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An Autumn-Inspired Cape Breton Hiking Guide

We’re officially on the cusp of yet another vibrant autumn here on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia’s crown jewel. There are several ways to relish fall’s arrival here at Cabot Shores, including kayaking, cycling, and, of course, hiking. Every autumn, leaf-peepers, outdoor enthusiasts, avid hikers, and self-proclaimed “autumnophiles” flock to our remote, 55-acre wilderness resort. Yes, the fall foliage is the “main event,” but we also offer an array of unique lodging types, including cozy chalets, yurts, and domes. To ensure that your long-awaited autumnal escape to Cabot Shores is nothing short of spectacular, we’ve compiled a handy Cape Breton hiking guide, complete with five quintessential trails.

The Top 5 Cape Breton Hiking Trails: Autumn Edition

As you might imagine, our 55-acre respite is a short walk, bicycle ride, or drive from several trailheads, many of which meander along the ocean’s edge or deep into the forest en route to secretive waterfalls. In fact, a few months back, we listed our 10 favourite waterfalls in Nova Scotia. As summer subtly fades to fall, the Cabot Trail’s lush forestry transforms into a head-turning meld of amber, crimson, marigold, and kelly green. Amateur photographers, backpackers, and geocachers cannot resist these colour combinations. Below, we shed some light on five of the most colourful Cape Breton hiking trails, including three nearby delights.

Helpful hint: Remember to bookmark this page for further reference.

Indian Brook Falls

While waterfalls typically don’t gush during autumn’s peak (unless a rainstorm recently rolled through), very few sights rival a backland gorge’s solitude and visual splendour. Cabot Shores’ guests can hike up Indian Brook en route to three distinct falls, each one more beautiful than the last. The vivid colours supply a soft glow on the creek’s surface, while the inky rock walls provide a beautiful contrast.

North River Falls

The trek to and from North River Falls is a beast. However, no Cape Breton hiking guide would be complete without it. The 11-mile, out-and-back expedition will take up much of the day, so remember to pack a picnic, plenty of water, and essential backpacking gear. That being said, the payoff ranks among the most startlingly-beautiful sights on the isle.

Franey Trail

Franey Trail, a moderately-difficult, 4.5-mile loop, is a must during autumn’s apex. This classic Cape Breton hiking trail snakes past serene MacDougalls Lake and the steep Clyburn Brook valley (as pictured above), with faraway views of the ocean. Please don’t skip this marvellous loop!

The Fairy Hole

Be advised: Glooscap Cave, also known as the “Fairy Hole,” involves a wee bit of rock climbing, a dip in the ocean, and some good, old-fashioned Cabot Trail hiking. Much like the excursion to Spinnakin Mountain, please call ahead about a potential guided trip into this magical Fairy Hole.

Paquette Lake and Mica Hill

Summit Overlook at Mica Hill, Home to Some of the Best Cape Breton Hiking.

Fittingly, we’re capping this handy Cape Breton hiking guide with a strenuous mountaintop stroll past Paquette Lake en route to jaw-dropping Mica Hill. In the fall, the valley is dotted with legions of scarlet brush that provides an ominous, albeit dazzling backdrop. Of course, there’s also plenty of orange and green hues throughout the journey.

Glamping on Cape Breton Island

The perfect place to start and finish each day of autumn-flavoured exploration, adventure, and relaxation is Cabot Shores, the finest wellness retreat in Canada. Guests can camp under the stars, enjoy a 19th-century farmhouse, or “sleep in the sky.” When you’re not surveying the landscape on one of the best hiking trails in Nova Scotia, remember to paddle on Church Pond, cycle along the Cabot Trail, and indulge in fine, locally-sourced cuisines.

Please give us a call today at 866-929-2584 (or check availability online) to book a long-awaited autumn getaway to Cape Breton Island. Click the links below to learn more about our particularly tranquil slice of Nova Scotia.



