Skyline Trail
Skyline Trail
4.5
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- 63impalaStoneham, Massachusetts1,254 contributionsExcellent hikeIf you have a chance to hike the Skyline Trail while in Cape Breton, you have to do it. It will take you a few hours to complete it but it is well worth your time. Keep in mind that when you go to the cliff section, the wind is amazingly strong. This is a must do!Visited June 2023Written 23 June 2023
- Rebecca LAtlanta, Georgia1,480 contributionsMust Do!This hike lives up to its name, and if you can only do one hike while visiting Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this is the one to take. The hike is relatively flat and seems to follow an old gravel road bed. While that part is not necessarily exciting, the outstanding views on the multi level decks at the end are well worth it.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 July 2023
- jcchouinardQuebec City, Canada24 contributionsGreat view, the full loop really isn't worth it though..Incredible view. We did the full loop with our 4 years old. It was quite easy, but also very long. There is not many shady spots, so bring hats and sunscreen. To be honest, the full loop wasn't worth it very much. If I were to do it again, I'd go to the main point of view back and forth as there really is only one point of view in the trail.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 August 2023
- LouPOrford, Canada132 contributionsWalk the loop and try to avoid the crowd ;)It is the most popular trail of Cape Breton for a reason. The trail to the panoramic viewpoint is very large, flat, easy to walk, and made to accommodate lots of visitors during the touristic season. If possible, try to go on a less busy moment. Most people just went straight to the viewpoint, without walking the loop. We definitely recommand the loop on a beautiful day. It is calm, pretty and not much longer than the out-and-back option.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 October 2023
- Jamie H-DPoole, United Kingdom696 contributionsEasy flat trail with great viewsA wonderful well groomed hiking / walking loop that goes through dense vegetation and trees on each side before reaching the magnificent viewing boardwalk area overlooking the Cabot Trail. Although you can get gorgeous views from the murmurous view points along the Cabot Trail this is a great way to combine the walk and the views easily. The first time my husband and I attempted the trail it was closed due to Hurricane Lee, we tried the following day and were lucky enough for it to be open, not only that but we had breaks in the cloud offering full views over the water and trail which were absolutely stunning! The weather is very changeable, one moment it’s clear then it’s cloudy then raining… be prepared for everything but you will not regret going on this trail. We were lucky enough to be visiting out of season as it was very quiet with only a few people and I read a lot of reviews about crowds in season.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 October 2023
- World_travellor79Sudbury, Canada171 contributionsA must do for sure!Absolutely breathtaking views! The hike itself is not that difficult. I would personally rate it as easy as the trail was relatively level (slight decline walking towards the view point and slight incline walking back to the parking lot) and well maintained. I have a bad knee was was able to complete this hike no issues with my knee brace on. Only advice I would give would be to arrive early! We arrived around 9 am in the morning and the trail had some hikers on it, but not many. By the time we finished and left the parking lot was full and there were a ton of visitors (we took our time and were there for well over 2 hours). It was nicer to view everything with just the early birds. :)Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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World_travellor79
Sudbury, Canada171 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Absolutely breathtaking views! The hike itself is not that difficult. I would personally rate it as easy as the trail was relatively level (slight decline walking towards the view point and slight incline walking back to the parking lot) and well maintained. I have a bad knee was was able to complete this hike no issues with my knee brace on. Only advice I would give would be to arrive early! We arrived around 9 am in the morning and the trail had some hikers on it, but not many. By the time we finished and left the parking lot was full and there were a ton of visitors (we took our time and were there for well over 2 hours). It was nicer to view everything with just the early birds. :)
Written 12 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobN06
Avondale, PA616 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
A nice coastal view at the end but the walk out and back is flat, heavily traveled and pretty nondescript. Not sure how this hike got to be number one unless is has something to do with proximity to Inverness. Did it once but would not choose to do it again.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie H-D
Poole, UK696 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
A wonderful well groomed hiking / walking loop that goes through dense vegetation and trees on each side before reaching the magnificent viewing boardwalk area overlooking the Cabot Trail. Although you can get gorgeous views from the murmurous view points along the Cabot Trail this is a great way to combine the walk and the views easily.
The first time my husband and I attempted the trail it was closed due to Hurricane Lee, we tried the following day and were lucky enough for it to be open, not only that but we had breaks in the cloud offering full views over the water and trail which were absolutely stunning! The weather is very changeable, one moment it’s clear then it’s cloudy then raining… be prepared for everything but you will not regret going on this trail.
