Fall for Cape Breton FAQs

Every year Cape Breton Island turns from green to gold and has become recognized as one of the best places to witness fall’s amazing transformation. The Island is flooded with ‘leafers’ out enjoying hikes, paddle sessions and amazing food and we’re asked the same questions every year so we decided to lay out all of our answers for Cape Breton Island’s magical fall season.

When is the best time to see the fall colours?

The colours of fall arrive at different times across the Island and while the peak dates are impossible to predict we’ve created this nifty infographic to help guide you in your planning. Typically the south coast of Cape Breton Island will see their colours peak earlier in the season but as you move north the colours will peak later in the month. Our peak season for colours usually ranges between October 10 and 23.

What are some hikes where we can enjoy the fall colours?

Cape Breton Island is blessed with an incredible amount of great hikes. In the fall it’s best to hike in areas rich in hardwood so you can admire the leaves as you explore. Dress in layers as our fall temperatures can very dramatically between our mornings and afternoons.  Here are some of our favourite fall hikes:

Easy Hikes

• Clyburn Valley
• Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
• Uisge Ban Falls
• Maple Trail – Port Hawkesbury Community Trails
• Skye River Trail
• East Bay Hills

Challenging Hikes

• Tenerife Mountain
• Meat Cove Mountain
• Humes River Falls
• Franey Mountain Trail
• Wilkie – Sugarloaf Mountain
• Salt Mountain
• Cape Mabou Trails
• Coxheath Hills Wilderness Trails

Are there any special events to enjoy in the fall?

Fall may be the perfect time to venture outside and savour nature’s autumnal display but don’t think this is all you can do! Cape Breton Island is home to the Celtic Colours International Festival! This fall festival celebrates celtic music with an amazing 9 days of concerts and community events all over the Island.

If you’re looking to indulge yourself but still want to experience the beautiful fall colours, then get ready for the amazing Cabot Trail Food Truck Rally! This October 26-27 the Cabot Trail will be home to 10+ food trucks located at various points so you can drive the trail, do some hikes and experience some of the best food trucks on the Island!

There’s so much to do in the fall, check out our events page!

What are some options for great food?

You’re in luck! Restaurants all over the Island embrace the fall season with great seasonal meals and treats. Check out our Fall Guide for Culinary Enthusiasts!

What other outdoor activities are there to do?

Certainly, Cape Breton Island offers an array of exhilarating outdoor experiences that extend beyond the Island’s remarkable hiking trails. Delve into the vibrant tapestry of autumn foliage along our lakes and rivers as you paddle kayaks alongside the serene North River with North River Kayak Tours or consider mastering the art of stand-up paddle boarding with Live Life in Tents. Test your angling skills on our picturesque rivers.  For marine enthusiasts, the Island boasts a multitude of awe-inspiring whale-watching cruises that provide captivating encounters with these majestic creatures or embark on a serene journey aboard chartered sailboats across the enchanting waters of Bras d’Or. Explore the fall colours deep in the highlands with motorized tours from TNT Outdoor Adventures or Backcountry Cape Breton. The adventure possibilities on Cape Breton Island are as boundless as its natural beauty.

Drones around Cape Breton Island

Drones have been a great way for photographers and photo enthusiasts to enjoy new perspectives on landscapes and Cape Breton Island has dozens of great locations to enjoy with your drone but there are areas on the Island where flying your drone is prohibited, even for drones under 249g.

• You are not permitted to fly your drone at any National Park or National Historic Site without a permit from Parks Canada. Fines can be pretty steep ($25,000) so it’s best to respect the rules and leave your drone at home if you plan on visiting any Parks Canada locations.
• You are not permitted to fly your drone in any of Nova Scotia’s Provincial Parks.
• Anywhere within 9km radius of an airport or aerodrome.

Some of our favourite places to fly drones* are:

• Cape Clear
• The Cabot Trail (outside of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park)
• Meat Cove
• Middle River
• St. Ann’s Bay
• Whycocomagh
• Baddeck (Kidston Island)

*In accordance with all safety regulations set by Transport Canada