Cape Breton, Nova Scotia is a hikers paradise. There are so many trails to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty, and SO many scenic look-offs! And what’s better than hiking? Hiking with your dog! Below is a complete guide for how to visit Cape Breton with dogs: where to stay, eat, hike, and other important tips.
This guide is specific to the Cabot Trail in Cape Bretons National Park and surrounding areas. If you are unfamiliar with what the the Cabot Trail is, it is essentially a looped road that travels around and through Cape Breton National Park. There are lots of trails to choose from, look-offs, and viewpoints along the Cabot Trail road.
Suggested Reading: The Ultimate Guide for Exploring the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton: what you need to know
1. Dogs are not allowed on the Skyline Trail
One of the most important things to know is that dogs are not allowed on the Skyline Trail. They are allowed on all other trails EXCEPT for the Skyline Trail.
For those that are not familiar, the Skyline Trail is one of the trails located along the Cabot Trail (and in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park) in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. It features the iconic postcard picture at the end of the trail, and is extremely popular.
If you are coming to Cape Breton with your dog, unfortunately they are not allowed on this trail. Honestly, there are plenty of other dog-friendly trails in Cape Breton that offer incredible views. (Franey being my personal favourite).
2. Keep dogs on leash
The safety of your dog is super important when hiking. There are all sorts of animals: moose, black bears, and coyotes. These animals might not hear your dog approaching, so it’s really easy to sneak up and startle them when they are least expecting it! To keep you and your dog safe, it is best to keep it on a leash.
Within the National Park it’s also required to keep dogs on leash.
3. Bring bear and/or coyote spray
Speaking of big animals, it’s always a good idea to be prepared with either bear or coyote spray. These can be purchased at a local Canadian Tire store in Cape Breton or Halifax.
If you don’t have spray, then make lots of noise while hiking to scare off any animals.
4. Know your dog’s limits
When hiking around Cape Breton, it can be easy to overdo it and tire your dog out or go on a hike that is too challenging for them.
Weather can also play a huge part in your dog’s safety! Trails with lots of water sources will be better on hot summer days.
Before you travel to Cape Breton with your dog, research the trails you are interested in to see if it might be too long or difficult for your dog.
5. Bring a dog first Aid kit
A dog first aid kit is definitely a helpful thing to pack while hiking in Cape Breton with dogs. Here are a few things to consider bringing:
- Pain Relief (like Asprin). To help reduce inflammation (check with your vet prior to going on what dose and specific medication is acceptable for your dog).
- Antihistamines (like Benadryl). If your dog has an allergic reaction to anything (eats a bee, for example). Again, check with your vet before going!
- Polysporin. To help with any raw paw pads that may occur.
- Bandages & Tape. Help stop any bleeding. Many things can be used as a bandage, like gauze. And tape to secure it.
- Tick remover. Tick season in Nova Scotia is definitely annoying, and getting bitten by a tick is no fun if you can’t get it off! Ticks can carry Lyme disease too, so it’s important to remove them quickly.
- Water with bowl. To prevent any dehydration, bring extra water for your dog along with a collapsible bowl.
Other things worth mentioning are:
- A dog backpack or hammock to carry your dog in if they get injured or tired.
- Dog booties/shoes to prevent raw paw pads.
- Dog seatbelts to keep your dog safe while driving.
- A dog staircase so that your dog can get on and off the bed easily if they’re sore, have an injury, or small in size.
- The name and phone number of your vet
6. What are the best trails in Cape Breton for dogs?
This all depends on you and your dog’s fitness level and previous hiking experience. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a great resource for researching each trail to determine it’s length, and what type of trail it is.
The weather can also play a huge part in which trails are the best to hike with dogs. In the summer, it would be best to stick to trails that have lots of water sources so that your dog can cool down.
The fall is the best time to hike Cape Breton (in my personal opinion) because the weather is cooler, and the fall foliage is absolutely gorgeous.
