Day Use Parks in Cape Breton

Day Use Parks in Cape Breton



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Barrachois

Formerly a farm, this park situated on a knoll under a canopy of trees, offers a lovely view of Bras d' Or Lake. Fishing opportunities on the lake. Located 12 km (8 mi) south of Highway 125.

Accessible Facilities
Electrical Hook-up

Battery

Home to a number of historically significant sites, including the site of a lime kiln used to make plaster and mortar, some of which was used in the construction of Fortress Louisbourg, as well as the remains of two forts that were involved in the French and English struggle over the North American continent.

Ben Eoin

Situated on a former farm this small, secluded park is nestled against a hardwood-covered hill. A short walk leads to a look-off with a view of East Bay.

Burnt Island

Small boat launch on Burnt Island providing access to Lennox Passage.

Cabots Landing

Perched on the shore of Aspy Bay, this site features scenic vistas of the steep face of the Pollets Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area. Provides access to 3 km beach walk. A National Historic Site cairn commemorates the landing of explorer John Cabot.

Cape Smokey

Located on top of Smokey Mountain and offering spectacular coastal views, this is a popular rest stop for those traveling the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands National Park areas. A 10 km (6.2 mi) return trail provides more exciting views and photo opportunities. Allow four hours to hike the trail.

Dalem Lake

This park surrounds a small lake and is shaded by hardwood. Beach is white sand. A 2.2 km (1.5 mi) hiking trail encircles the lake. Birding, wildlife watching and sport fishing opportunities. Located at Boularderie East, 4 km (2.5 mi) north off Highway 105.

Dominion Beach

A 1.5 km (1 mi) sandy beach offering supervised swimming (July – August/STC). Boardwalks provide access to the beach and protect the dunes. Wind surfing opportunities.

Groves Point

A sand and pebble beach and warm salt water. Picnic in the field or at tables under a softwood stand. Located 5 km (3 mi) south of Highway 105, before crossing St. Andrew's Channel.

Irish Cove

Located on a hill overlooking Bras d' Or Lake, this site offers a short trail and scenic views. Located 32 km (20 mi) northeast of St. Peter's.

Lake O' Law

The only provincial park in Inverness County located on the Cabot Trail. A rock cairn dedicated to first Irish settlers in the area. Popular with traveling public; especially tour buses as a rest/viewing location.

Lennox Passage

A pleasant park on Isle Madame with two kilometres of shoreline, an operating lighthouse and site of a former post office (c.1910), ferry terminal and two limestone quarries. Picnic in forest or open areas, enjoy the 2 km of trails, or explore the lighthouse. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities in the winter, however parking is available at the gate only. Located on Hwy 320, 5 km (3 mi) east of the junction of Routes 320 and 206.

Mabou

Hillside park with a panoramic view of the Mabou Valley. Located 1.5 km (1 mi) north of Mabou.

MacCormack

The park overlooks the Bras d' Or Lake. Picnic under the softwood forest or stroll the beach. View of picturesque Plaster Cove. Located 0.3 km (0.2 mi) north of Iona.

Accessible Facilities
Electrical Hook-up

Mira River

Jutting out into the famous Mira River and only minutes from Sydney or Fortress Louisbourg National Historic site, Mira River Provincial Park is the perfect escape.

Petersfield

This park has a significant cultural history as it contains remnants of four cultural periods, dating from the late 18th to mid-20th centuries. Explore the 7 km (4.5 mi) of trails. 

Point Michaud Beach

A 3 km (2 mi) sandy beach, backed by marram-covered sand dunes and large cranberry bogs. Supervised swimming (July – August/STC). Some surfing opportunities.

Pondville Beach

Sandy beach on Isle Madame. The one kilometre (0.5 mi) beach is backed by gentle dunes, a large lagoon and a salt marsh. Located 2 km (1.5 mi) off Hwy 320 east through Pondville.

Port Hood Station

Popular picnic spot with a cobble beach and adjacent to white sand beach.

Accessible Facilities

Ross Ferry

Community managed day-use area offering a boat launch to the Bras d’Or Lake.

St Anns

Scenic view overlooking a saltmarsh and bay. A 500 m trail meanders by the water offering opportunities to view various waterfowl and other birds.

Uisge Bàn Falls

Enjoy this 1.3 kilometre round trip hike amid beautiful hardwoods to a spectacular 15 m waterfall in a granite gorge.

Located 14.5 kilometres (9 miles) north of Baddeck. From Highway 105, take Exit 9.