News from abroad has been hard to read this summer. In the Italian Alps, more than 100 hikers have lost their lives since June. The causes are as varied as the terrain—slips on steep trails, sudden weather changes, ignoring closures, or venturing out unprepared. In some cases, people put more trust in technology than in common sense and local knowledge.
It’s tragic—and a sobering reminder for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Cape Breton’s Trails: Wild, Beautiful & Alive
Here in Cape Breton, our trails don’t have the same alpine extremes, but they demand respect just the same. The Highlands roll like a sea of green, waterfalls carve through valleys, and coastal cliffs meet the ocean with drama that can take your breath away.
Take the Skyline Trail, where the famous boardwalk looks out over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s a trail people travel the world to walk, but it also has a history. In 2009, a rare coyote attack took the life of a hiker there, a reminder that wildlife is very much part of this landscape.
Other favourites—like Uisge Ban Falls, a 3 km walk into a shady gorge, or the Gooseberry Cove, an easy coastal loop lined with history—may feel gentler, but they’re still wild places. Weather shifts fast, footing can be tricky, and cell service isn’t guaranteed. These trails ask us to be present, prepared, and respectful.
Lessons Worth Carrying With Us
So what can Cape Breton hikers learn from Italy’s heartbreak?
- Don’t underestimate a trail. Easy or hard, every hike deserves preparation.
- Bring the basics. Water, layers, snacks, first aid—essentials that keep a small mishap from becoming something bigger.
- Check closures. Fire bans, wildlife warnings, or weather advisories matter.
- Stay on the path. Boardwalks and marked trails protect both you and the land.
- Share your plan. Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Walking With Awareness
The beauty of Cape Breton is that our trails are welcoming. You don’t need to be a mountaineer to stand on a cliff and watch eagles soar or to hear the rush of water in a quiet valley. But nature remembers we’re only visitors here. The more we respect it—by slowing down, paying attention, and walking with care—the more it offers in return.
Italy’s losses remind us of the balance we hold when we step onto a trail. Here on the island, that balance means planning wisely and walking lightly, so the memories we carry home are of ocean air, mountain views, and the quiet heartbeat of Cape Breton itself.
