The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is one of those hikes that feels almost unreal.

Starting from the forest and opening up to sweeping ocean views, it’s the kind of trail that makes you stop in your tracks and just breathe it all in.

Between the famous boardwalk, the endless cliffs, and the chance to spot moose along the way, this hike truly lives up to the hype.

Here is a look into my experience hiking the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park

The Skyline Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Nova Scotia.

What makes it so popular is the breathtaking coastal scenery and the chance to spot wildlife.

Especially moose, which have become almost as iconic here as the views themselves.

It’s a trail that draws hikers from all over the world, and it’s often called one of the most beautiful walks in Canada.

This was our second hike in Canada, after hiking to the ocean’s floor at The Bay of Fundy.

How Long Is the Skyline Trail?

Located on the Cabot Trail near Chéticamp, it’s about 5.9 miles with an elevation gain of 820 feet.

Most people spend two to three hours on the trail, depending on how long they pause at the viewpoints and benches.

The path is well-maintained and mostly flat, which makes it one of the easier hikes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Because of the distance, it is still considered a moderate hike.

But the steady pace and rewarding views make it enjoyable for all levels of hikers.

My Experience Hiking the Skyline Trail

Before starting the hike, we stopped at the Chéticamp Visitor Centre to pick up our park passes.

Then, we drove to the Skyline Trail parking area. Even midday, the lot was packed, but we managed to find a spot without too much trouble.

From there, the trail began on a wide dirt path that quickly pulled us into the quiet of the forest.

A few minutes in, we came across a large gate that needed to be opened and closed behind us.

Designed to keep moose from wandering out of the protected area.

We didn’t see any moose during our hike on the Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

But it was clear why the trail is so well-known for wildlife sightings.

Walking Through the Forest

The first part of the Skyline Trail took us through a shaded forest, with wide paths and plenty of trees on either side.

The air felt cooler here, which was a nice break before the open boardwalk.

This section was calm and quiet, but it’s also where the bugs seemed the worst.

So bringing bug spray is a good idea.

It’s not a difficult stretch, but it sets the stage for what’s to come once you step out of the woods.

Reaching the Skyline Trail Boardwalk

After a steady walk through the forest, the trail opened up to the famous boardwalk.

This was my favorite part of the hike!

The wooden path stretched out ahead of us and slowly wound down and around the cliffs.

Each turn gave us a fresh view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the farther we went, the more it felt like the ocean was all around us.

Benches Along the Way

There were plenty of spots to take a break once we reached the boardwalk.

Benches are tucked along the path, making it easy to stop and relax while soaking in the views.

We brought snacks with us and found it was the perfect place to sit for a few minutes.

Enjoy the ocean breeze, and just take it all in before heading back up the stairs.

Completing the Loop Back

After climbing back up the boardwalk stairs, the trail continued as a loop that brought us through the forest.

This part was quieter and shaded, a nice change after the open cliffs.

The path was easy to follow and eventually led us back to the parking area.

It felt like the perfect way to end the hike, moving from the dramatic ocean views back into the calm of the woods.

Tips for Hiking the Skyline Trail

If you’re planning to hike the Skyline Trail yourself, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Bring bug spray – The forested part of the Skyline Trail can get buggy, especially in summer.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat – Once you reach the boardwalk, there’s almost no shade, and the sun feels strong on the cliffs.
• Pack water and snacks – The benches along the boardwalk are perfect for a short break with a view.
• Time your hike – Midday is busiest, but mornings are quieter. Sunset hikes are incredible, just make sure to bring a flashlight for the walk back.
• Wildlife awareness – Moose are often spotted here, but keep your distance if you see one. Don’t forget to close the moose gate behind you when entering or leaving the trail.
• Footwear – The path is mostly flat and well-maintained, but good walking shoes make the hike more comfortable.

Explore More of Canada

This was one of my favorite hikes ever, and I was so happy to do it during my time in Canada.

We also did the Magic Winery Bus Nova Scotia: Wine Tours by Double-Decker Bus during our visit to Nova Scotia.

Make sure to also Hike To The Ocean’s Floor: The Bay Of Fundy.

For more Canadian National Parks, Kayaking To Waber Falls In La Mauricie National Park.

For a winter adventure, The Best Winter Hike at Canada’s Mont-Orford National Park!

Read all of my Canada Travel Guides.