit overcooked.
Morrison’s, where you’ll make the left turn to stay on the trail, is a great choice for a meal. Delicious seafood in a comfortable, homey dining room. And don’t miss the North Highlands Community Museum, which shares the same parking lot.
Pleasant Bay
The next town you’ll come to is Pleasant Bay, a small community known for its excellent whale-watching opportunities. Check out Guaranteed Whale Watching a beautiful trip.
Pleasant Bay is also home to the Whale Interpretive Centre, where you can learn more about the marine life in the area.
As well, the area has several hiking trails with beautiful coastal views. Try these out:
➤ MacIntosh Brook Trail – A short, easy trail that leads through a beautiful forested area to a beautiful waterfall.
➤ Lone Shieling Trail – A brief, easy walk that takes you through an old-growth forest, providing a sense of the region’s natural history.
➤ Roberts Mountain Trail – A more challenging hike that has fantastic views of Pleasant Bay and the surrounding coastline.
It’s a quiet, relaxing place to visit, with friendly locals and stunning natural scenery, and terrific camping opportunities in the area.
Chéticamp
Chéticamp is an Acadian town known for its rich cultural heritage and welcoming atmosphere. It is NOT inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park, but just outside, past the Parks Canada entrance kiosk.
Travel tip: “Acadian” refers to the descendants of French settlers who colonized parts of Eastern Canada, including Nova Scotia, starting in the 17th century.
It’s important to the park though, because of its close proximity, and the fact that’s it the Cabot Trail’s biggest town. Chéticamp has the largest grocery store, a selection of restaurants, as well as a good selection of places to stay.
Chéticamp is also home to a small hospital, Sacred Heart Community Health Centre.
Cheticamp’s French heritage is deeply rooted in its Acadian origins, dating back to the 18th century. Acadian settlers, fleeing deportation, established new lives in this area of Cape Breton.
Over generations, Cheticamp has maintained its distinct French dialect, customs, and Catholic faith, all of which continue to shape Cheticamp’s identity.
Today, this legacy is evident in the community’s French language speakers, shared orally and in local schools. It can also be seen in the enduring cultural traditions like Acadian music, dancing, and the famous hooked rug craft.
It’s a spirited town known for its rich Acadian culture and beautiful coastal views. It’s full of local crafts, delicious seafood, and stunning sights.
You can find live music around town, too. These are good places to start if you’d like to hear some:
➤ Doryman Pub & Grill: A popular spot in Chéticamp known for its lively atmosphere and regular live music performances, especially traditional Acadian music.
➤ Le Gabriel Restaurant and Lounge: Offers live music, often featuring local artists, in a relaxed setting.
➤ La Place des Arts Père-Anselme-Chiasson: This cultural centre in Chéticamp hosts various performances, including live music, theatre, and other events.
And every August is the Acadian Festival. It includes a range of live music performances celebrating Acadian culture.
Cheticamp is also a great spot for outdoor activities, with easy access to hiking trails in the nearby CBHNP.
As you travel between towns, viewpoints, campgrounds, and hiking trails you’ll also come across all manner of arts and craft shops. It’s often referred to as the Artisan Loop – click here to check out the map.
Summing it Up: Towns of the CBHNP
The towns and villages around Cape Breton Highlands National Park each offer their own unique charm and services. From the Acadian culture of Chéticamp to the coastal beauty of Ingonish, these communities provide gateways to explore the natural wonders of the park.
Whether you’re hiking, whale watching, or simply enjoying local hospitality, the towns along the Cabot Trail make any visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park easier and more memorable.
Happy road-tripping!
Read more:
🦞 Cabot Trail Campgrounds: Cape North to Cheticamp for 2024
🏞️ Canada Park Pass to Explore the Cabot Trail in 2024
🚵🏻 29 Things to Do On the Cabot Trail: An Epic List for Your Cape Breton Road Trip
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