The park is home to diverse wildlife, including large mammals such as moose, black bears, and eastern coyotes. The forests shelter white-tailed deer, bobcats, and various small mammals including snowshoe hares and red squirrels. Bird species are abundant, with over 230 species recorded, including bald eagles, great horned owls, and various seabirds along the coast. Marine life is equally rich, with pilot whales, seals, and various fish species frequently spotted offshore. The park also provides habitat for several endangered species, including the American marten and Bicknell's thrush.
The park hosts a diverse array of plant life, with over 400 species of flowering plants, trees, and shrubs. The vegetation varies dramatically with elevation, featuring Acadian forest at lower levels with sugar maple, yellow birch, and beech trees. The highland plateau supports unique arctic-alpine plants, including rare species like the Mountain Avens. Coastal areas showcase hardy plants adapted to salt spray and strong winds, while bogs and barrens contain specialized vegetation including orchids and carnivorous plants. Fall brings spectacular colors as the hardwood forests change their foliage.
The park's dramatic landscape was shaped by ancient geological processes and glacial activity. The plateau is part of the Appalachian Mountain chain, featuring pre-Cambrian rock formations dating back 1.1 billion years. The highlands are composed of granite and metamorphic rock, carved by glaciers during the last ice age, creating steep cliffs, deep river canyons, and rounded highlands. The coastline features spectacular cliffs where the mountains meet the sea, with notable geological formations including the granite headlands at Ingonish and the ancient volcanic rocks at Aspy Fault.
The park area has been home to Mi'kmaq people for thousands of years before European contact. Established in 1936, Cape Breton Highlands became Nova Scotia's first national park. The region has a rich cultural heritage shaped by Scottish, Irish, and French Acadian settlers who arrived in the 18th and 19th centuries. The construction of the famous Cabot Trail in the 1930s marked a significant development, making the park's dramatic landscapes accessible to visitors. The park was created to protect the unique Highland ecosystem and preserve the region's cultural heritage, including traditional fishing communities along its coastline.
The park's most iconic feature is the Cabot Trail, a scenic highway that winds through the park offering spectacular ocean and mountain vistas. The Skyline Trail provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is famous for its sunset views and whale watching opportunities. Other notable features include the deep river canyons of Cheticamp and Aspy, numerous waterfalls including Mary Ann Falls, and pristine beaches such as Ingonish Beach. The park also features unique highland barrens, extensive hiking trail networks totaling over 26 kilometers, and historic fishing villages that preserve traditional Maritime culture.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park experiences a maritime climate characterized by mild summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 15-25°C (59-77°F), while winters see temperatures between -15 to 0°C (5-32°F). The park receives significant precipitation throughout the year, with annual rainfall averaging 1,500mm. Fog is common, particularly along the coastal areas during spring and early summer. Fall brings spectacular colors and mild temperatures, making it a popular time for visitors, while winter offers opportunities for snow-based activities with average snowfall of 400cm annually.
Canada
46.7380°, -60.6500°
1936
948
Located on Cape Breton Island, this park features dramatic cliffs and highlands where the mountains meet the sea. The famous Cabot Trail winds through the park, offering spectacular ocean vistas and highland scenery. The park protects a unique blend of Acadian, Boreal, and Taiga habitats, supporting diverse wildlife including moose and bald eagles.