North River Falls & Restaurant 100KM

Story by: Alicia Lake

You may want to work your way up to this hike! So consider conquering North River Falls as something to aim for as you build your hiking repertoire.

The hike is a well-maintained trail, part of the North River Provincial Park and Wilderness Area. Offering the highest falls in Nova Scotia at 32 M or 105 feet, the hike is one of the more challenging. It’s a 7-hour hike. Parts of the trail have guardrails, footbridges and benches. Other parts are rocky and rough. The first few KMs are on the easier side and the level of difficulty increases as you head toward the falls. Pack your drinking water and some lunch. Hard to believe when you’re starting out, but this could easily become your favourite hike!

Pro Tip: Bring a swimming suit. You’ll want to take full advantage of the stunning waterfall.

GPS Coordinates: 46.3720° N, 60.7005° W

Recommended Restaurant – Restaurant 100KM at the Chanterelle Country Inn, 48678 Cabot Trail, North River Bridge. (7-minute drive)

The original farm to fork restaurant on Cape Breton Island has an ever-changing seasonal menu. After a long day of hiking, you will love the large portions, served in a casual and low-key dining room overlooking the estuary of the North River.

Recommended Dish – Start with the mussels and then the chicken dinner.

Pro Tip – The owner is a mushroom expert. So if a dish has mushrooms in it, it’s going to be some good!!

GPS Coordinates: N46.3015°, W60.6230°

A woman holds a plate with a sandwich and salad

Alicia Lake | Local Culinary Ambassador

Alicia Lake is a lifelong resident of Victoria County, Cape Breton, and a self-proclaimed local food fanatic. She holds an MBA in Community Economic Development, as well as undergraduate degrees in Community Studies and Political Science. Alicia has a great deal of experience working in various areas of the local food sector and is extremely passionate about good food and the local food economy. Alicia is the founder of the Baddeck and Area Community Market, and the 50% Local Food Club. She is currently the Executive Director of the Pan Cape Breton Food Hub Co-op, an on-line marketplace for local foods in Cape Breton.

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