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Hiking Along the Cabot Trail: Cape Smokey

The Cape Smokey Picnic Park, situated just along the Cabot Trail is a 40km drive from Cabot Shores. Regardless of the weather, the trip offers views that will leave you with your face pressed up against the car window for the duration of the drive. If you happen to be the designated driver, the Cape Smokey Lookout is a space to pull over and take in the scenery at your leisure.

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Cape Smokey: Trail Conditions

We decided to hike Cape Smokey on a slow day in May, Nova Scotia still in pandemic lockdown. We found the picnic area, parking lot, and restrooms open and clean, just footsteps away from breathtaking views. 

This 10.6 kilometres out-and-back-style route is easy to follow and well-marked. As we passed through the wooden frame marking the entrance to the trail, our adventure became more challenging. The trail is what we jokingly call an “ankle breaker,” with scraggly branches poking out, loose rocks, and uneven terrain. The trail is also fairly thin, requiring hikers to travel single-file for much of the trip. The first two kilometres are on a downhill slope and require a steady foot.

The trail was saturated in parts, even in late May, forcing us to take brief detours. As well, the trail was often split by streams and used wooden foot bridges. A warning to those who pursue this trail — walking over these makeshift bridges one at a time is in your best interest!

While this hike is by no means boring, you’ll spend the majority of the trip in the trees. This shelter is nice on hot or windy days, but otherwise does little to deter the black flies.

A highlight is the breathtaking lookout three kilometres into the hike. Both of us were stunned by just how high up we were from the ocean. We soaked in the scenery from a wooden bench. 

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Recommendations for Future Hikers

We would advise those exploring Cape Smokey to wear long pants, high socks, and hiking boots. A brisk pace keeps the bugs at bay, but stopping to catch your breath makes you an easy target. A walking stick may help with stability on rugged terrain. Although we didn’t see anything much bigger than a raven, we did see moose scat along the trail. Hikers should be cautious when in backcountry areas and should be knowledgeable about encounters with unpredictable wildlife.

Final Thoughts?

The Cabot Trail is a hiker’s paradise, but there are better-maintained hiking paths than Cape Smokey. Cape Smokey is, in a word, okay. If you have limited time in Cape Breton, we would recommend exploring other trails. Middle Head, for example, is an accessible hike with breathtaking views. Alternately, the guided hike at Kalapa Valley is a similar distance from Cabot Shores, perfect for the casual hiker and spiritual junkie alike. 

 



Good
Based on 289 reviews
Seahorselife Shannon (Seahorselife_Canada)
Seahorselife Shannon (Seahorselife_Canada)
October 17, 2023.
My boyfriend and I came here on a whim for lunch while in the area. What a pleasant surprise! Loved the unique atmosphere and amazing, friendly people. Could have very well have been the best salmon I have ever eaten. Everything was cooked to perfection. Fresh and tasty. Hats off to the chef. We also had the mussels... huge portion and delicious. We took a walk about the property, one of a kind cabins/domes to stay in.. most of which, if not all had their own hot tub. Even a sauna by the water. We would definitely highly recommend eating here at the bistro even if you are not staying over night. Everyone is lovely.. they even offered to email us the salmon recipe because we loved it so much. My only suggestion to owners would be to get better signage on the roadway, so visitors can find you easier. We passed the place twice before actually finding it. I think if there were two more signs a little up the rd on either side, more people may be able to come visit this hidden little gem. Thanks so much for a great lunch and top-notch service.
Jasmine Rahmel
Jasmine Rahmel
October 17, 2023.
Loved the location and the amenities. What a unique resort. The upgrade to the chalet was wonderful. Above and beyond.
Malcolm
Malcolm
October 16, 2023.
Stayed at Cabot shores from October 7th-13th was an unforgettable experience. Stayed in a yurt and very spacious and comfortable. The location along the sea was gorgeous and could hop over to the beach whenever. Kayaked two of those days and could see beaver domes while doing so. Would highly try the food as well very accommodating to all dietary requirements. Recommend the chickpea massala very nice meal! Friendly staff and good accommodation. 5/5
Vishnu Vardhana
Vishnu Vardhana
October 15, 2023.
Amazing experience in the yurt and dome. Friendly staff and beautiful views!
Trevor B
Trevor B
September 13, 2023.
Stopped for lunch and ordered the spaghetti bolognese. Very hearty and lots of meat. A nice satisfying meal. One surprise was to see a mandatory 10% gratuity when paying the bill. Who does this for a party of less than 5?
kate mcauley
kate mcauley
September 12, 2023.
We had our wedding here over the September long weekend and we honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience! Our wedding was just over 40 adults with some children. The owner and all the staff were very friendly, accommodating and went above and beyond with everything to help us have the best time. Over the weekend staff were knowledgeable with things to do on and off of the resort when asked by our guests. The food was exceptional!! All of our guests could not stop raving about the food that was served- for all meals. Accommodations are rustic and cute, exactly what we were looking for! Many hot tubs arounds the resort as well that can be moved to your accommodation if you request it. The resort is quite large as well with lots of beautiful scenery. Location on the Cabot trail was great as well. We have nothing but positive things to say about our experience here!

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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