9.2km Loop

Skyline

Coastal, Mountain, Woodland Highlands National Park 3/5 115m

Activities:

Skyline is one of the “must do” hikes on Cape Breton Island. You have the forest, the ocean, and the wildlife… boy do you have the wildlife. I once saw 8 moose while hiking the 2 hour trail.

The trail is a fairly level loop trail leading you through dense forest. Approximately half way around the loop, the trail deposits you on the upper ridge of a headland cliff 400m above the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will find an elaborate network of viewing decks, boardwalks, and benches. At this point you can see the Cabot Trail, meet some fellow hikers, or view the occasional pod of whales below.

NOTE: Dogs are not permitted here as they disturb wildlife, especially moose and bear.
CAUTION: Moose can be very dangerous. Keep your distance and do not torment them. The headland plants are very fragile and easily damaged by trampling, so stay on the boardwalk. This trail has recently undergone extensive work to protect the environment from the impact of thousands of hikers.

From Sydney

  1. Head south on Esplanade Rd/NS-4 Trunk W toward Falmouth St, Continue to follow NS-4 Trunk W (4.6 km)
  2. Merge onto Peacekeepers Way/NS-125 W via the ramp to North Sydney/New Foundland Ferry (19.1 km)
  3. Take the NS-105 W/Trans Canada Highway ramp to Baddeck/Canso Causeway (450 m)
  4. Merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy/NS-105 W (63.4 km)
  5. Turn right onto Cabot Trail (signs for Margaree Forks/Cheticamp/Inverness/NS-19) (100 km)
  6. Destination will be on the left

From Canso Causeway

  1. At the roundabout, continue straight onto Trans-Canada Hwy/NS-4 Trunk E (100 m)
  2. Slight left at Trans-Canada Hwy/NS-105 E (signs for Trans-Canada Highway/Cheticamp/Baddeck/Sydney) (47.4 km)
  3. Turn left at NS-252 W (The turn off is located at Vie’s Restaurant) (3.7 km)
  4. Continue onto NS-395 N (signs for Lake Ainsliie/South West Margaree) (35.8 km)
  5. Turn right onto NS-19 Trunk N (signs for Nova Scotia 19 Trunk N/Margaree Forks/Cheticamp/Cabot Trail) (7.9 km)
  6. Turn left onto Cabot Trail (signs for Margaree Harbour/Cheticamp/Pleasant Bay) (59.7 km)
  7. Destination will be on the left
While traveling the Cabot trail, you will pass through a small Acadian town called Cheticamp. Skyline is located about half an hour past the town, several kilometres from Pleasant Bay. (The hike is located in the Highlands National Park, so you may want to pick up a map of hiking trails as you enter the Park)

1 Comment

  1. Shaun
    October 3, 2012

    Hello,

    We just did the skyline trail, it was really a great experience as they’ve erected a fence to study the tree’s and how moose effect them. I was not sure how long this was, or if we would have time with the construction which was happen(FYI there is construction around the mountain trail)

    It is perfectly groomed and you couldn’t ask for a nicer time. I really loved every minute of it and we seen two moose as well as some signs of more moose around the area.

    If you are able to do this trail it is highly recommended you keep a keen eye out as you will miss moose that might be to the left or the right of you.

    Regards,
    Shaun

    reply

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