Fishing Cove Trail – Cape Breton Highlands National Park The Google rating is 4.8

You’ll begin your Fishing Cove Trail hike 355 metres (1,165 feet) above sea level before hiking 6 kilometres down from the top of MacKenzie Mountain to a small ocean cove and grassy clearing featuring the only designated wilderness camp site in the park. This area was once the site of a Scottish settler fishing community who traded with the French for supplies. Explore the beach, roam the hills or swim in fresh or salt water.

If you plan to camp here, you must register at a Parks Canada visitor centre prior to camping.

Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail at the top of MacKenzie Mountain.
Significant Feature: Acadian forest, ocean cove and headlands
Length: 12 km (7.5 mi) return
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation: 0–355 m (0–1165 ft.) Steep descent. Some muddy sections. No potable water on site. If camping, bring your own toilet paper.
Trail Rating: Difficult
GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees): Lat: 46.761030 Long: -60.834544

Park is open year-round but full visitor services are only available from mid-May until mid-October.

A park pass is required all year for hiking or use of other services in the park; park entry fee applies. Check in at the Parks Canada visitor centres in Chéticamp (16 Visitor Centre Rd., situated on the west side of the park) or in Ingonish (37637 Cabot Trail, on the east side of the park) to obtain passes, information on visitor safety and any other information you may need, including a trail location map.

For your comfort and safety:

• Do not approach, disturb or feed wild animals.
• Take along appropriate clothing – rapid weather changes often occur on the plateau or along the coast.
• Carry water with you, especially for longer trails, climbs or open barrens.
• Bring insect repellent as black flies and mosquitoes are common all summer.
• Mountain bikes are permitted only where indicated, for public safety and protection of the environment.
• Stay on designated trails and boardwalks to protect fragile vegetation.
• Do not throw food or scraps along the trails or roads.
• Read “Keep it Wild, Keep it Safe” brochure, available at park visitor centres and on the Parks Canada website.

Recreational drone use is prohibited within the national park for the safety of wildlife and other visitors.