Nova Scotia
Hiking Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Program No. 21494RJ
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Hiking Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Hiking Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
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Participant Reviews
Based on 42 Reviews
SHOWING
Cape Breton is such a beautiful part of the world, and this program provided everything I could have hoped for: a great leader, interesting fellow travelers, educational nuggets, fabulous views, and more. I've loved all my Road Scholar trips, and this one was every bit as enjoyable as the others.
— Review left August 16, 2025
Once the issue with trail closure due to dryness and fire risks is resolved I highly recommend this adventure. Somewhat challenging hikes in beautiful country with a friendly, wise and always helpful leader (Linda Lavoie) is hard to beat. Also excellent presentations on Mi'kmaq, Acadian and Scottish cultures in the area are very worthwhile. Recommended reading includes "Island", short stories by Alistair Macleod is worth reading even if you don't go on this trip.
— Review left August 15, 2025
Hiking Cape Breton is the best of my Road Scholar trips. It's a wonderful combination of exercise, nature, and cultural experience. If you have not travelled to the Maritime Provinces, this is a great opportunity.
— Review left July 22, 2025
This is a trip I highly advise that you take if you like to hike and learn. THe hikes are challenging but very doable and varied. THe environment is unique and lovely; views are spectacular. THe National Park interpreters provide an appreciation of the plants, water, trees, rocks, culture and history of Cape Breton. The presenters are knowlegable and love what they do. The museums add to the cultural understanding and pure enjoyment. The variety of experiences are appropriate. The organization and spirit of the leader made this the best program I have attended.
— Review left July 22, 2025
Stunning scenery on Cape Breton Island; a program well worth the costs.
— Review left September 29, 2024
I'd been wanting to go back to Cape Breton since I first traveled there in 1989. I was not disappointed. Despite my apprehensions about hiking in a large group, everyone was amiable and the hikes were long enough that we could spread out and move at our own various speeds. The scenery was spectacular, and the island is still relatively undeveloped with inhabitants who are fiercely loyal to their island, its history and languages. Most importantly, our guide, Linda Lavoie, was amazing! She was organized, energetic, yet patient and kind, and made the hard work she did seem effortless.
— Review left September 26, 2024
Cape Breton has beautiful scenery and a fascinating, diverse history. I enjoyed learning about and exploring this wild, sparsely developed island with a strong history of resilience. I loved the music experience at the Ceilidh.
— Review left September 25, 2024
The Cape Breton, Nova Scotia hiking trip is a wonderful adventure if you love scenic and beautiful places as well as having lovely people, like the group leader, providing informational and educational topics of local traditions and Cape Breton history. It was a great experience!
— Review left September 24, 2024
I recommend highly the Cape Breton Highlands National Park hiking trip! The nature was wonderful and varied, the leader was informative and delightful, the historical background was fascinating, and the cultural experiences were deeply engaging - yummy music! My first RS trip and probably not my last!
— Review left September 19, 2024
Linda Lavoie is an outstanding group leader. She is very knowledgable about the history and natural resources of the various areas and provided us with great information prior to our hikes. The hikes were a challenge in some spots but very enjoyable and our interpreters were outstanding.
— Review left September 17, 2024
There is not a lot to see and do on Cape Breton, in my opinion: it is a backwater. To get run over you'd have to lie down in the street. But the company of other Road Scholars, under a skilled and veteran leader, was rewarding. The hikes were chosen to interest and not exhaust. Many or all of the Scholars were delighted by the rich and often unfamiliar greenery the moist island climate afforded. All meals were plentiful and good, even memorable; all lodgings were comfortable and well sited. Locals were geuninely friendly. Next time I hope to choose some place more exotic, or more busy. Nevertheless this is a trip I will enjoy remembering.
— Review left July 17, 2024
If you are a city dweller looking to get away from it all, as I am and was, this is the trip for you. Cape Breton is beautiful, even breathtaking at times. There are hikes of many kinds -- through woods, to a waterfall, through a bog, even taiga! You'll see the Gulf of St. Lawrence one day and the Atlantic Ocean the next. All that with local culture as well. Some hikes are somewhat strenuous, mainly due to rocky terrain, but it's easy enough to opt out anytime you don't feel comfortable. The Park Rangers who accompanied us were very well versed in the area. The lodgings were comfortable for the most part, but don't expect gourmet cuisine. Do expect peace, quiet, beautiful scenery, and fresh air. You'll forget all about the city and its stresses. Linda's a great guide, knowledgeable, caring, and flexible. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left July 15, 2024
Carnivorous plants! Geological features, incredible views, serious hikes, and so much local culture. Luckily, I rarely get to eat lobster so that was a treat, too.
— Review left June 29, 2024
If you like the outdoors, great views, great forests and plants then this active hiking trip is for you!
