If you’re planning a trip to Nova Scotia, you should definitely take some time to visit the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It’s packed with ocean views, beautiful hikes, waterfalls, beaches, and kid-friendly campgrounds.
We’ve explored this park with our kids and it’s one of our favourite places in Nova Scotia for a family camping trip. It’s adventurous but doable with little legs.
Where Is Cape Breton Highlands National Park?
Located along the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, this national park includes one of the most scenic drives in Canada – the Cabot Trail. It does cost to get into the park so go to this website for the up to date fees. (FREE admission and discounted overnight stays to Parks Canada from June 19 to September 7 2026!)
You get dramatic coastal cliffs, quiet beaches, mountain-top views, forest trails, and waterfalls all in one park. It’s the perfect stop for all ages!
Our 3-Day Cape Breton Highlands National Park Itinerary with Kids
We have visited the highlands a few times (with and without kids) but wanted to share our most recent itinerary with you. This could be perfect if you’re wanting to add it to your Nova Scotia trip and aren’t able to take a whole week exploring.
Day 1: Broad Cove Campground + Beach Evening
We set up camp at Broad Cove Campground, and we love this spot because of the close access to the beach. There are easy walking paths to get to the bach and that’s where we spent our evening.
Note: Even in summer, the water is cold. Pack towels and warm layers.
Day 2: Middle Head Trail + Hidden Beach Day
In the morning, we headed to Middle Head Trail.
This is one of the most popular trails in the park and for good reason. The full trail is a 5.3km loop along the coast and through the woods and is rated as easy. With the kids, we made it about halfway and called it a win. They were most interested in a beach day rather than hiking so we had a snack with a view and headed to our favourite hidden beach in Cape Breton.
Afterward, we spent the rest of the day at our favourite hidden beach. We stumbled upon this spot by taking a detour on one of our previous trips and it’s now a must-visit for us. In order to keep this spot a secret however, I won’t be disclosing the name but if you do a bit of your own research I’m sure you can find it (or a similar one!).
Psst.. if your kids love beach days, you’ll also want to check out our guide to the best Nova Scotia beaches for families.
Day 3: Cabot Trail Lookoffs + Beulach Ban Falls + Cheticamp
We packed up and drove the Cabot Trail, stopping at scenic lookoffs along the way. This September trip we lucked out and had Beulach Ban Falls completely to ourselves. The kids climbed rocks, played in the cool water, and we took our time. No rush. No crowds. We finished our trip at Cheticamp Campground (the kids’ favourite). There’s a large river next to the campground and a beautiful, large playground.
More Things To Do in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Here are more kid-friendly hikes and ideas for your own trip to the highlands:
1. Skyline Trail
One of the most famous trails in Nova Scotia. The boardwalk section is manageable for kids and offers sweeping cliffside views. If you don’t like crowds, this may be one to avoid.
2. MacIntosh Brook Trail
A short woodland hike to a waterfall.
3. Jack Pine + Coastal Trail
Jack Pine loop or the shorter Coastal Trail are both great stops in the park.
4. Whale Watching
There are a few well-rated tours that can take you out on the ocean to whale watch. Look on the Cape Breton Island website for some great options.
5. Shop + Explore the Visitor Centers
The park offers visitor centers in Cheticamp and Ingonish. Our kids love exploring the little shops and learning a bit about the local wildlife.
Tips for Visiting Cape Breton Highlands National Park with Kids
1. Camping
Each campground in the park will offer something a little different. Whichever you choose, be sure to book well in advance especially if you’re traveling during the summer.
2. Embrace Short Hikes
You don’t need to conquer every trail. We love making playing games along the trail like shadowlands, ninjas or telling stories to keep them interested but if they just aren’t feeling it that day, then it’s okay to turn back and try something else.
3. Bring Comfortable Shoes
Nothing worse then getting out on an adventure and your kids start complaining about sore feet.
4. Bring Bikes
The campgrounds we have stayed at have great trails for biking!
5. Become a Parks Canada Xplorer
You should definitely stop at one of the visitor centres to pick up an activity booklet for your kids. Our kids loved completing the booklets and earning their prize.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
- Spring/Summer: Best weather but peak season for visitors. This is also Nova Scotia’s high season for ticks and mosquitos.
- Autumn: Ideal for seeing the incredible fall colours along the Cabot Trail if you go in October. September is great for weather and will have fewer crowds during the week.
- Winter: This time of year will have the fewest crowds and would be lots of fun for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing (you can rent them!). Just note that some trails may not be open and be flexible with your plans in case of snow storms.
I highly recommend adding Cape Breton Highlands National Park to your Nova Scotia trip. You won’t regret it!