Canada Park Passes to Explore the Cabot Trail in 2025
DO You Need a Park Pass to Explore the Cabot Trail?
To drive on the Cabot Trail itself, you do not need a park pass, as the Cabot Trail is a public highway that is free to drive.
But the beautiful northern section of the trail passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park (CBHNP).
This is where you may need to buy a park pass. This depends on whether you plan to stop and explore the attractions and facilities within CBHNP.
If you do – which I highly recommend – you will need a Parks Canada pass.
There are a couple of options. Read on to learn what those options are, and where to get your pass.
When You Need a Park Pass on the Cabot Trail
If you will be:
- Stopping at Lookouts: Many scenic lookouts and viewpoints are within the boundaries of the national park.
- Hiking Trails: Accessing popular trails such as the Skyline Trail, Acadian Trail, and others within the park.
- Visitor Centres and Facilities: Using park facilities like visitor centres, picnic areas, and restrooms.
- Camping: If you plan to camp within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a pass is required.
…then you will need to buy a Parks Canada pass. There are ‘single park’ passes available for Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
They can be bought at the park entrance as you enter the park on the Cabot Trail. You’ll see a small building to the side of the road as you enter the park.
Simply pull up along side it and the Parks Canada staff will assist you. If you miss this opportunity, you can stop at a visitor centre within the park to buy a pass.
Passes for Cape Breton Highlands National Park (CBHNP)
Daily Pass
- Adult (18-64): CAD $9.00
- Senior (65+): CAD $7.75
- Youth (0-17): FREE
- Family/Group: CAD $17.50
- Commercial Group, per person: $7.65
Seasonal Pass
- Adult (18-64): CAD $43.50
- Senior (65+): CAD $38.25
- Youth (0-17): FREE
- Family/Group: CAD $87.25
Seasonal Early Bird (Available from November 1 to June 30)
- Adult (18-64): CAD $22.00
- Senior (65+): CAD $19.75
- Youth (0-17): FREE
- Family/Group: CAD $54.50
Tips for Using Your Pass
- Plan Ahead: If you’re staying for several days, the Seasonal Pass might save you money.
- Keep Your Pass Accessible: You may need to show it at various points within the park.
- Understand the Coverage: The Passes cover admission fees but not additional activities or services such as guided tours, camping, or special program
- Visiting Other Canadian National Parks: If you’ll be visiting more Canadian national parks within the year, a Discovery Pass might be a better option. Read on.
Understanding Parks Canada Passes for Exploring the Cabot Trail and Beyond
How Parks Canada Passes Work
Parks Canada offers different types of passes that grant access to national parks, including Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where the Cabot Trail is located.
One of these is the single site pass discussed above, valid only for the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It can only be purchased in person in the park, as can day passes.
The Discovery Pass can be purchased at park entrances, visitor centres, or online and delivered by mail. There are also a few retail locations where you can stop in and buy your pass in person.
One is in Burnaby, BC, two are in Calgary, AB, and another is in Dartmouth, NS. Addresses can be found online.
There are also a few spots around the trail that sells park passes. One that I’ve discovered is St. Paul Island Museum & Lighthouse in Dingwall. They’re open 10am to 5pm, closed on Mondays.
I’ll update here if I find others.
Types of Parks Canada Passes
- Day Pass: Valid for a single day of entry to any park.
- Discovery Pass: Provides unlimited access to over 80 Canadian National Park locations for one year from the date of purchase.
Passes You Can Use on the Cabot Trail
To explore trails, campgrounds, and attractions along the Cabot Trail within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, you will need a park pass.
If you plan to visit only this park, the passes mentioned above are all you need. But if you intend to explore other national parks in Canada as well, the Discovery Pass is a better value.
Cost of National Parks Canada Passes in 2024
Day Pass
- Adult (18-64): CAD $9.00
- Senior (65+): CAD $7.75
- Youth (0-17): Free
- Family/Group (up to 7 people in one vehicle): CAD $17.50
Discovery Pass
- Adult (18-64): CAD $75.25
- Senior (65+): CAD $64.50
- Youth (0-17): Free
- Family/Group (up to 7 people in one vehicle): CAD $151.25
Buying Passes
- At the Park: Passes can be bought at the park entrance or visitor centres.
- Online: Purchase through the Parks Canada website.
Tips for New Visitors
- Plan Ahead: If you’re visiting multiple parks or staying for several days, the Discovery Pass might save you money.
- Keep Your Pass Accessible: You may need to show it at various points within the park.
- Understand the Coverage: The Discovery Pass covers admission fees but not additional activities or services such as guided tours, camping, or special programs.
More About the Discovery Pass
A Discovery Pass is an annual pass offered by Parks Canada. It gives you unlimited access to over 80 national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas across Canada. This includes the CBHNP.
The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase. It lets you visit these sites as many times as you’d like within that period, without having to pay the daily entry fees each time.
Benefits of the Discovery Pass
- Unlimited Access: Allows for unlimited entry to participating Parks Canada locations.
- Cost Savings: Ideal if you’re a frequent visitor. It can save money compared to purchasing several day passes.
- Convenience: It simplifies entry, as you won’t need to stop on your way into the park each time. Just drive in as if you own the place.
Enjoy your visit to the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands National Park! The stunning scenery and the different activities make it a spectacular place to visit.
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