Exploring Cape Clear - Cape Breton Highlands

As Cape Bretoners, we are often guilty of neglecting the beauty of this island. We know about these world-famous views, but we don’t often explore them ourselves. It’s a luxury to be so close to so many amazing hikes and views that most of us take for granted. Myself included. 

Two  weekends ago I visited Cape Clear. A popular location for snow mobiles and four wheelers/side by sides. We took the long route up through Fielding road in Margaree up to the highlands and got some fly fishing in too. There are so many fun little side quests up in the Highlands if you’re willing to search for them.

The drive was beautiful, a great chance to reconnect, chat, and listen to your favorite music. Up until the 11km mark from Cape Clear, the road was perfect. It does get a little testy the closer you get into it, but nothing to fear. 

We didn’t drive all the way in, and decided to walk the last kilometer(ish). The road in has some spots that are completely flooded with water, but you can walk the sides of them with no problem. My On trail sneakers fit the bill!

On our way, we noticed a little path off to the left. There are two signs with paths in different directions: The Gully Trail and The Wave Wail Ridgeline Trail. We went down the Ridgeline trail and came out to a lookoff that is underneath the classic Cape Clear lookoff. 

From where we were, the Cape Clear lookoff is up and to the right. It was just my friend and I there and walking out on the rocks was so much fun. The views were spectacular; the company was great and the flies were non-existent. It was honestly a great little excursion. 

After appreciating the ridgeline view, we trotted back to the main road and made our way back up to the Cape Clear Lookoff. There is seriously no bad angle to the place. From where we sat to appreciate it, you could see the whole valley. All your problems seem so small when you’re looking out at that view.

People have their opinions on when the best time is to visit Cape Clear. Personally this was my first visit, but it certainly won’t be my last. I think summertime is an underrated time to visit, but I'm excited to see what those trees looked like frosted with snow or exploding with fall leaves. 

If you have some free time and are looking for a little road trip and very short hike. I would highly recommend taking a trip to Cape Clear. Afterwards, you can make your way to a local restaurant and make a day of it on whatever side you come out of the highlands. 

Ps: If you do the drive, keep your eyes peeled as you might even see a moose! The day we visited, we spoke to some folks who had just seen one a few minutes before!

~ Alexandra, EO Team Member