— Review left June 25, 2024
Cape Breton Hiking was an all-around wonderful trip. The tour guide Linda was excellent in all respects. She was well organized, friendly and enthusiastic. She kept us informed, and she always had at least a Plan B in case of an unexpected turn in the weather or change in local road/parking conditions. The bus driver I think could have driven us safely on any bend or twist, on roads of most any surface. I particularly liked the stay in the small town of Cheticamp, where the hotel was very simple, perfectly situated for getting us quickly to our trails plus walking to dinner and the wonderful evening music. The local sandwich shop made the best of the trip. I found it an opportunity to see regular people going about their work day and enjoying the beauty of their surroundings. Don't miss this trip!
— Review left June 24, 2024
First and foremost my actual trip was accurately described in the RS website. Our guide, Linda, was caring, knowledgeable, witty and full of anecdotes that aided in our understanding of the region and its people; their struggles and their triumphs. Our Parks Canada interpreters and local historians provided the detailed backstories to the land and its inhabitants.
We had a smaller group of 14 which made the times together more personalized.
Our lodgings varied in the number of amenities and age but were all pleasant and comfortable. You are traveling remote areas which lack the options present in larger cities.
Our food choices were individually preselected from partial menus of choices early in the week. Obviously seafood selections predominated.
The trails varied from totally disability accessible to quite steep slogs through thick forest undergrowth with very manageable lengths despite the ‘heat dome’. A variety of paths showed off the three types of forest on Cape Breton.
Lastly there were opportunities to experience the music of the region. Wonderfully skilled musicians told age old stories and played jigs that I still hum today.
Sign up for this adventure. Have Linda and Dave take you under their wings and ‘feel the air’!
— Review left June 24, 2024
What a great program. One of the best we have participated in. Linda did an outstanding job as a group leader. Highly recommend.
— Review left September 24, 2023
This program is challenging and joyful. Applicant should be in good physical condition and well-motivated to set and achieve goals. The opportunity to learn and develop is incredible. The chance to experience a different culture and witness the struggles of a developing country is priceless.
— Review left September 11, 2023
I have been on 14 RS trips, virtually all hiking trips. Though I have enjoyed all, this is the ONLY one I have now repeated and recruited others to join me. It's a great trip with solid leadership. This is one great hiking trip and introduction to Cape Breton.... loved it....
— Review left September 11, 2023
Lots of great hiking, spectacular views, with a healthy side dish of culture mixed in. We really enjoyed this week on Cape Breton, on our first time to explore this part of the continent. The hikes were well planned, good "Plan B's" put in place to account for rainy weather. The trip leader, Linda Lavoie, was excellent. She helped everyone feel at ease and wove in her own personal life story to provide context and richness to the trip. She always explained when and where we needed to be and kept everything on time and on track. She stayed even keel even when a "Les Suetes" weather event threatened to put a damper on our hiking. Our bus driver, Dave, was a champ and also kept a great attitude through everything. Highlights besides the hiking were experiencing the Ceilidh in Baddeck, the rug hooking museum in Cheticamp (that kinda blew everyone's mind!), and and the spectacular scenery at the Keltic Lodge in Ingonish.
The food could be "interesting" at times (I have never been served French fries so many times in one week), but was generally of good quality. Loved the lobster dinner at Harbour Restaurant--the wait staff there was super friendly. Last Chance Sandwiches was some of the best "road food"-- cookies to die for! Food at the Keltic Lodge was very good-- really LOVED the breakfast buffet-- so much wonderful fresh food (we were a little starved for fresh fruit and veggies by that time).
Lodging was varied, but solid. Auberge Gisele in Baddeck was nice. Room was very comfortable. Lauries was basic-- really showing its age--- I imagine some people may have had trouble with the toilet being so low. But, I also understand there are no other hotels in Cheticamp that could accommodate a group of our size and it would have been sad to miss the richness of that side of the island. Keltic Lodge was outstanding. We got lucky with an ocean facing room and it's one of the most beautiful views we've ever had from a hotel room.
— Review left August 20, 2023
This program was amazing. The hiking was beautiful and the cultural/history/science education was very informative. I had a great time. I met some amazing people that I hope to stay in contact with. It was a trip to remember.
— Review left August 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this program. The leader was positive and enthusiastic. I had never been to Nova Scotia or Cape Breton. It was nice to get off the beaten path and see the “real” Cape Breton.
— Review left August 13, 2023
Excellent trip with varied hiking and landscapes, and cultural context.
— Review left July 30, 2023
Hiking Cape Breton under Linda's guidance was exceptional. The landscape is breathtaking and the variety of experiences were delightful. I highly recommend this adventure.
— Review left July 18, 2023
Life altering, incredible trip to Cape Breton! The entire Cape Breton region is beautiful! Our guide, Linda, was amazing. Highly recommend!
