Top 5 Cape Breton Outdoor Adventures: Hikes, Kayaks & Views

Cape Breton Island, with its rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and super inviting communities, that really is a gem of Nova Scotia, is that it’s practically begging to be explored, is that correct? From jaw-dropping drives to stunningly peaceful trails, it provides something a little special for everyone trying to find an outdoor fix. So, you know, if you’re itching to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in seriously wild nature, I mean that does sound like Cape Breton could definitely be your playground. Let’s talk about some seriously incredible ways you, you know, might get your nature on around the island, alright?

Hike the Skyline Trail: Where the Land Meets the Sky

Oh man, the Skyline Trail. It’s probably the hike that everyone, you know, brings up when they’re talking about Cape Breton. It’s kind of that perfect, just a bit iconic, Cape Breton experience, really. Seriously easy to access, because it’s a short drive right off the Cabot Trail close to Cheticamp, you’ll more than likely feel like you are starring in your own movie up there. That boardwalk trail, so easy on the legs I tell you, I mean it kinda leads you out, and that takes you out, to these unbelievably beautiful cliffs, doesn’t it? What’s so special, you see, it’s not simply that view (but the view, wow!), that, is that there’s, often you can see whales swimming in the ocean down below, that’s a little bit amazing. Plus, I mean keep your eyes open, so there is a real chance you can spy some moose hanging around too. I can’t imagine something getting much more Canadian than that can you? Bring a camera, maybe bring some binoculars, and make sure, for the love of Pete, don’t forget that windbreaker alright?

Kayak the Bras d’Or Lake: An Inland Sea Adventure

You want to change the pace just a little? Get off land and get out, well you could, on the water in that, kind of iconic Bras d’Or Lake, in a way. This isn’t any old lake either alright, because it’s a massive inland sea and, well it’s even designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve you see, with such calm water and these hidden inlets that are actually so very scenic that’s its seriously kind of perfect for kayaking. Is that there’s plenty of guided tours, something like a kayak excursion for example is a brilliant way just to understand more, in other words get the inside story, from the people that actually live here and to hear stories of the lake’s actually very colourful history and amazing wildlife you see? Don’t be worried if you’re basically a beginner, you understand, there are paddles that, it’s almost, everyone can take part in. Just imagine, seriously, paddling across calm waters, you watch seals playing close by, and eagles floating high overhead: doesn’t that seem like a dream, really? Look into kayak rentals that could be very handy, alright? If you need gear for a brilliant day out alright?

Cycle the Cabot Trail: Two Wheels and Endless Views

You know the Cabot Trail, alright? Very possibly Canada’s single most famous scenic drive? Well, why don’t you change it up this time round and try cycling it? It’s definitely not something to be, like your, sneezed at alright, I mean there’s lots of very seriously steep climbs and it stretches out around 300km, even, is that, the rewarding parts are, well you see they are genuinely worth it. So imagine, cycling at your own, like your, pace alright, smelling that sweet ocean air, and being gifted these views, oh my gosh these really tremendous panoramic views, it’s very likely, unlike any other way to take in the trail you see. A small bit of advice though alright, is that maybe break the ride into different smaller, and more manageable, pieces, you understand? Is that, the most awesome stretches must be those bits running in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Be ready for climbs that could be difficult (those hills are real!), still trust me; stopping somewhere at the top just to capture the panorama is basically going to knock your socks off alright. There are plenty of places renting bicycles you see, but you might well think of taking your personal just for convenience’s sake maybe? And a crash helmet? Take one. Full stop.

Explore Meat Cove: The Edge of Cape Breton

Fancy genuinely getting away from it all, is that correct? Get yourself up to Meat Cove. Right up at Cape Breton’s northern tip. Basically this teeny little fishing village actually feels similar to the world’s end alright, however in like, a really great way you see? That drive out there itself just blows the mind because it’s all super twisty cliffside roads, too it’s almost, leading up to one seriously breathtaking view you understand. You can explore hiking trails with almost incredible views alright, or relax a bit on their really small beach and be on the lookout, maybe to catch sight of whales? You may fancy going camping you see: there’s actually a fantastic campground literally right on the edge of the cliff. If you do camp be set to go to sleep and then wake up the next morning to those tremendous ocean sounds: honestly a really remarkable thing to take in. Remember to reserve the campsite early because you can bet it’s a popular destination ok?

Beach Hop on the Cabot Trail: Sand, Surf, and Serenity

Okay alright, with that coastline as wildly stunning as it is, Cape Breton’s, very very likely, basically boasting tons of super inviting beaches alright. What better activity than finding them?! Any coastline you find is basically special because it’s very inviting alright! Starting up at Inverness Beach, oh you know, with the very soft sands and warm waters, you will, in a way, probably discover that this one is like, great, actually absolutely brilliant, to enjoy family trips (that they do tend to actually love). You may want to go explore Margaree Harbour Beach where you could enjoy a walk down those attractive sandy dunes (probably), and oh well maybe check out the sunsets since they happen to be awesome. Is that maybe further up the Cabot Trail, you actually might think to come across hidden spots for a bit more kind of secluded kind of beach combing too it’s almost, maybe? Very well maybe? Be on the lookout and do, really, pack some lunch because you’ll definitely not want to get the heck out of here any time quick. I believe you’ll agree. Look online just a little bit just for local beach regulations since those sometimes depend and fluctuate!