Please explore this website and find out just what Cape Breton has to offer and why
Forbes magazine calls it "Eden at a discount".
Cabot Trail at a glance!!
The CABOT TRAIL is considered one of North America’s most scenic touring routes and after 60 years remains the top reason why visitors come to Nova Scotia. Millions of visitors over the years have experienced its majestic natural beauty whether or not you have seen it up close or you have witnessed it as a backdrop in many automobile commercial featured worldwide. The Cabot Trail began as a Mi’kmaw footpath long before Cabot showed up at our shores. Today it loops 185 miles (298 kms) from the Bras d’Or Lakes to the northern tip of Cape Breton. It hugs the rugged North Atlantic Coastline, winds through lush river valleys, virgin forests and mountaintops. Here is an aerial view of Cape Smokey. Here you will climb 1100‘ in 1.2 miles.
True, it is summer that lures visitors here to catch the sun and surf on unrivaled sandy beaches, or to seek the soothing effect of the sounds of the Atlantic surf crashing against the base of rocky cliffs, explore caves or to sail or kayak, or play a round on one of the world's premier golf courses. Although these activities and more ensure a vibrant summer industry, other seasons offer equally splendid delights. A Highland autumn, for instance, provides a majestic spectacle. Mountain trees and trails ablaze with scarlet and gold against the backdrop of the sea display a scenic grandeur unmatched anywhere. Come and experience the internationally acclaimed Celtic Colors Festival (early October) or golf, cycle or hike when temperatures are more comfortable and roads less traveled lure other traveler in search of brief fall getaways.
Similar opportunities for springtime visitors abound. This is a terrific time of year to view wildlife, moose, bear, deer, fox, etc. The area is in the migratory path for hundreds of varieties of birds in the early spring, and fall. Seabirds are abundant, eagles too, and a wide variety of spring warblers are on the move. Places like the Clyburn and Sunrise Valleys offer refuge and come alive with hundreds of different species.
This is also an artists and photographers paradise. They can revel in capturing some of the world's most breathtaking scenery unfiltered by pollution, noise or obstructions. May and June brings with it a time when colors come alive. The hills and the mountains are awash in a 1000-variations of vibrant greens colliding with the blue of the sea. Far from major centers, there exists crystal clarity in the air that makes nighttime stargazing is a real treat. Experience aurora borealis or having the night-skies jump out at you like you have never seen before.
In every village and hamlet are sights unique to this region. Spring brings with it an air of excitement when preparations begin for the start of the lobster-fishing season. Wharves are bustling. Freshly painted, colorful lobster boats dot the landscape and lobster traps are piled high on local wharves
In fact, both spring and fall are ideal seasons for hiking. More than 28 hiking trails are located throughout the Cape Breton Highlands National Park alone. Coastal trails traverse rocky headlands and mountain climbs reward the hiker with magnificent panoramic views of the coastline and river valleys. Trails range from 10 or 20 minute strolls to 2 or more hour coastal hikes. More experienced hikers may choose an overnight backpacking trek into the interior of the highlands and perhaps glimpse a variety of wildlife.
Although fox, lynx and bobcat and other wildlife are evident in all seasons, winter brings moose down from the plateau to browse and escape deep snow. People, on the other hand, can enjoy the delights of snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or explore some of the numerous snowmobile trails. When most areas of Nova Scotia have no snow, we get lots.
Regardless of the time of year you visit, you can always delve into getting to know the people, history and culture of our region. This is still one of those places on the civilized earth where people are not afraid to leave their doors, unlocked, day or night. Everyone has a hello for everyone else, whether they know you or not, and helping hands are always available. If you ever get the chance to be taken-back by this, remember it is genuine and a snapshot of simpler times. We hope you will experience it first hand.
The Northeast Highlands of Cape Breton Island is a birders’ paradise. The area has a large and varied population of bird species and a wide range of habitat in which to observe them. Whether you are a beginner trying to identify a bird singing in a nearby tree or, an expert seeking to add that hard to find rarity to your life list, this is the place for you. Habitat’s range from sandy beaches and inland lakes to hardwood forested river valleys and moss covered highland barrens. Well kept and mapped hiking trails, such as the Jack Pine Trail and Middle Head Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park or Cabot’s Landing and South Harbour Beaches, north of the Park, offer a wide range of birding possibilities. For the more adventurous, many kilometers of wood roads and ATV/snowmobile trails can be accessed with the permission of landowners. Whale watching tours are also great places to see those rarely observed sea birds.
The months of May and June are the best time to see migrating birds and September and October offer a range of storm swept strays. There are two bird counts every year, the Christmas Bird Count in late December and the North American Migration Count the second Saturday in May. Both counts are great fun for both novice and expert birders and it helps encourage greater awareness and participation.There are approximately two hundred bird species in this locality; many common like the Blue Jay and the Black-capped Chickadee, and other rarer species such as the Hawk Owl and Bicknell's Thrush seen only in the highland barrens. On a nice day in late May it is possible to see seventy species in a good birding territory. Keep in touch with this page as there is a possibility that tours may be planned to coincide with next spring’s migration.
For more information on good birding areas in the Northeast Highlands check with CBHN Park information or interpretative staff and, outside the park, ask at area businesses. In Cape North, places such as the North Highlands Museum can direct you to local birding hot-spots, trails or local birders who are always willing to share this information. A number of books are also available which describe area trails and habitat as well as listing the various flora and fauna found in the region. While birding in this area, you can also come across many other interesting plants, amphibians or mammals such as our omnipresent moose, fox and bear which can appear at any time or place. It will certainly make for a memorable event on your birding holiday in the Highlands of Cape Breton.
Submitted by
Fritz McEvoy