We were lucky enough to be visiting out of season as it was very quiet with only a few people and I read a lot of reviews about crowds in season.
The first time my husband and I attempted the trail it was closed due to Hurricane Lee, we tried the following day and were lucky enough for it to be open, not only that but we had breaks in the cloud offering full views over the water and trail which were absolutely stunning! The weather is very changeable, one moment it’s clear then it’s cloudy then raining… be prepared for everything but you will not regret going on this trail.
We were lucky enough to be visiting out of season as it was very quiet with only a few people and I read a lot of reviews about crowds in season.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori E
Michigan44 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This is a relatively flat hike thru the woods to get you to a place that overlooks the ocean. We didn't feel that it was anything more spectacular that what you can see when you stop at one of the many pull-outs along the roadway. The pull-outs are fabulous. If you want a hike, go for it - but it's not necessary for seeing something unique.
Written 13 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
guenther_450
Katoomba, Australia17 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Go through any publication, even speak to some one in a Visitor Centre there...the advice is: Skyline is the must do hiking trail in this N Park.
Skyline Trail is a flat , well " groomed " walkway through some ok forest and to 2 Lookouts , which are not that spectacular... The 8 km walk has become famous mainly through social media, its easy to walk , you can take your kids ....no problem .
....the two huge parking lots( off the Cabot Drive )were full and Rangers turned people away on that Saturday before Thanksgiving...
I was lucky , doing the walk early...even did see a moose...
But after me it was simply madness.
( the usual thing ...chatting , chatting ...selfies and group fotos...)
Spoke to a Ranger on the way out...there are better , scenic walks in the park.
I had done the short Mont Broad Cove Mountain Trail the evening before... Better Forest, and the view ...different but as good.
Do your research , there will be other , easy or difficult trails with less poeple... so you can enjoy nature , not just ticking something off because everyone else is doing it.
Guenther, Blackheath Australia
Skyline Trail is a flat , well " groomed " walkway through some ok forest and to 2 Lookouts , which are not that spectacular... The 8 km walk has become famous mainly through social media, its easy to walk , you can take your kids ....no problem .
....the two huge parking lots( off the Cabot Drive )were full and Rangers turned people away on that Saturday before Thanksgiving...
I was lucky , doing the walk early...even did see a moose...
But after me it was simply madness.
( the usual thing ...chatting , chatting ...selfies and group fotos...)
Spoke to a Ranger on the way out...there are better , scenic walks in the park.
I had done the short Mont Broad Cove Mountain Trail the evening before... Better Forest, and the view ...different but as good.
Do your research , there will be other , easy or difficult trails with less poeple... so you can enjoy nature , not just ticking something off because everyone else is doing it.
Guenther, Blackheath Australia
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LouP
Orford, Canada132 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
It is the most popular trail of Cape Breton for a reason. The trail to the panoramic viewpoint is very large, flat, easy to walk, and made to accommodate lots of visitors during the touristic season. If possible, try to go on a less busy moment.
Most people just went straight to the viewpoint, without walking the loop. We definitely recommand the loop on a beautiful day. It is calm, pretty and not much longer than the out-and-back option.
Most people just went straight to the viewpoint, without walking the loop. We definitely recommand the loop on a beautiful day. It is calm, pretty and not much longer than the out-and-back option.
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cherylholmes16
Blenheim, Canada25 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
You have to do this trail.The views are beautiful and it's very high.Nice walk on trail to get to the stairs to walk down to platform to view mountain and ocean.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Millar1671
Cheddleton, UK5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Breathtaking views! Go early in the morning or in the evening as it does get very busy. Well maintained paths and board walks makes it a pretty easy hike to the viewing platforms.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenn p
8 contributions
Aug 2023
We loved this trail! The hike is really fun and the views from the lookout are absolutely stunning! The wind was strong and there are a lot fo stairs to get to the lookout but it's so worthwhile!
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jcchouinard
Quebec City, Canada24 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Incredible view. We did the full loop with our 4 years old. It was quite easy, but also very long. There is not many shady spots, so bring hats and sunscreen. To be honest, the full loop wasn't worth it very much. If I were to do it again, I'd go to the main point of view back and forth as there really is only one point of view in the trail.
Written 18 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kellen Oickle
Halifax, Canada
Is it possible to bike this trail?
