Skyline Trail
Skyline Trail
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
864 reviews
Excellent
614
Very good
181
Average
58
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Matt Mills
London, Canada317 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Our family of 4 (2 kids, 14 &12) love a good hike and are very active, but we were a bit worried the kids might be bored or find this “loop” too long.
There were no regrets after we went! The hike in is like others explain, lots of trees and forested areas, but we were on high alert the whole time, hoping to spot a moose. No such luck, but lots of evidence of them being in the area with trees and bark eaten!
The views toward the end, and especially at the look out on the boardwalk were breathtaking!!! An incredible mix of mountain, valley, waterfall in the distance, and ocean below!
In my opinion, a must hike trail for all Canadians - a true East Coast beauty!
There were no regrets after we went! The hike in is like others explain, lots of trees and forested areas, but we were on high alert the whole time, hoping to spot a moose. No such luck, but lots of evidence of them being in the area with trees and bark eaten!
The views toward the end, and especially at the look out on the boardwalk were breathtaking!!! An incredible mix of mountain, valley, waterfall in the distance, and ocean below!
In my opinion, a must hike trail for all Canadians - a true East Coast beauty!
Written July 10, 2022
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.
POACA
Maine126 contributions
Oct 2022
This is your stop. The loop walk is 5.7 miles, so buckle up (it is much shorter if you do the out and back to the overlook spot). At the outermost spot on the walk you are greeted by a most amazing vista of mountains and ocean, looking down the western side of CBI. I think it is always very windy here, so hold on to you hats. Keep your eyes sharp for moose. The only down side of this walk is how popular it is. Some days it can feel like you are in a herd of people, not moose.
Written October 6, 2022
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.
nwaynesworld
Nova Scotia1,683 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Located along the west side of the Cabot Trail. Easy to find and plenty of free parking. We walked the entire loop, which took about 2.5 to 3 hours (return trip). The shorter hike directly to the headland takes about 1.5 to 2 hours (return trip). The trail is easy to navigate. Watch out for moose, bears and coyotes. It was sunny when we started our hike and overcast and windy by the time we got to the headland. Beautiful views of the ocean and the Cabot Trail are possible from the headland. It was quite windy at the headland, making it somewhat difficult to navigate the long staircase to the point. Well worth the trip. One of my favourite trails!
Written July 19, 2020
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.
AMsays
Thornhill, Canada4,021 contributions
Aug 2021
You need a park pass to do the trail. I did this trail from the end point near Pleasant Bay. The rugged coast and cliff views at the end of this trail were amazing. You could see the Cabot Trail and the tiny cars maneuvering their way. Many viewing decks along the 9.2 km loop. Boardwalk was well maintained with few steep sections. I saw some large birds flying overhead. Eagles, Hawks? It was a spectacular hike but after my first photo, my camera died so no photos. Still, stuck in my memory as one of the best hikes along my trip
Written September 1, 2021
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.
Fred S
Toronto, Canada9 contributions
Oct 2022
October 4-6 2022. We stayed on a farm in the Mabou area and drove around the incredibly beautiful nature on Cape Breton Island. The 8k long Skyline Trail in the National Park is fairly level and sits atop a ridgeline of spectacular views. A trip highlight and well worth the 2-3 hour walk.
Written October 15, 2022
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.
Laurence_Brussels
Montreal, Canada409 contributions
Aug 2021
I had read lots of extremely positive comments about that trail so I was a bit underwhelmed. Maybe it's because it was cloudy and there was no perfect view over the sea, or maybe it's because only a tiny part of the trail overlooks the cliffs and the sea. Don't know. Anyway, it's always nice to walk in the middle of nature. Unfortunately, on the way back it was too crowded and we had to wear our masks as distancing properly was not possible.
Written September 4, 2021
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.
Adelina I
Halifax, Canada21 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
An amazing trail with a longer (9K loop) and a shorter (7.5K return) option. Easy, smooth hike with the most incredible view at the top. We did the trail twice. First it was foggy so we returned the next day. The view was perfect but the Suedes (winds) were very strong up there. Was worth it though. A must do.
Written June 30, 2021
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.
Stephanie M
Woodbury, NJ421 contributions
Aug 2019
Get a jump on this hike early in the day to avoid a crowded trail during high season. There is plenty of parking and bathrooms at the trail head parking lot. The terrain in pretty easy and you'll pass some fun "moose exclusion zones" where scientists are studying the affect moose are having on the trees.
The real payoff comes at the end of the hike when you reach the wooden steps overlooking the ocean. Great place to rest on a bench and grab some stunning photos!
The real payoff comes at the end of the hike when you reach the wooden steps overlooking the ocean. Great place to rest on a bench and grab some stunning photos!
Written February 17, 2020
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.
Redcopper2009
Dartmouth, Canada102 contributions
Oct 2020
We walked the entire trail. The views were awesome And the trail is smooth, easy accessible for all. Although if you wanted to go to the look-off take the trail to the left at the fork in the trail. The day we visited there was a light wind However at the look off it was strong. I suspect in a windy day you wouldn’t venture down the steps to the other landings. The view from the look off is amazing.
Written October 8, 2020
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.
traveljean11
Ottawa, Canada68 contributions
Sep 2021
I'm torn about the rating for this review. The steps down and the view at the end were beautiful but the trail to get there and back were extremely boring. So. it's really a 4 for the view at the end and 1 for the rest of the walk. Take the left fork. Go to the view and then just come back the same way.--unless you are there early or late in the day and want to linger then maybe you will see some wildlife (?)
Written September 4, 2021
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 M
Woodbury, 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
Brackendale, Bc52 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, Canada38 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, CO11 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!
Skyline Trail (Cape Breton Island) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Skyline Trail
- We recommend booking Skyline Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Skyline Trail tours on Tripadvisor
- 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
- (7.15 mi) Highland Breeze Accommodations
- Restaurants near Skyline Trail:
- (8.01 mi) Aucoin Bakery
- (9.04 mi) L’abri
- (6.38 mi) Rusty Anchor Restaurant
- (9.80 mi) Harbour Restaurant & Bar
- (9.18 mi) Doryman Pub & Grill