Family Adventure in Cape Breton Highlands

A Day of Breathtaking Views and Delicious Discoveries

Today was a day filled with incredible natural beauty and delightful culinary experiences as we continued our family adventure in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It's amazing how quickly you can fall in love with a place, and today certainly cemented my affection for this stunning corner of Canada.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery in Margaree Valley. We arrived quite early, eager to beat the crowds that I had read about. The cafe was already buzzing with activity, locals and tourists alike drawn in by the aroma of freshly baked bread and strong coffee. I opted for one of their breakfast sandwiches, featuring chewy biscuits, juicy sausage and crispy bacon. Alessia, of course, chose a pastry, her eyes wide with excitement as she selected a colourful macaron. Pieter enjoyed a hearty bowl of porridge bread. The coffee, as many reviewers have noted, was indeed the best I’ve had in Cape Breton. It was the perfect start to a day of hiking and exploration. The Dancing Goat truly lived up to its reputation as a culinary gem nestled in the hills of the Margaree Valley.


Discover culinary bliss at Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery in Margaree Valley—where fresh ingredients meet delightful pastries in a cozy setting.
With our appetites satisfied, we set off for the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The drive itself was breathtaking, with the Cabot Trail winding along the coast, offering panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The fall colours were in full swing, painting the landscape in hues of red, orange, and gold. It felt like driving through a living painting, each turn revealing a new and stunning vista. I was so glad that we remembered to bring our camera and I managed to capture some incredible shots.

As we approached the Skyline Trail, we could see why it's such a popular destination. The parking lot was already quite full, even though it was still relatively early in the morning. We found a spot and made our way to the trailhead, eager to experience the famous views for ourselves. Before we started, I double-checked that we had everything we needed: water, snacks and of course, our hiking boots. I was kicking myself for forgetting the binoculars, especially since I knew Alessia would have loved to spot some birds [TripDetails].


Hike the iconic Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park for breathtaking coastal views and unforgettable vistas.
The Skyline Trail itself is a moderate 7-kilometre loop. The first part of the trail is well-maintained and almost wheelchair accessible, making it easy for Alessia to navigate. As we walked deeper into the boreal forest, the air grew cooler and the scent of pine filled our lungs. We kept our eyes peeled for wildlife, knowing that moose and black bears are sometimes spotted in the area. Luckily, we only encountered a few squirrels and some interesting birds. We stayed on the designated trails and boardwalks to protect the fragile vegetation. I had read about the ecological restoration project underway, with tree planting initiatives to combat over-browsing by moose, and I wanted to do my part to help preserve this special place.

The Skyline Trail is more than just a hike; it's an immersive experience that connects you with the raw beauty and delicate balance of Cape Breton's natural world.

The highlight of the Skyline Trail is undoubtedly the boardwalk that leads to the headland overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As we stepped onto the boardwalk, the trees opened up, revealing a stunning panoramic view. The ocean stretched out before us, shimmering in the sunlight, and the rugged coastline curved away into the distance. We could even see whales breaching in the distance. Alessia was thrilled, pointing and shouting with excitement every time she spotted one. I felt a sense of awe and gratitude, humbled by the sheer scale and beauty of nature.

We spent a long time on the headland, soaking in the views and taking photos. The wind was strong, whipping our hair and carrying the scent of salt and sea. It was invigorating and refreshing, washing away the stresses of everyday life. I felt a deep connection to this place, a sense of belonging that I hadn't expected. It was a moment I knew I would cherish forever.

After our hike, we were ready for lunch. We drove to the Seagull Restaurant in Ingonish, drawn in by its promise of home-cooked meals and spectacular ocean views. The restaurant was bustling with activity, but we managed to snag a table on the enclosed deck. The view was indeed stunning, with the waves crashing against the rocky shore just below us. I ordered the seafood chowder, eager to sample some local flavours. It was creamy and rich, filled with generous chunks of haddock, shrimp, and scallops. Pieter opted for the fish and chips, while Alessia chose something from the kids menu. Everyone enjoyed their meals, and we left feeling satisfied and content.


Experience fresh seafood and breathtaking views at Seagull Restaurant on Nova Scotia's scenic Cabot Trail.
In the late afternoon, we decided to explore the town of Chéticamp. We wandered through the streets, admiring the colourful buildings and soaking in the Acadian culture. We stopped at a few local shops, picking up souvenirs and chatting with the friendly locals. It was fascinating to learn about the history and traditions of this unique community, which has managed to preserve its cultural identity despite the influx of tourism.

For dinner, we had reservations at Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge, known for its Acadian fare and traditional dishes. The restaurant is easily recognisable by its distinctive lighthouse entrance. We started with Andre’s Meat Fricot, a hearty soup of potatoes and chicken. For my main course I decided on the Acadian Platter, which included meat pie, fish cakes and fricot. Pieter had the fish and chips, and Alessia enjoyed chicken fingers and fries. The food was delicious and comforting, providing a taste of authentic Acadian cuisine.


Discover authentic Nova Scotian flavors at Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge in Chéticamp - where fresh seafood meets warm hospitality.
After dinner, we decided to check out the local music scene. We headed to The Doryman Pub and Grill, a well-known spot for live music and good times. It was Saturday night, and the pub was packed with people, all eager to enjoy the lively atmosphere. We listened to the local musicians play traditional Cape Breton tunes, the fiddle music filling the air with energy and joy. Alessia was fascinated by the music, tapping her feet and clapping her hands along with the beat. I enjoyed a glass of local beer, savouring the moment and feeling grateful for the experiences we were sharing as a family.


Experience the flavors of Nova Scotia at The Doryman Pub and Grill, where fresh seafood meets a warm, inviting atmosphere.
As the evening drew to a close, we made our way back to our rental cabin, tired but happy. Today had been a perfect day, filled with natural beauty, delicious food, and cultural immersion. I felt a deep sense of connection to Cape Breton, a feeling that I knew would stay with me long after we left. I am so glad that we decided to come here, to experience this special place with my family. It’s moments like these that make travel so rewarding, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we plan to drive the Cabot Trail, taking in more of the stunning coastal scenery and exploring some of the smaller towns along the way. We're also hoping to do some shopping at Flora's Cabot Trail, a local shop known for its unique crafts and souvenirs. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us as we continue our journey through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

It seems that there is a guided paint session in the park, on September 21, 2025, with local artist Mathieu Lebrun. Also, the Celtic Colours International Festival should be an event to keep in mind, if you are planning to come to Cape Breton in the fall. There are many guided fall hikes during the festival. We might even check out the Huckle Buckle Festival Pumpkin Walk at Freshwater Lake on Friday, October 18, 2025.