The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton
The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia is one of the most popular hikes on the island and one that is well worth doing. Once you hike it, or if you’ve seen the photos on Instagram, you’ll understand why. After hiking through the forest of Cape Breton Highlands, wooden boardwalk steps lead down to a stunning viewpoint, with the open water on one side and the Cabot Trail winding along the coast on the other side.
An easy-to-moderate trail that’s not too technical, the Skyline Trail is perfect for families or seasoned hikers. It’s relatively flat and there are options for a shorter out-and-back trail or a longer loop trail, depending on how long you wish to hike. If you’re thinking about doing this epic hike on the Cabot Trail, we’ve got the essential information you need, including what to expect along the way and other tips to help you have an unforgettable experience on one of Nova Scotia’s most popular trails.
Skyline Trail Info
Length: 8.2km / 5.1 miles (loop) or 6.5km / 4 miles (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
Type of Trail: Loop or option for out-and-back
Elevation Gain: Approximately 250m
Facilities: Toilets at trailhead and 2km mark
Dogs: Not allowed
Why Hike the Skyline Trail?
- Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the rugged coastline.
- Wildlife Sightings: Keep an eye out for moose, bald eagles, and even whales from the viewing platforms.
- Suitable for All Levels: The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
- Sunset Views: This trail is also a fantastic place to see the sunset as it sets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
- Photographic Opportunities: Capture some of the most iconic landscapes in Nova Scotia, perfect for your Instagram feed.
What to Expect on the Trail
The Skyline Trail is an 8.2 km loop, with an option to take a shorter 6.5 km out-and-back route. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels.
Trail Conditions and Terrain
- The trail is mostly flat with some gentle slopes.
- You’ll be walking on a combination of gravel paths, boardwalks, and dirt trails.
Scenic Highlights
- The trail offers several lookout spots where you’ll have stunning coastal views, especially from the boardwalk that leads to the iconic Skyline viewing platform.
- You’ll see dramatic cliffs and expansive ocean vistas.
- On clear days, you can see the Gulf of St. Lawrence (although a friend recently hiked it and couldn’t even see off the boardwalk steps)
Wildlife and Nature
- The trail is home to a variety of wildlife. Moose are often spotted, so keep your eyes peeled!
- It’s been said that sometimes you can see whales off the coast, although we didn’t see any.
Amenities and Facilities
- Restrooms (vault toilets) are located at the edge of the parking area, but there are no facilities along the trail.
- Benches are available along the trail for resting and taking in the view.
Hiking the Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail begins through a forested area, with a flat, natural path. After a few minutes, you’ll reach a fork, you can head left for an out-and-back route to the boardwalk or stay right to hike the full loop.
The Skyline loop, while slightly longer, passes through different sections of forest and has two additional lookout points. The trail here isn’t too technical, but there are some exposed roots and rocks to watch out for.
If you’re hiking this trail in early August, also keep an eye out for raspberries along the side of the trail – they make for a great snack while hiking.
The trail remains fairly level, at least on this part of the loop. it then begins to turn and follow the edge of the coast, where you’ll pass a few lookout points with views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
After about 5 kilometres, you’ll reach the highlight of the hike – a boardwalk descending the cliffside, with panoramic views of the Gulf and the Cabot Trail. This is the iconic view that you’ll see in any photo of Instagram post of the Skyline Trail.
The boardwalk leads down the cliffside to several viewing platforms where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. It’s wide open, with panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Cabot Trail winding its way along the coast of Cape Breton.
The steps can be challenging – so take your time and enjoy the scenery. It doesn’t seem that hard on the way down, but then you still have to make the climb back up!
Once you’ve taken in the views and are ready to head back, it’s a little over 2 kilometres back to the trailhead and parking lot. On the way, you’ll pass through a fenced area, which is designed to keep the moose out. There’s a lookout inside this area, and while the view is nice, it’s nothing compared to the view on the boardwalk steps.
Tips for Hiking the Skyline Trail
- Park Pass Required: The Skyline Trail is in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You will need to purchase a day pass for the park to hike the trail unless you have a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or an annual pass to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Rates can be found here.
- Arrive Early: This is a popular trail and will be busy, especially on weekends in the summer months. It’s best to arrive early to ensure parking space in the lot. We hiked this trail in the late morning and while we did find parking, by the time we left, the parking lot was full.
- Facilities: Vault toilets are located at the parking area, but there are no facilites along the trail. Make sure to use them before you start your hike!
- Bring Water: Be sure to have plenty of water as there is nowhere to refill your water along the way.
- Proper Footwear: Although this is an easy-to-moderate trail, you will still need hiking boots or good walking shoes. Flip flops and open-toed sandals are not a good idea as there are exposed roots and rocks on the trail.
- The Boardwalk: The boardwalk trail is absolutely beautiful, but it is just that – a boardwalk viewing area, and there are no railings or safety barriers. Please respect the signs to stay on the boardwalk as this is a fragile area and staying on the trail and boardwalk will help preserve the area.
