Skyline Trail

Went on the short loop around 5:30pm on a gloomy windy day and able to catch a slice of sunset at far end eventually. Lots of ppl even on a bad weather day, so be mindful if you see the trail is closed sign at the gate due to capacity. Highly recommend for a short easy hike with spectacular view at the end.

We had a wonderful morning on the Skyline Trail! It began in the forest and then opened up to breathtaking ocean views. We went early to beat the crowds, which made the experience even more enjoyable. There were benches at the lookout and plenty of fantastic photo spots. We made sure to stay on the boardwalk near the edge since the area was fragile and could get windy. Overall, it was a fantastic hike!

Did the Skyline Trail in September 25. A fantastic trail (not too difficult) and the vivid autumn colours were amazing!

Absolutely wonderful trail. The last lookout was crazy 300 plus steps- but gorgeous- watch out for the Wind!!!

It's an absolutely beautiful and well maintained trail! It takes about 45 minutes at a moderate pace to get from the parking lot to the sunset viewpoint. There’s plenty of benches and space to sit once you get there, and the Park administration encourage sitting or standing on the boardwalk only to help protect the site and nature. It gets chilly around the sunset so bringing a jacket along, would surely be a good idea. We stayed for the sunset, and while the view was gorgeous, what really blew me away was the drive back towards Cheticamp, the sky was absolutely breathtaking. If I was ever to do this again, I would probably be done with the trail before sunset and then enjoy the sunset while driving back, when you can see the sky, ocean and the hills all come together! Also there's one porta-potty along the trail, and the washroom situation at the parking area is not so great! And would highly recommend carrying mosquito spray.

The Skyline Trail is a beautiful and easy hike with a straightforward path leading to a stunning lookout point. It took us about 2 hours round-trip, including plenty of time for photos along the way. It’s definitely a popular and touristy spot, so expect to see a lot of people. The trail and parking lot fill up quickly, and once the lot is full, they won’t let anyone else in—so it’s best to go early to avoid a long wait. Still, it’s absolutely worth it for the views!

The trail is nice for people who aren’t great on foot. The lookout is beautiful, but nothing too special — you could get a similar view just from down the road without walking that far. It took us about two hours in total. We went early in the morning for sunrise, so we were the first ones there and had the whole trail to ourselves! On our way back, though, there were already tons of people. If you’re an adventurous person, I’d recommend choosing a different trail that’s less crowded. This one is more for tourists. Don’t feel like you’re missing out if you skip it — there are many more beautiful trails and things to see on Cape Breton. But if you do go, try to start before 10 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the crowds. And if you want to see the sunset, keep in mind that you’ll have to walk back in the dark.

We did the Skyline Trail during our trip and it was beautiful. The views at the end were absolutely breathtaking. We took the shorter loop with our kids and spent about 2.5 hours total. A bit of a walk but totally worth it. Would definitely recommend!

A straightforward "hike" (more like a walk really) with some nice peeks of the water and a whole lotta greenery throughout. But then the greenery clears at the end, and the view is absolutely beautiful. The wooden steps at Skyline ground you, but the no-hand-rails are what sweep you off your feet. It seems like you're one with the sky, the water and the mountains, as you walk down the steps, wind whipping you ever so slightly, and end up sitting on a bench to pause and take it all in. We came here pretty early so avoided the crowds, and that's the only way to see this trail, that's the only way to take in all its beauty. Will definitely be back to see Skyline in autumn or during sunset. I know it sounds weird to want to go back to such a straightforward trail. But this particular one is not about the journey, it's about that breathtaking end.

The views on this hike are breath taking once you reach the boardwalk! Before and after the boardwalk there isn't much to see except forest, land and shrubs. But once you reach the boardwalk, it opens up to beautiful views of the surrounding hills, cliffs, valleys and of course the ocean. You're elevated a few hundred metres above the ocean on the side of towering hills so it provides a unique, amazing views. Even the drive to the trail is pretty amazing because you're driving on the side of hills right beside the water. You get to see some amazing views near the water which contrasts view from the Skyline Trail which is way above the waters. We came here in one day straight from Halifax so we drive in total of 9 hours (4.5 hours each way). Not sure if it was worth it but this place does have amazing views and something I've never seen before.

It was ok. A lot of hard work. There's 2 options - go straight and turn around and go back the same way; or a loop. We did the straight line trail. So it's amazing going, but coming back it's a monotonous repetition. The loop was a mile longer, but my group, also, did all the add ons, with the straight path, ie, walk a bit extra and climb a high viewing platform, a bunch of other mini side paths for better views, etc. That added more distance. It made it a tiny bit less than the loop path, with the additions. Everything new was fantastic, but retracing all your steps to return Dragged. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and bug-off spray

Beautiful trail and would highly recommend. Worth doing the whole thing if you have time/energy but if not then at least get to the boardwalk overlook area. Can be a little crowded but I see why--it's stunning.

Beautiful! It is a 4 mile total hike but well worth it. Beautiful views and be ready for the stairs and wind.

There are an infinite number of places to visit and things to do on the Cabot Trial. Judging by the number of cars in the parking lot, hiking the Skyline Trail is clearly the most popular attraction. For good reason. It doesn't get better than this. A fantastic hike with a breathtaking ending. Don't miss this one. Keep a look out for the moose. Tip: bathrooms are kind of gross here. Find a better rest stop before you arrive. All the information you need is on the website, copied below for your convenience. From website: "A dramatic headland cliff overlooks the rugged coast from the end of this level trail. You can enjoy an eagle's view of the Cabot Trail as it winds its way down the mountain and vehicles look like toys. Watch for whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the viewing decks. Moose, bald eagles, bears and numerous boreal birds live in this habitat. Be cautious with children around the cliffs and give moose a wide berth. The headland plants are very fragile and easily damaged by trampling, so stay on the boardwalk. Dogs are not permitted here as they disturb wildlife, especially moose and bear. Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail on the top of French Mountain Significant Feature: Headland cliff, ocean Length: (return) 7.5 km (4.7 mi), (loop) 9.2 km (5.7 mi) Hiking Time: 2 - 3 hours Elevation: 290 - 405 m (950 - 1330 ft.) Main trail suitable for most skill levels. Boardwalk with steps at headland. Rugged back loop. GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees): Lat: 46.737691 Long: -60.880377 Open from mid-May until mid-October. A park pass is required all year for hiking or use of other services in the park. Check in at the Parks Canada Visitor Centres in Chéticamp (16648 Cabot Trail, situated on the west side of the park) or in Ingonish (37639 Cabot Trail, on the east side of the park) to obtain passes, information on visitor safety and any other information you may need, including a trail location map. For your comfort and safety: - Do not approach, disturb or feed wild animals. - Take along appropriate clothing - rapid weather changes often occur on the plateau or along the coast. - Carry water with you, especially for longer trails, climbs or open barrens. - Bring insect repellent as black flies and mosquitoes are common all summer. - Mountain bikes are permitted only where indicated, for public safety and protection of the environment. - Stay on boardwalks to protect fragile vegetation. - Do not throw food or scraps along the trails or roads. - Read "Keep it Wild, Keep it Safe" brochure, available at park visitor centres.