Cape Breton is known for its breathtaking scenery, but the island becomes even more stunning when fall colours start to appear. Chasing Cape Breton fall colours is the reason many guests book a trip north to Cabot Shores. The stretch of trail outside our door happens to be one of the best places to see fall foliage once it starts peaking in October.
5 Places to Go Leaf Peeping on Your Nova Scotia Fall Vacation
Endless leaf-peeping spots surround the resort, but here are five of our favourites.
St. Anns Overlook
About 20 minutes from our door, this pull-off offers the highest reward for the least effort. Park, walk a few steps, and the whole of St. Anns Bay opens below you with hardwood slopes running down to the water on every side. It makes an easy first stop on a longer drive along the famous scenic route.
Red Island Trail
The Red Island Trail is the closest colour to your door. The foliage here comes from the hardwood slopes across the water rather than the canopy overhead, so you get the whole hillside at once instead of a tunnel of leaves. The walking is gentle and coastal, which makes it a good option for a late afternoon with an hour to spare.
North River Provincial Park
Roughly a half-hour away, North River Provincial Park sits in a river valley thick with maple and yellow birch. Because it is inland and sheltered, it turns about a week ahead of the coast, so it is the spot to try if you arrive in late September and wonder whether you have come too early. Trails follow a steep-sided canyon toward the highest waterfall in the province.
Cape Smokey Provincial Park
Head north, and you reach Cape Smokey Provincial Park, where the look-offs sit on top of Smokey Mountain. The gondola at the base carries you over the treetops to a summit about 300 metres above sea level, which is a rare chance to see fall colours on Cape Breton from above rather than from inside the forest. Windy days can pause the ride, so check conditions first.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park holds the island’s two best-known autumn hikes. The Franey Trail is a moderate climb that pays off with sweeping views over the Clyburn Valley and the coast. For something flatter, the Middle Head Trail runs about 4 kilometres out and back along a headland with water on three sides.
For more ideas, browse our full list of favourite hikes on Cape Breton Island.
Take in the Colours of the Season at Our Cabot Trail Resort
When you stay at Cabot Shores, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy fall colours on your Cape Breton vacation. Our resort along the Cabot Trail is filled with endless natural beauty. Take in the changing trees while out on one of our kayak rentals or unwind in one of our hot tubs.
You can also enjoy unbeatable views from your accommodation. Lodging options like our domes, camping sites, and yurts on Cape Breton allow you to easily start and end your day with lush landscape views. Start planning your autumn getaway by contacting us to learn more about our fall packages.