— Review left July 17, 2023
Linda Lavoie runs an amazing experience through Cape Breton. Her love of the area comes through with the joy of her smile and sharing of history, music and the land. She and Dave, the bus driver, watch over everyone to insure they are enjoying their time in Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. I throughly recommend everyone to explore and experience Cape Breton with Linda!
— Review left July 17, 2023
A joyful and unforgettable way to witness how people, land, and sea have shaped each other in Port Breton, from First Nations to now.
— Review left June 28, 2023
A great introduction to Cape Breton culture and nature
— Review left June 26, 2023
Absolutely fascinating trip- beautiful country, knowledgable guide; great hiking and scenery as well as educational components. Great trip!
— Review left December 15, 2022
We enjoyed many hikes, beautiful scenery, a little history and some cultural experiences. I was able to meet many interesting people as our group intermingled with everyone. But what most of us will take away is the memory of hurricane Fiona with us in her path. Through the great leadership of Linda plans were changed and food arranged so we were all safe and fed while riding out Fiona.
— Review left October 6, 2022
Another excellent RS program that grabs your interest and makes you want to return to an area in the future. The hikes were varied, the introduction to the history was superb and the scenery was absolutely spectacular. Linda is a top notch personable, approachable guide. Highly recommend.
— Review left August 18, 2022
This adventure offers plenty of great hiking along with interesting cultural activities. (Who knew that such a small geographic region could have such a variety of ancestral roots that are still alive and celebrated today!) We could not have asked for a better leader to introduce us to lovely Cape Breton. Linda was warm, funny, energetic, knowledgeable, and super organized. Our hikes (which passed though various types of forests – some with creeks, waterfalls, and truly gorgeous ocean views) weren’t especially long, but many had roots and rocks, ups and downs, and sometimes stairs and a few stepping stones. Sure-footed, enthusiastic hikers will really enjoy these trails. (Do bring hiking poles if you use them.) Good food and accommodations throughout and excellent transportation thanks to "Dave the Bus Driver". One of my favorite RS trips. Five Stars!
— Review left August 15, 2022
Wonderful trip! We enjoyed discovering the beauty and cultural pride of Cape Breton Island.
— Review left July 27, 2022
If you love breathtaking scenery, varied landscapes and hiking, this trip is for you! Learn about beautiful Nova Scotia and explore three areas of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Linda, your knowledgeable and gracious leader will guide you and teach you. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left July 21, 2022
If you like to walk, are interested in the history and music of cape Breton Island, and enjoy learning about the flora and fauna of Atlantic provences then this trip is for you. Enjoy a week hiking through the forests and sea coasts of cape Breton. Lace up those hiking boots and let road scholar take care of the details like transportation, meals and accommodations.
— Review left July 18, 2022
This was a delightful trip! We hiked in different areas every day. Meals and accomodations were good. Trip leader and bus driver adapted the group well to occasional changes in plans.
— Review left July 2, 2022
Linda is an awesome hike and trip leader. Each hike was interesting and beautiful. It was not just hiking for the sake of hiking. The trip was carefully planned to include great hikes but also to let us experience the culture of the people of Cape Breton.
— Review left July 18, 2019
This is, perhaps, my favorite Road Scholar Program. Everything about the program exceeded my expectations. The days were full, but, not to the point of being exhausted by evening. The hikes were beautiful--a bit of a challenge at times, but, always worth the effort. The Salmon Pools hike and the Mica Hill hike are two of the best hikes I have been on. Thank you. Linda, for putting these two venues on the itinerary. Having a Parks Canada Interpreter as a guide made the hikes even more interesting and informative. The accommodations were clean, quiet and comfortable. The meals were a pleasant, upgraded surprise from what I have experienced on previous Road Scholar trips. I appreciated the fact that I could fly into Halifax and there was a shuttle to the hotel the first day. I saved the best for last. The music at the "kitchen party" early in the trip and having a piper and fiddle player for our last hike truly made this adventure memorable.
— Review left July 11, 2019
Outstanding leader, wonderful bus driver, And terrific participants made for a terrific trip. Great hikes; moderately challenging for those in really good shape. Mica hill especially beautiful. Wonderful music, especially by Joe McMaster a multi-instrumentalist from Cape Breton.
One shabby hotel and one substandard meal the only significant negatives on this trip.
Cape Breton is lovely and if you like to hike consider taking this trip!
— Review left July 2, 2019
Good website: easy to navigate and informative with no hype.
— Review left June 30, 2019
Hiking n Cape Breton is a unique experience, scenic and culturally interesting.
— Review left June 30, 2019
The Cape Breton experience is a wonderful combination of robust physical hiking to beautiful places, a fascinating insight into the forces that have shaped the multiple cultures of the hardy inhabitants, the delightful music and the innovative people who inhabit these lands. This well organized program and its competent and welcoming leader made this an exceptional experience.
— Review left June 30, 2019