Here are a few trails to help you get started:
Acadian Trail. This is a longer hike (8.4km), but there are lots of viewpoints along the way, and the terrain isn’t overly challenging to climb. The only difficultly would be the length and the trail is mostly uphill.
Hiking in a counterclockwise direction will start your hike along a river and through a shady forest (pictured below), which would be better in the summer months.
If your dog is unable to walk long distances, then the Chemin-du-Buttereau (4.6km) and Le Buttereau (1.6km) trails are an excellent alternative only a few minutes drive down the road. It is like a mini-version of the Acadian Trail, and has old ruins and pretty ocean views. The two trails meet, so you can do one, or combine both.
Franey Trail
Franey is another challenging hike that is also looped. A counterclockwise direction will start your hike through a trail that is similar to an ATV trail, with one side-trail that leads to a lake (perfect for cooling down in warmer weather).
It’s also easier to reach the summit starting in a counterclockwise direction, but with less viewpoints along the way up.
Most travel the trail in a clockwise direction, which is more challenging with lots of steps to climb up.
Broad Cove Mountain
If you are short on time and want a nice view, then this hike is perfect for that since it takes about an hour. There are no water sources though, and it’s all uphill, but it’s under lots of shady trees!
The top of Broad Cove Mountain overlooks “Warren Lake” which has 4.7km looped trail around the Lake. There is also a beach which offers a great place for your dog to cool off if it’s warm!
Egypt Falls
This waterfall is located outside of the National Park, but is very popular to visit. It is less than 1km long, so it does not take long. But it is steep, and a few ropes are required at the very bottom which may be challenging if you are also holding onto a leash. My dogs didn’t have any trouble, but near the bottom you may need to assist your dog by lifting them down about 3ft.
If you really want to hike to a waterfall with your dog, but the steep hill of Egypt Falls is not possible, then other trails that offer waterfalls are:
- Beulach Ban Falls (the parking lot is literally right next to the waterfall. There are two parking lots, so if you don’t see the waterfalls immediately, then get back into your car and drive to the next parking lot).
- Corney Brook (6.5km return, with falls at the end of the trail)
- MacIntosh Brook (1.7km loop, a leisurely stroll through a forest with the waterfalls at the end.)
Suggested reading: 3 Day Cape Breton Hiking Itinerary
7. Where are dog friendly places to stay along the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton?
Here are a few tried and trued dog friendly places to stay along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton:
Ingonish Chalets. Located in Ingonish, there are cottages and room suites nestled amongst the trees (so pretty with the autumn foliage), and across the road they have private beach access. It is my personal favourite place to stay in Cape Breton with dogs. It is very close to trails like Franey, and less than a 10 minute drive to a marketplace. It is very popular with dog-owners!
Knotty Pine Cottages. If you are traveling in a Counter-clockwise direction around Cape Breton, then the next recommended place to spend the night is in Ingonish Beach at the Knotty Pine Cottages.
They are dog friendly, clean, and have spectacular views. However their balconies have large gaps in them, so your pet would need to be on leash when sitting outside. The beds are very high too, so if your dog is small then bringing a dog staircase would help prevent any injuries.
8. Where is the best place to eat in Cape Breton with dogs?
When traveling to Cape Breton with your dog, there are a few dog-friendly options. Take out, cooking in your accommodation, having a picnic, or enjoying a dog-friendly patio!
While hiking around Nova Scotia with dogs, the easiest option for eating is to have breakfast in your accommodation, have snacks and sandwiches for lunch on a trail (remember to leave no trace!)), and then get take out from a restaurant to enjoy on a near-by picnic table or in your accommodation. This option will require a cooler to keep food cool-in, and a grocery store run.
If you are limited for space, most restaurants in Nova Scotia will allow dogs on their patio, or will offer take-out so that you can eat it at a picnic table near-by.
Have you traveled around Cape Breton with dogs? What was your favourite hike, and what would your top tip be? Let me know in the comments below!
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