Discover our Hiking Trails
Explore the Cape Breton Highlands
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands.
Our cottages offer a cozy retreat with modern amenities, amidst our provinces most photographed hiking trails. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Cliff Waters Cottages is your ideal vacation destination on
Cape Breton Island.
There is truly no place like this.
Use our handy legend to see how close the trails are to each cottage:
OS = Old Salt Cottage
CW = Cliff Waters Cottage
TH = Trailhead Guest Cottage​
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The number indicates how many minutes it will take to drive from each cottage - according to Google Maps. ie. OS 18 means the trail is an 18 minute drive from the Old Salt Cottage
OS 18 - CW 25 - TH 30
Pollett's Cove
The Pollett's Cove - Aspy Fault is Cape Breton's largest Wilderness Protected Area, covering 27, 230 hectares of the northwestern tip of the island. The challenging 19 km (return) hike along a forested coastal foot path takes you to a breathtakingly lush river valley in the abandoned settlement of Pollett's Cove, where horses are still pastured for the summer months. There are numerous scenic vistas, and moose, deer, fox, coyotes, bear, birding, whale and seal sightings opportunities. We recommend starting the trail early with a packed lunch, so you have time to explore. One terrific feature of this trail is how natural and varied it is. Not for the faint of heart.
Pollett's Cove
The Pollett's Cove - Aspy Fault is Cape Breton's largest Wilderness Protected Area, covering 27, 230 hectares of the northwestern tip of the island. The challenging 19 km (return) hike along a forested coastal foot path takes you to a breathtakingly lush river valley in the abandoned settlement of Pollett's Cove, where horses are still pastured for the summer months. There are numerous scenic vistas, and moose, deer, fox, coyotes, bear, birding, whale and seal sightings opportunities. We recommend starting the trail early with a packed lunch, so you have time to explore. One terrific feature of this trail is how natural and varied it is. Not for the faint of heart.
Free-roaming horses on a grassy hillside overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Pollett's Cove, Cape Breton Island. A rare and majestic view near Cliff Waters Vacation Properties —your gateway to authentic wilderness experiences on Nova Scotia’s northwest coast. Photos courtesy of Trailhead guests Silke and Eric.
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Free-roaming horses on a grassy hillside overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Pollett's Cove, Cape Breton Island. A rare and majestic view near Cliff Waters Vacation Properties —your gateway to authentic wilderness experiences on Nova Scotia’s northwest coast. Photos courtesy of Trailhead guests Silke and Eric.
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Robert's Mountain
Located in the heart of Pleasant Bay, and the most prominent of our town's mountains, Robert's Mountain offers one of the most rewarding panoramic views on the western coast of Cape Breton Island. This 3.2 km out-and-back trail leads you to a dramatic lookout over Pleasant Bay Harbour, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Red River, and the winding Cabot Trail below. The final stretch of the trail is steep and exposed, so bring an extra layer. You'll love the expansive 360° view— a perfect spot for photos, reflection, or simply taking in the wild, vast, undeveloped and preserved beauty of Pleasant Bay.
Hinkley Glen Falls
Red River follows the Hinkley Glen Road deep into the lush Red River Valley where a gorgeous waterfall spills into a seemingly bottomless swimming hole. The water is breathtakingly cold as it pours out of the mountain, but you will never forget the peace and tranquility of this little traversed place. It's a flat trek along a washed out river bed road that was once used when they mined rocks for the Pleasant Bay Harbour. Full of wild apple trees, ferns, gorgeous oaks, and that fresh earthy rich hardwood smell that only comes from deep river valleys. Bears, birdwatching, and a great spot for a riverside picnic.
The Jimmy's Mountain
This is a great little hike up a smaller mountain above the grounds of Gampo Abbey Buddhist Monastery. The hour-ish trail features vistas of the coastline, a cave made of massive rocks that you can crawl into, and Buddhist shrines and prayer flags. There are a few beautiful spots to explore at Gampo Abbey - including the Stupa of Enlightenment, which makes for a nice leisurely stroll. There is an excellent spot for a picnic at the top of the mountain in a sheltered but open spruce forest. Lots of birdwatching opportunities.
OS 0 - CW 6 - TH 12
The Hinkley Glen
The Pollett's Cove - Aspy Fault is Cape Breton's largest Wilderness Protected Area, covering 27, 230 hectares of the northwestern tip of the island. The challenging 19 km (return) hike along a forested coastal foot path takes you to a breathtakingly lush river valley in the abandoned settlement of Pollett's Cove, where horses are still pastured for the summer months. There are numerous scenic vistas, and moose deer, fox, coyotes, bear, birding, whale and seal sightings opportunities. We recommend starting the trail early with a packed lunch, so you have time to explore. One terrific feature of this trail is how natural and varied it is. Not for the faint of heart.
OS 12 - CW 6- TH 0
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The Skyline Trail
This trail offers stunning views of the headlands, the ocean, sunsets, wildlife and the Cabot Trail.
With a length of 6.5 km (4 mi) for the return trip or 8.2 km (5.1 mi) for the loop, it is suitable for most skill levels.
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The main trail is easy to navigate, while the rugged back loop offers a more challenging experience. Take note that this is becoming a popular and busy trail, and we suggest starting early in the day before the crowds arrive.
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OS 18 - CW 25 - TH 30
Robert's mountain
The Pollett's Cove - Aspy Fault is Cape Breton's largest Wilderness Protected Area, covering 27, 230 hectares of the northwestern tip of the island. The challenging 19 km (return) hike along a forested coastal foot path takes you to a breathtakingly beautiful meadow and lush river valley in the abandoned settlement of Pollett's Cove, where horses are still pastured for the summer months. There are numerous breathtaking vistas, and moose deer, fox, coyotes, bear, birding, whale and seal sightings opportunities. We recommend starting the trail early, with a packed lunch, so you have time to explore.
OS 12 - CW 6- TH 0
One of the great joys of hiking to Pollett's Cove is seeing the horses pastured there in the summer months
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One of the great joys of hiking to Pollett's Cove is seeing the horses pastured there in the summer months
The Acadian Trail
The Acadian Trail near Chéticamp, is a moderate 8.4 km (5.2 mi) loop that offers breathtaking ocean and mountain scenery.
The trail features steep inclines, rugged sections, and stream crossings, making it a challenging but rewarding hike.
The trailhead is located opposite the Chéticamp visitor centre, with two possible starting points.
Plan for a 3-4 hour hike and bring plenty of water and snacks.
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Must Hike Trails
Some of our Favorite Trails & Links to More Info
The Salmon Pools
This picturesque and moderately challenging 9.5 km trail follows the stunning Chéticamp River canyon, offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs up to 400 meters high.
The trail ends after 3-4 hours at a beautiful picnic spot called Chance Pool. Along the way, you'll encounter gravel bars, rapids, and deep pools where you might even spot an Atlantic salmon.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable outdoor adventure, there are a few breathtaking surprises along the way!
Franey Trail
If you're looking for a challenging hike with breathtaking views, Franey Mountain Trail is the perfect choice.
This 7.4 km loop trail takes you through a transition from Acadian to boreal forest, and offers stunning mountain and ocean vistas.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, including moose, and be cautious of steep cliffs. The trailhead is located just north of the Clyburn River off the Cabot Trail, with a small parking lot available.
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