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White Point Trailhead: Coastal Hiking Gem

Explore scenic coastal trails with historic charm at White Point Trailhead near Dingwall, Cape Breton. Breathtaking views and natural beauty await!

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White Point Trailhead, near Dingwall, Nova Scotia, offers stunning coastal hiking with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Aspy Bay. Explore the remains of a former French fishing village, marked by stone foundations and a historic cemetery. The easy-to-moderate trails wind through fields and along headlands, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the rugged beauty of Cape Breton.

A brief summary to White Point Trailhead

  • B0C 1G0, 2137 White Point Rd, Dingwall, NS, B0C 1G0, CA
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Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear as the trails can be uneven and rocky, especially near the cliffs.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced birdwatching and to spot seals in the distance.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at Big Burnt Head Cove, but be mindful of leaving no trace.
  • Be aware that trails are not always clearly marked, so keep your bearings and stay close to the coastline.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From the Cabot Trail (NS-30), head towards Dingwall. If approaching from the south, turn onto White Point Road in South Harbour; if coming from the north via Neil's Harbour, take New Haven Road and then turn right onto White Point Road. Follow White Point Road to its end (2137 White Point Rd, Dingwall, NS B0C 1G0). Parking is available at the trailhead. Note that the road is narrow and winding in places.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Dingwall, a taxi or ride-share to White Point Trailhead will cost approximately $15-25. The journey is about 3 km and takes around 5-10 minutes. Confirm availability and rates with local providers in advance.

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Discover more about White Point Trailhead

The White Point Trailhead is located near Dingwall, on the northeastern tip of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. This scenic area provides access to a network of trails that meander through coastal fields and along dramatic headlands. Once a thriving French fishing village, White Point was home to a lobster factory, school, sawmill and church by 1922. Today, the echoes of this past remain in the form of a few stone foundations and a quiet cemetery, where a simple wooden cross marks the resting place of an unknown sailor. The trails at White Point offer breathtaking views of Aspy Bay, Cape North, and Money Point. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of St. Paul Island on the horizon. The most prominent trail leads down to the point itself. From there, a smaller path ascends a hill marked by a stone cairn, leading to the coastal trail. This path, marked with red paint on the rocks, takes you to Big Burnt Head Cove, a perfect spot for a picnic and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, with opportunities to spot various seabirds and shorebirds. Lucky hikers might even see a bald eagle soaring overhead. The trails are generally considered easy to moderate, making them suitable for a range of skill levels. However, caution is advised as some trails skirt high cliffs. White Point is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and connect with nature.

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