Despite the name, you won’t find a single gooseberry here. But you will find blueberries, cloudberries, foxberries, cranberries, and juniper berries dotting the rolling land around this remote coastal gem. Tucked along the southeastern coast of Cape Breton, Gooseberry Cove is one of those places that spreads by word of mouth—quietly legendary among those who know it, and always the first place they bring a new friend.
There’s no formal trail, but the adventure is half the point. The landscape shifts as you explore—from soft, springy bog and highland-like meadows to tidal pools and rocky coastline. It’s the kind of place where time stretches, where every bend reveals a new little cove or driftwood-covered beach to discover.
Hidden in its sheltered waters lie the remains of several shipwrecks, some dating back to the 1700s. They’re mostly buried now, but knowing they’re there adds to the air of mystery. Bring a lunch, light a fire on the shores if conditions allow, and spend the day. Gooseberry Cove doesn’t rush you—and chances are, you won’t want to leave.