- Wildlife: Be aware that there is wildlife in the area, including moose, although chances are slim that you will see a moose while hiking.
- Bugs: Be prepared with plenty of bug spray, especially during the late spring and early summer months.
- Weather: As with anywhere on the coast, the weather can change quickly, so bring layers to stay comfortable. A light jacket or windbreaker is a good idea, as it can be cooler at the boardwalk viewpoint.
How to Get to the Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail is located on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
If you’re driving the Cabot Trail clockwise, the trailhead for the Skyline Trail is just a 15-minute drive from the Cheticamp Visitor Center on the west side of the park. It’s well-marked and will be on the left hand side if you’re coming from Cheticamp.
From Halifax, it’s about 4.5 hours drive and 2.5 hours from Sydney.
Where to Stay Near the Skyline Trail
Cheticamp is the closest town to the Skyline Trail, and has several accommodations to choose from. We recommend Auberge Doucet Inn, a lovely inn with clean and comfortable rooms, and a terrace with Adirondack chairs to enjoy the sunsets in the evening.
The Archie & Isidore Hotel is another great option, with private rooms (some have a balcony), washing facilities and even a small gym and hot tub.
Be sure to book accommodations ahead of time, especially during peak season.
If you prefer to camp, there are a few campgrounds near the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The closest is Corney Brook campground, which is a small campground with unserviced sites, or a few more kilometres towards Cheticamp, Cap-Rouge and Cheticamp campgrounds are larger campgrounds that also offer oTENTiks, which are a cross between a tent and a cabin. Reservations can be made here.
Accessibility Information
The Skyline Trail is a mix of gravel paths, boardwalks, and dirt trails. While the trail is mostly flat and relatively easy to hike, it does have some sections that may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
- Trail Surface: The trail consists of packed gravel and dirt, with sections of wooden boardwalk. The trail is not paved and some areas have exposed roots and rocks, which may be difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller. Saying that, we did see some families pushing a stroller on the shorter, out-and-back section of the trail.
- Boardwalk: The boardwalk at the end of the trail does not have railings, and there are stairs leading down to the viewing platforms. This section is not wheelchair accessible.
- Rest Areas: Benches are available along the trail for resting.
- Parking: The parking lot at the trailhead is gravel, and there are no designated accessible parking spots.
- Restrooms: Vault toilets are available at the trailhead, but they are not wheelchair accessible.
While the Skyline Trail offers stunning views and a relatively easy hike, it may not be suitable for everyone due to the natural terrain and lack of fully accessible facilities. If you have mobility concerns, consider visiting other accessible trails and viewpoints within Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
FAQ
How long is the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton?
There are two different options to hike the Skyline Trail. The main route is a looped trail, which is 8.2 km / 5.1 miles long. You can also hike directly to the lookout and back, which is just over 6.5km / 4 miles.
How long does it take to hike the Skyline Trail?
We recommend allowing 2-3 hours to hike the Skyline Trail. It’s not a difficult trail, but there are quite a few lookoff spots, including the boardwalk steps, and you’ll want to take time to admire the views.
When to Visit the Skyline Trail
The best time to hike the Skyline Trail is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is mild and promises the best weather. It does get busy though, especially between 11 and 4 during the summer months.
It is possible to hike it year-round, however and is stunning to see in the fall with the virbant colours and in the winter, when the landscape is covered in snow.
Other Hikes Near the Skyline Trail
If you are looking to add some other nearby hikes to your Cabot Trail itinerary, there are plenty of options!
Le Buttereau is an easy trail through forest and fields to a small hill that overlooks the Cheticamp River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s a short trail and takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. Across the road, there’s Le Chemin du Buttereau trail that ??
Corney Brook Trail follows the brook through the forest to a waterfall, which is one of the best waterfalls in Cape Breton. It’s a 6.5km out-and-back trail that takes about 2 hours to complete.
Benji’s Lake is a short 3km trail, just past the Skyline Trail. It passes through forest and there are boardwalks in some sections to keep your feet dry. There is a good chance you could see moose on this trail.
But our top recommendations are on the other side of the park near Ingonish. Franey Trail and Broad Cove Mountain Trail are two excellent hikes with stunning views out over the treetops to the coast. Both are steep and difficult hikes, but worth it for the views. Broad Cove Mountain takes just over an hour to hike, while Franey is a longer hike at 2.5-3 hours.
Just outside of the National Park, Gypsum Mine Hike is another popular hike in Cape Breton. The trail follows an ATV trail to an old gypsum mine that is now filled with water. It’s a gorgeous spot, with a tricky climb up a dirt path for this view, but the dip in the water after makes the hike up worthwhile!
Final Thoughts: Hiking the Skyline Trail Cape Breton
Hiking the Skyline Trail on the Cabot Trail is an unforgettable experience and a great way to appreciate the natural beauty in this area of the province. The breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the rugged coastline from the boardwalk viewpoint are not to be missed when you’re visiting this area of Cape Breton.
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