Fishing Cove Trail

Hiking trails & Routes

Canada

Nova Scotia

Inverness, Subd. A

Fishing Cove Trail

Moderate

4.7

(6)

hikers

Fishing Cove Trail

03:35

12.1km

360m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.05 km

Fishing Cove Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Fishing Cove Trail is a strenuous 12-kilometre hike that begins at the top of MacKenzie Mountain along the Cabot Trail. The descent is roughly 355 metres down to Fishing Cove at sea level. The way back is uphill so keep that in mind while going down. The trail has quite a bit of shade from the Acadian forest that it passes though and has a few steep, sometimes muddy switchbacks. The trail transitions from a highland plateau to a protected coastline while following the Fishing Cove River. Historically, the route traces an old path once used by a 19th-century Scottish fishing community that traded with the French.

Tip by

5.93 km

Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground

Highlight • Camping

The Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground is the only designated wilderness camping area inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park, operating seasonally from mid-May to late October. It has 8 primitive tent pads that can be booked at a cost of $13.50 per night. Also budget for park entry fees. The sites require advance registration through Parks Canada and all gear, drinking water, and food must be carried in. All trash must also be carried out. No open fires allowed, instead, small camp stoves can be used for cooking. The facilities out there are basic pit privies and a bear-proof food storage.

Tip by

6.05 km

Fishing Cove

Highlight • Beach

Fishing Cove is a picturesque coastal clearing where the freshwater Fishing Cove River meets a stone and pebble beach. This remote shoreline has some remnants of old stone foundations from an old lobster canneries and has a backcountry campground in the grassy headlands. Hikers can walk along the beach and carefully explore tidal pools, or watch for marine wildlife like whales and seabirds.

Tip by

12.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

11.8 km

147 m

138 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

11.8 km