Cape Breton Island is praised for its serene beauty, cultures, music, food, and the kindest people in the world. This little island draws people from all over in the summer and fall months … but did you know it is also a top Canadian winter destination as well!?
Snowshoeing in the highlands
One thing to note with this piece of paradise is that during the winter months it is not exactly the easiest to explore. Many seasonal businesses are closed and the weather can sometimes be a bit messy. However, please DO NOT let that deter you!! Keeping a positive mindset and knowing a few key things before planning your trip can go a long way and help you enjoy a truly magical winter escape.
Here are 10 “real talk” things to know before traveling around Cape Breton in Winter!
Group snowshoe in Mabou
What to Wear
- Always be sure to dress in layers. Example: T-shirt, long sleeve, sweater, scarf, jacket, etc.
- Wear your warmest gear, and don’t underestimate the weather.
- Warm, waterproof shoes/boots are best
Even if the forecast calls for warmer temperatures and sunny blue skies, that can sometimes quickly change resulting in a much colder day. But that’s okay! To fully enjoy your winter experience, stay cozy with a jacket, winter boots, hats, mittens, a scarf, and even snow pants if you have them! This way you can layer down or up and always be comfortable.
* Hikers tip: We love having hand & toe warmers packed just in case we need them.
2. What Gear to Pack
Cape Breton Island is a winter playground with endless places to snowshoe, skate, toboggan, hike, and ski. If you have the gear, take it with you!
If you don’t have snowshoes, there are lots of places to rent.
Thanks to Hike Nova Scotia, they’ve created a full list of where to “Borrow - Rent - or Buy” snowshoes in the whole province including in Cape Breton: https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/resources-snowshoeing/
Other things to consider packing in your vehicle during winter travel may include :
- Emergency Kit
- Ice Scraper
- Shovel
- Phone Charger
- Jumper Cables
- Extra Food
- Blankets
-Flashlight
- Sand or kitty litter for icy situations with tires
-Extra windshield washer fluid
Additionally, having winter tires on your vehicle is highly recommended!
Rented snowshoes from the Municipality of the County of Inverness
3. Plan Around Sunlight
Before your winter trip, be sure to check the forecast and always keep sunset/sunrise times in mind. Winter days tend to be a bit shorter (sunset sometimes as early as 4:30 pm) but still holds magnificent light. If you plan ahead, you can be sure not to miss out on any fun and see all the incredible views you know you want to see!
When it is dark out, don’t forget to check out the winter starry night skies too.
4. Treat Yourself to Something Cozy
Winter here is the PERFECT time to embrace all the cozy vibes and book a nice place to catch up on your zzz’s. Plan what accommodation you want to snuggle up in ahead of time before they are all booked up. From cabins to yurts, hotels to hostels, and all in between - there’s something for everyone! And trust us, after a chilly day outdoors you’re going to love a warm place to enjoy afterward.
A few places our friends or we have personally stayed in and loved :
- Dancing Moose
- Highlands Hostel
- Cabot Shores
- Wreck Cove Wilderness Cabins
- Valley View
- Knotty Pines
- Keltic Quay
Ketlic Quay, Whycocomagh
5. Check Road Conditions - Call 511
The Highlands of Cape Breton receive the greatest amounts of snow in the entire province. So before starting your journeys be sure to call 511 or visit 511.novascotia.ca to see if any roads are snow-covered or closed on the island. This is actually necessary to know when driving the Cabot Trail because after a big snowfall some roads like on North Mountain will sometimes close due to impassable conditions. Check ahead and drive safe!
Sunrise in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park
6. Plan Around What Businesses are Open
There are lots of wonderful restaurants and accommodations open during the winter but many are on winter hours. Check out www.cbisland.com/winter for more information on what places to visit, and directly phone the business for updated hours. An extra tip is to always pack food just in case you don’t get to a restaurant in time. Most accommodations will have a place for you to cook or heat up meals.
Sometimes gas stations have winter hours too! Again, always phone ahead or ask a local. There is nothing worse than getting stuck with an empty gas tank.
7. You May Not Have Cell Service
There is no cell reception in a few parts of the Highlands. Download maps and information ahead of time and in emergency situations there are 4 emergency phones located in the CBHNP. This is also good to let friends or family that you are in contact with know you might be out of reach for a few hours.
8. When in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Though the National Park visitor centres are not open during the winter, the park itself is always open and encourages visitors to enjoy winter actives on designated trails.
Keep in mind there are not a lot of bathrooms open in winter around the National Park!
Officials can still be found in the park tending to winter road maintenance and supervision.
Benjie’s Lake Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
9. Keep An Eye Out for Wildlife
The Island is home to lots of wildlife such as moose and deer. This can make for magnificent photo opportunities, but also remember this when driving. Drive cautiously and always respect the wildlife. Keep your distance and do not get out of your vehicles. Seals sometimes wander out of ice-covered water and onto roads as well.
10. No Snow - No Problem!
Mother Nature often has her own agenda, and sometimes she isn’t a fan of having it snow across the whole Island.
While there may not always be as much snow as the highlands, never rule out traveling the beautiful lowlands of Cape Breton because places like St. Peters, Gabarus, and Sydney area are still so much fun to explore in winter. You can easily plan a fun city escape with wonderful coastal trails just minutes outside of downtown.
And last but not least, remember to embrace winter! This season can be a challenge to adventure in but it is 10000% worth it for the unique experiences that await you. Stay warm, make a snow angel, don’t be afraid to ask a local, take lots of photos, and have fun.
Feel free to message us on social media for any questions you might have.
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NOTE : These words are just us trying to help folks that also want to adventure in winter get there. We are not a tourism operator nor was this in partnership with tourism. Just a hobby blog post that we put together to hopefully give insight on what to expect!