Alerts

Cape Breton Highlands National Park alerts

Current notices from official park sources.
Cape Breton Highlands National ParkImage credit: Parkwolf

Closure

Pedestrian use prohibited on Cabot Trail segment

Do not walk on the Cabot Trail between French Lake Look-Off and Veteran’s Monument Look-Off through October 25, 2026. - The prohibited segment runs between 19713 Cabot Trail (French Lake Look-Off) and 18865 Cabot Trail (Veteran’s Monument Look-Off), and pedestrian use is prohibited at all times during the effective period. - Exceptions are emergencies or travel authorized by Parks Canada staff. Violation is an offence under the Canada National Parks Act and may result in prosecution. Check the current Cabot Trail pedestrian prohibition before traveling.Official details

Information

Park Entry Pass required

A valid Park Entry Pass is required to enter Cape Breton Highlands National Park from September 8 through October 25, 2026. - This requirement applies at all times during the listed period. - Exceptions are people traveling along the Cabot Trail without stopping inside the park; stopping inside the park because of an emergency or to use an essential service; supplying or servicing a park facility or business; or conducting government business. Check the current Park Entry Pass requirement before entering the park.Official details

Closure

Angling prohibited in Clyburn Brook and Chéticamp River

Do not fish in Clyburn Brook, Chéticamp River, or their tributaries until further notice because of low water levels. - Clyburn Brook: All portions of the brook and its tributaries are closed, including scheduled waters from the bottom of A-Frame Pool upstream and the portion between A-Frame Pool and the park boundary at the mouth of the river. - Chéticamp River: All portions upstream from the park boundary at the Gulf of St. Lawrence are closed, along with all tributaries, including Robert’s Brook. - Parks Canada imposed these restrictions under section 35(1) of the National Parks of Canada Fishing Regulations to provide for the continued protection and management of the park’s natural resources. Check the current Clyburn Brook notice, the current Chéticamp River notice, or current restricted-activity notices before fishing.Official details

Closure

Old Fire Tower Trail closed

Old Fire Tower Trail is closed until further notice because of unsafe infrastructure. - Except where explicitly authorized by the Superintendent, entry or travel on or along the trail—on foot or by any means—is prohibited at all times. - The closure has been effective since August 1, 2023. - Violations are subject to charges under section 7(4) of the National Parks General Regulations, with fines ranging from $237.50 to $25,000. Check the current Old Fire Tower Trail closure notice before traveling.Official details

Information

Skyline Trail parking reservation and headland restriction

Reserve parking before visiting Skyline Trail during the 2026 peak season, and stay on the headland boardwalk. - Parking reservation: Everyone needs a confirmed parking reservation from June 26 through October 25, 2026; the only exception is purchasing the Skyline Sunset Hike. When reservations are full, there is no access to the trail during that time. Timed reservations address frequent overcapacity, reduce congestion, and help maintain the trail and surrounding ecosystems. - Arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before and no later than one hour after your selected start time; arriving after that first hour cancels the reservation. Drop-offs and roadside parking are prohibited for safety reasons. - Skyline headland: From April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, entry or travel off the boardwalk is prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the Superintendent. The headland plants are very fragile and easily damaged by trampling, so stay on the boardwalk. Check current Skyline Trail requirements and read the current Skyline headland restriction before traveling.Official details

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