Cape Breton Highlands National Park

城市概覽

The park is roughly definable by its two coasts. The western side represents the Acadian culture and the eastern side is much more English, and in fact the park feels like two parks. Most of the publicity shots come from the western portion of the park, although the eastern part is much more visited as it is more accessible.

History The park was established in 1936 to protect the specific ecosystem contained within.

Landscape The park is best known for the Cabot Trail. This trails winds its way along the coast with mountains on one side and the water on the other. The access to the park is provided primarily by the coastal road. No viable way of exploring the interior exists, though this is where the highest mountains can be found, including White Hill - the tallest point in Nova Scotia.

Flora and fauna

Iconic Canadian mammals such as bear and moose are visible in the park. Bunchberries dominate the ground during certain periods of summer. Wild blueberries are also present, and if able to properly identify them they make an interesting snack.

Climate The park is in Canada's Maritime provinces and its weather is comparable to the overall region, with both relatively mild winters and summers. Expect a lot of snow in wintertime.

Visitor information Park website Visitor centres near both entrances to the park along the Cabot Trail sell permits, tickets to events, souvenirs, and provide information on park facilities and activities. They also offer an opportunity for a rest stop, with toilets, picnic tables, and electric car chargers. They are open mid-May to mid-October.

1 Chéticamp Visitor Centre (On the west side of the park). Spring and Fall 9AM-5PM, Summer hours 8:30AM-7PM. (updated Jun 2023) 2 Ingonish Visitor Centre (On the east side of the park, north of Ingonish Beach). Spring and Fall 9AM-5PM, Summer hours 8:30AM-7PM. (updated Jun 2023)

如何抵達

The park is accessible primarily by car. The area is not served particularly well by bus. It is approximately four hours from Halifax to either park entrance. There are steep inclines and drivers should be prepared for such challenges. The Cabot Trail is also a common destination for bicyclists, so be prepared to share the road. Driving the entire Cabot Trail in a loop is the best way to experience the entire park, and indeed Cape Breton Island since it starts and ends further south at the Trans-Canada Highway. To drive the loop in a clockwise direction, follow the western leg of the trail from the Trans-Canada Highway (exit 7, following signs for Cheticamp). For a counter-clockwise loop, start on the eastern leg closer to Sydney (exit 11, following signs for Ingonish). Driving clockwise puts you on the inside of the highway (which may be preferred by passengers who like being further from the edge of the cliff during sharp turns). Clockwise is sometimes the more popular direction simply because it's the first turn coming from the west. If you're setting out to do the entire trail in a single day, consider whether you'd like to catch sunset over the water on the west side of the park.

當地交通

The Cabot Trail is the only corridor through the park, so driving it in either direction will take you close to the most of the access points for all sites within the park. It runs about 108 km (67 mi) around the west, north, and east perimeter of the park. For the most part, it is a narrow corridor with one lane in either direction, following the ocean coastline and forests of the highlands; be prepared for sharp turns, steep hills, wildlife, heavy rain, and fog. The park is best visited by motor vehicle. Public transport options are limited. There are not many places to find fuel within the park, and it is worth inquiring at the visitor centres or gas stations when to next expect gas to be available. Although the park is a worldwide destination for bicyclists, it is not recommended for novices.

必看景點

Most points of interest in the park are accessible by the park's many walking trails. These may be for history (such as at Lone Shieling) or for the views (l'Acadien, Skyline). Skyline trail is also notable for its sunset walks (which many consider to be a must). Many waterfalls are accessible by back roads or along various trails. Roadside lookout points provide views of and from the Cabot Trail along the park's perimeter.

1 Lone Shieling. A Scottish-style sheep crofters hut built in 1942. Most of the old growth forest in the park is protected and not accessible to visitors, but a short, easy trail here takes visitors through a small portion of the forest, with 350-year old sugar maple trees still standing. (updated Jul 2023) 2 MacKenzie Mountain look-off. As the Cabot Trail winds its way up MacKenzie Mountain, several roadside viewpoints provide safe opportunities to park the car and look out over the Gulf of St. Lawrence or the Cape Breton Highlands. Sharp eyes may be able to spot whales in the cove below. Interpretive panels provide information at each stop. (updated Jul 2023) 3 Whale Interpretive Centre, 104 Harbour Rd (Pleasant Bay). Jun through mid-Oct. A small museum with exhibits covering whales and marine life found in the waters surrounding Cape Breton, including a full size model of a pilot whale. (updated Jul 2023)

體驗活動

The park is known for kayaking, whale watching and it many walking paths. There is also a world-renowned golf course in Ingonish.

1 Cape Breton Highlands Links, 247 Keltic In-Road (Ingonish Beach), ☏ +1 902-285-2880, toll-free: +1-800-565-0444. 18-hole, par 72 golf course on the eastern shore of the park. The course was designed in 1939 by Stanley Thompson for the National Parks Service, and nicknamed “the mountains and ocean” course. Green fees apply in addition to the park entry permit. (updated Jul 2023)

Hike There are 26 hiking trails maintained in the park, ranging in length and difficulty. Trails provide access to panoramic ocean views, unique aspects of the park's natural environment, and some historic points of interest. Maps and guides are available at the visitors centres. Some notable trails include:

2 Broad Cove Mountain Trail. A short 2.3 km (1.4 mi), 168 m (551 ft) climb to views of the rocky ocean coast and Broad Cove. (updated Jul 2023) 3 Clyburn Valley Trail. An easy 8.5 km (5.3 mi) out-and-back hike along the river and into the forest, with some views of the park's golf course near the beginning. The trail gets less maintained further out, and passes the ruins of an old gold mine camp. (updated Jul 2023) 4 Fishing Cove Trail. The longest (12 km (7.5 mi)), and one of the most challenging trails in the park. A somewhat steep, sometimes muddy, 355 m (1,165 ft) slope takes hikers down to a small ocean cove that was home to a small Scottish fishing community. A few backcountry camping sites are located on the trail (permitted by advance registration), but well-prepared hikers can enjoy the hike in a single day, with time for a swim before the uphill walk back to the Cabot