Jutting out between Ingonish Beach and North Bay, Middle Head is a narrow peninsula that was once part of the Keltic Lodge property, a luxury resort built in the 1940s to attract visitors to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Long before that, these shores were used by Mi’kmaq fishers and later by Scottish settlers who relied on the rich coastal waters.
The loop portion of the trail follows a well-worn path through spruce and fir forest, opening often to ocean views on both sides. The trail is mostly flat with a few gentle slopes, making it accessible for most hikers. Along the way, you’ll pass wildflowers in summer, seabirds riding the wind, and the rugged cliffs that define this part of the Cabot Trail.
At the headland, the land drops away to sheer cliffs where you can watch the Atlantic crash against the rocks. On clear days, you can spot Cape Smokey to the south, the Highlands rising behind you, and fishing boats working the bays. Benches along the route offer perfect rest stops, and the combination of history, easy walking, and big views makes this a trail worth adding to your list.