Stephanie C
Sicklerville, NJ421 contributions
I'm pretty sure I remember there were "no bikes" signs on site.
Delphi31
Cobourg, ON6 contributions
Hello!
I wlll be walking with a less-than-enthusiastic 9 year old on the Skyline Trail this summer and I'm wondering if the left part of the trail that I keep reading about (shorter I presume?) has the opportunity to see moose?
Thanks,
Sarah
LonyM1
Squamish, Canada52 contributions
Hi there,
We didn’t see any moose in the wild in three and a half weeks in the province. Maybe try just before sunset or early in the morning?
Leona
luvfamtrips
Toronto, Canada29 contributions
Hi I am looking for hotel recommendations for 4 nights where we wont be too far from the skyline trail and other popular hikes/site. Any recommendations?
SLaurineK
Vancouver Island, Canada39 contributions
We also stayed at Maison Fiset.
I would recommend it.
dtjb123
Calgary, Canada3 contributions
Hi, Google is telling us to bike part of the skyline trail on our route from Pleasant bay to Cheticamp. Does this make sense? Can you do this on touring bikes with gear?
tomgordon2016
Canberra, Australia79 contributions
Hi, I think it is telling you to bike through the car park, which is about 500m long. There is then part of the trail that is smooth fine gravel. I am not sure if you can ride that part though. It will probably have a few people on it and it didn't seem like there would be enough space. Hope that helps.
Fritz L
NYC35 contributions
Hi Carol,
How was parking at the trail head? We have to get permits first at 9a at Cheti, then double back to Skyline. Was parking crowded at whatever hour you went in?
Thanks,
Fritz
tomgordon2016
Canberra, Australia79 contributions
Hi Fritz,
We were able to buy the permits the day before at the visitor centre-not the ticket booth. If not, there was still quite a lot of parking available.
Happy hiking,
Tom
bermynel
London, Canada7 contributions
How many hours from Halifax?
Is it safe to hike for mother and daughter who dont know how to handle wild animals?
Are there guided tours?
Any suggestions on where to stay..we are not campers.
need 2 nights accomodation - Saturday August 31 and Sept 1.
Thanks so much on your suggestions/advice
Can you safely walk the Skyline Trail at night with a flashlight? My boyfriend is a photographer, and wants to know if he'll be able to shoot the full sunset out on the trail from the lookout.
Carol Ann
4 contributions
I would check that out with the Highlands National Park if I were you. The parking may be closed and you would want to be wary of wild animals, coyotes and moose etc. ?? Especially on your return after sunset?!! Even if you stay on the trail it could be dangerous?
Would an hour be long enough to allow to get from the Skyline Trail trailhead to the overlook (shorter trail, not back loop) for 2 fit adults (one wearing a 2YO) and an 8YO fit child?
bkimball
Santa Cruz, California20 contributions
Yes, an hour should be good.
Sarah
1 contribution
How long does it take to walk the shorter, easier, boardwalk version of the trail?
bkimball
Santa Cruz, California20 contributions
The Skyline trail boardwalk goes down, down, down. We were only able to get to the first platform because the wind was so fierce it was dangerous to go any further! We were there in mid-October. It is truly spectacular, so do it!
Joreader1
Aurora, CO12 contributions
We won’t have a car. Is the trailhead near town? Is there bus transport?
dinah1Dublin
Lucan, Ireland66 contributions
This was our situation also, Joreader. However we were touring in NS for a week so contracted a company to guide & drive. There’s no public transport that I could see but the excellent Visitor Centre at the trailhead will be able to advise you on taxis I’m sure. We stayed in the Acadian Motel in Cheticamp, beside Evangeline’s Diner & Harbourview restaurant, all great. The locals are extremely helpful.. Good luck & enjoy!
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Claim your listingSKYLINE TRAIL: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Skyline Trail
- Hotels near Skyline Trail:
- (7.43 mi) Cornerstone Motel
- (6.75 mi) The Poplar B&B
- (9.66 mi) Silver Lining Inn & Motel
- (6.71 mi) Cabot Trail Hostel
- (9.00 mi) Ocean View Motel & Chalets
- Restaurants near Skyline Trail:
- (8.01 mi) Aucoin Bakery
- (6.38 mi) Rusty Anchor Restaurant
- (9.04 mi) L’abri
- (9.80 mi) Harbour Restaurant & Bar
- (9.18 mi) Doryman Pub & Grill