Both self-guided and guided hiking opportunities exist in the Northern Cape Breton region.
Self-Guided hiking in northern Cape Breton is traditionally done on the trails within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. These trails, most of which begin on or close to the Cabot Trail, are generally of shorter duration, and highlight the various landforms present within the Park. Trails exist along elevated shoreline cliffs, at the water's edge, in the interior barrens and up to mountain lookoffs. The trails are generally well-
marked, and Parks Canada provides hiking trail maps with the purchase of Park use permits, which are required for use of any Park facility.
Outside the Park, however, to its northeast, lie some of the most scenic day hiking experiences in North America. However, these routes, of varying duration and difficulty, are seldom marked for the general public. Their locations may be accessed through enquiries of accommodations operators. Local tour operators offer guided half day and full day hikes into these areas, and add to the tours local commentary relating to the history, culture, wildlife and anecdotes of the area. These operators select their routes based upon the interest level and fitness of the group 
participating, as well as for the scenic beauty of the particular route, and for the wildlife that may be seen. Moose, eagle, deer and coyote sightings are not unusual, as well as whale, dolphin and seals.
Hiking in northern Cape Breton has been compared favorably to hiking in such international destinations as New Zealand, Scotland and Ireland. Visit our Gallery for further representative hiking images.