Good
Based on 248 reviews
Sandy Soule
Sandy Soule
February 21, 2023.
Stayed in the Blue Cabin -- cozy but adequate for our family. Dinner was surprisingly delicious, including tasty fresh salad with beets and whipped feta, perfect mussels, and delicious salmon and steak. Friendly staff and excellent guitar music (live). Tasty buffet breakfast included frittata, homemade yogurt and jam, home-baked bread and more. In short, the food and live music were outstanding, the accommodations just adequate.
Gabrielle Ventura
Gabrielle Ventura
February 19, 2023.
If only I could rate them more than 5 starts, I really would.. This is our 2nd time in Cabot Trail and we will definitely be staying here again when we visit Cape Breton this fall! The Yurts we’ve stayed in were always so clean and beautiful. The owner, Paul, accommodated us so kindly with all our needs and more. It felt like we were just visiting a relatives home lol. The staff, most especially Katie, were so patient and helpful to us. Everyone here just goes above and beyond for their customers! I would recommend this to anyone who plans to visit Cape Breton. BONUS: THEY’RE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND! ANOTHER BONUS: THEY HAVE THE BEST CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE (Made by Paul’s wife)!!!!
Lisa-Steven Sisson-Gledhill (HillSun)
Lisa-Steven Sisson-Gledhill (HillSun)
December 31, 2022.
Wish we could give more stars 🌟 Service was top notch! Everyone was friendly, accommodating and informed about local interests. Food was mouth watering- recommend the seafood and homemade yogurt. Waves each morning were breath taking...highly recommend asking to do local hikes. Kids enjoyed games, sauna, hot tub and rooms felt very spacious. Will definitely return!
Clare Waque
Clare Waque
December 16, 2022.
I attended a wilderness healing retreat and that experience completely changed my life. The low reviews are not a far representation of the authentic and high value experience being offered.
Annshani Fernando
Annshani Fernando
December 15, 2022.
We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful resort and would recommend it to nature lovers. Big shoutout to Paul and his family for going the extra mile to make us feel comfortable.
Varuna Indraratne
Varuna Indraratne
December 12, 2022.
We spent three nights attending a relative’s wedding in early September at this wonderful resort conveniently located right on the world-famous Cabot Trail. We stayed in one of the main lodge rooms which had spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean from the window. The resort has a vast property overlooking beach that also includes an apple orchard and organic vegetable garden leading to the shores of the Atlantic. The amazing staff led by the owners Paul and Barbara are very hospitable, friendly and helpful. The food at the wedding reception prepared by the in-house team was so delicious. There are also plenty of options for breakfast and lunch nearby serving a variety of cuisines with Cape Breton flair and friendliness. We highly recommend the Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort for anyone planning a visit to Cape Breton Island!!!
Uthpala M
Uthpala M
December 11, 2022.
We had our wedding at this beautiful venue in September, 2022. Our experience was amazing. Paul, Barbara, and the crew was super helpful from the planning stage all the way until we checked out after the event. The location of this property is unbeatable. We had our wedding ceremony in between two chalets - Red and Blue - overseeing the Atlantic Ocean. We booked three chalets and rooms at the main lodge for our guests and some of the guests rented yurts. The crew at Cabot Shores organized a bon-fire on the night before the wedding and organized a cookout with brick-oven pizzas that was out of this world! The food for the wedding was prepared by the chef of Cabot Shores - Ron - and it was superb. Paul and Barbara also organized local musicians for the event and Flo and her group was fantastic! We have nothing bad to say and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of the staff and the natural beauty of the location. We highly recommend this lovely place to anyone planning their wedding or vacation.
Ruwanthika Premalal
Ruwanthika Premalal
December 11, 2022.
We stayed for 3 days at this amazing resort during the end of summer 2022. A great resort with many activities and you can easily access the Cabot shore trail. There are many close by boutique restaurants too for breakfast, brunch or lunch. But you definitely need to try resort's food too which might come from there organic garden to your plate. Their wood fired pizza is so good. During the last day at our stay, we had a wedding of one of our close friends, at the resort. The food was so delicious. The staff was really helpful. I love their compost bin, vegetable beds and mushroom garden too. They have so many isolated yurts which is really great for star gazing and to see the milky way. The little ferry at the river is such a great way to reach the private beach of the Atlantic ocean. We are visiting again, hopefully next year!
Jangchub Zangmo
Jangchub Zangmo
November 29, 2022.
a wonderful place to get out into nature and meet like minded people

Excellent
Based on 50 reviews
Lukas
Lukas
September 21, 2022.
Verified
Very nice people and a place full of joy ! Stayed 2 nights in the „Eagle dome“ which was really comfy and clean! Had really delicous dinner at the main lodge where paul played some music just for us and had nice conversations whith him and the other staffmembers. Also booked the hot tub at our dome for our last night from where we had a great view on the campfire. Lovely place where you see how much effort they put in every detail.
Nicole
Nicole
August 22, 2022.
Verified
Amazing adventure! Lots of fun sleeping underneath the stars!
Ryan
Ryan
August 14, 2022.
Verified
Relaxing
Nigel
Nigel
July 25, 2022.
Verified
Beautiful place and very friendly staff. Perfect location if you’re travelling along the Cabot Trail, I highly recommend checking this place out! Would definitely stay here again. Thanks for a fantastic experience.
Anooj
Anooj
October 25, 2021.
Verified
This was our first time staying in the Eagle Dome and we absolutely fell in love with this beautiful place. Super clean place to stay!
Redwan
Redwan
October 17, 2021.
Verified
Very nice place to spend a couple of nights in the nature! My wife and I enjoyed our stay. It might be a good idea to install a heater in the dome as it can get chilly at night.
Brooke
Brooke
October 1, 2021.
Verified
Beautiful, quaint place to stay! So unique and off grid. We loved staying at the dome!
Madison
Madison
September 9, 2021.
Verified
We had a great stay in the Eagle Dome! We loved watching the sunset and sunrise, and being able to hear the waves from the ocean. Next time we would stay a few more days and prepare a bit better - we weren’t packed for off grid but we made it work. Outhouse was a few steps away, shower and toilet a short walk. We didn’t get the hot tub or use the sauna/other amenities but would certainly consider it next time.
Micayla
Micayla
August 16, 2021.
Verified
This place is absolutely beautiful! We loved our stay here. I highly recommend it. All the staff are very friendly. The dome was such a unique experience looking at the stars and watching the sun rise. The beach is beautiful and there’s a little swimming spot 2 minutes down the road that we really enjoyed 🙂

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