Chéticamp Visitor Centre

Chéticamp Visitor Centre is one of the two visitor centres for Cape Breton Highlands National Park, at the western gateway in Chéticamp. Start here before driving the Cabot Trail if you want help choosing walks or understanding the park layout. Bilingual staff can answer questions about trails, facilities and community services; you can get a map, buy a park pass, or ask about registration for some programs.

The renovated centre has a bright, open space with an interactive introduction to the park's flora, fauna and places to explore. Give the displays a quick look, then ask staff to help match a trail or stop to the time you have. It is a useful way to get your bearings before heading farther along the Cabot Trail.

Le Nique is the nature bookstore inside the centre, run by Les Amis du Plein Air. It carries trail and field guides, bird checklists, local cultural-history books and children's books. Pick up a trail guide or bird list before you get back on the road. The association began as an outdoor club in 1974 and started working with the park in 1981, becoming the first co-operating association for a national park.

Coffee and accessible public washrooms are available in the centre. Dual-standard Level 2 EV chargers are here, and the nearby day-use area has picnic space under the trees, an accessible shelter and table, and a playground. It is a handy reset before the longer drive through the park.