Your Complete Guide to Fishing Cove Trail in Cape Breton

When it comes to Cape Breton campgrounds, Fishing Cove Trail offers an unparalleled backcountry experience next to the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must-visit on Cape Breton Island, and Fishing Cove offers the only backcountry campground inside this national park. If you’re looking for a short backpacking trip, consider adding Fishing Cove to your list!

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Last Updated: January 2026

In October 2019, I ventured over to the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island for a week and spent one night at Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground. If you’re new to the area, Fishing Cove Trail is the only backcountry campground in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. When I visited, I found a quiet retreat on the Atlantic coast. If you enjoy backcountry camping (and don’t mind frosty nights), then you’ll love Fishing Cove Campground when the leaves turn.

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Fishing Cove Trail Map

About Fishing Cove Trail

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Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
Distance: 12 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate – due to length and muddy areas (especially after rain)
Elevation: 355 metre gain
Time: Approx 5 – 6 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, but must remain on a leash.
Features: Fishing Cove Trail meanders downward along the Fishing Cove River through the forest and toward the ocean. As one of the most secluded Cape Breton campgrounds, Fishing Cove Backcountry has eight reservable wooden tent platforms, an outhouse, a bear pole, and a freshwater source nearby. Nestled in this historic area, Fishing Cove Campground was once home to early Scottish settlers whose descendants dispersed to other communities by 1915. In the early morning, I swear you can hear the faint sound of bagpipes over the hill.

Update: Fishing Cove Backcountry reservations will open on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 8:00am AT.

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Fishing Cove Trail FAQs

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Q. Where is Fishing Cove Trail?
A. Fishing Cove Trail is found in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, along the Cabot Trail on the western side of the island.

Q. How long is the Fishing Cove Trail?
A. Fishing Cove Trail is approximately 12 kilometres out and back.

Q. How difficult or advanced is the Fishing Cove Trail?
A. As far as backpacking trips go, Fishing Cove Trail is generally considered easy to moderate, with minimal elevation and rugged terrain.

Q. When should I hike the Fishing Cove Trail?
A. You can book Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground from mid-May to the end of October. I would highly recommend hiking Fishing Cove Trail in October, with colourful autumn leaves and cooler temperatures.

Q. Is Fishing Cove Trail a good option for beginner backpackers?
A. Yes, Fishing Cove Trail can be a great option for beginner backpackers, with a bit of challenge and a scenic spot for an overnight camping trip.

Q. How many days do I need for the Fishing Cove Trail?
A. Fishing Cove Trail can be completed over 5 to 6 hours, or over 1 to 2 days for a full backcountry camping trip.

Q. Do I need a reservation for Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground?
A. Yes, camping reservations are required for Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Book before you arrive in the park.

Read next: 5 Amazing Cape Breton Waterfalls

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Where To Stay Near Fishing Cove (Before & After Your Hike)

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There are several places to stay near Fishing Cove, including campgrounds within and around Cape Breton Highlands National Park itself. Outside the park, you could stay the night in Margaree Harbour if you don’t mind a bit of driving. Chéticamp is a bit more convenient with a wider range of accommodations and restaurants, only 30 minutes from the Fishing Cove trail access.

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Fishing Cove Trail — Hiking in Cape Breton Highlands

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The Fishing Cove Trailhead is found on the western side of Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail. Fishing Cove’s parking area is paved and well-marked, with an outhouse to use before setting off. The trail follows the Fishing Cove River down to where the river meets the ocean. Hike down the gentle slope through the quiet forest, with colourful leaves of red, orange, and yellow in October. This afternoon, I didn’t see a single other hiker on the trail, but followed the river and stopped periodically to take in my surroundings. After hiking for about 6 km and 3 hours, I arrived at Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground and saw a tent pitched on a wooden platform. My neighbours had settled in for the night.

Read next: Tenerife Mountain Hike in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

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Reserving Fishing Cove — Best Cape Breton Campgrounds

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Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground has 8 reservable and unserviced sites, each with a wooden platform for a single tent. You should reserve your campsite(s) before arriving in the park, as Fishing Cove books up quickly in peak season. Backcountry permit fees are around $13.50 per person per night. Starting March 2023, Fishing Cove Campground can now be booked online on the Parks Canada website. Fishing Cove also has an outhouse toilet, food lockers, and a freshwater source at the Fishing Cove River. You’ll also find iconic Parks Canada Adirondack chairs. Remember to use a water filter or purification tablets before drinking.

Note: Backcountry campers are required to pick up backcountry permits at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in either Ingonish or Chéticamp. You can reserve Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground on the Parks Canada website. Reserve here.

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Fishing Cove Campground — Cape Breton Highlands National Park Camping

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In October, most of the campgrounds in Cape Breton Highlands National Park were nearly deserted. Broad Cove Campground was very quiet, MacIntosh Brook Campground was a ghost town, but Chéticamp Campground had a few more visitors. To be fair, the evenings were growing colder and one night saw some frost. If you’re going to tent in the shoulder season, you have to prepare for freezing temperatures. I brought warm layers for sleeping, including Merino wool leggings, a down jacket, and a down sleeping bag. I was quite comfortable and would suggest a minimum -5 °C sleeping bag in October.

When I woke up in Fishing Cove, my neighbours had already packed and left. If I didn’t have a photo of their tent, I would second guess whether they were really there. There was something refreshing and almost mystical about being alone here. I walked down to the cobblestone shore and ate my instant oatmeal by the waves, listening to Bear McCreary’s Fraser’s Ridge on my phone speaker (Any Outlander fans out there?). I don’t normally listen to music in the backcountry, but this time felt right.

Read next: Your Guide to Seawall Trail on Cape Breton Island

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Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground Packing List

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If you’re new to backpacking, you might want some suggestions for what to bring. First of all, start with supportive hiking footwear and a comfortable hiking pack. A fully loaded backpack should not weigh more than 20 percent of your body weight.

Here’s what I brought on the Fishing Cove Trail:

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Know Before You Go — Fishing Cove Campground

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Parks Pass: Visitors to Cape Breton Highlands National Park must have a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or a day pass. Purchase your Parks Canada Discovery Pass online.

Parking: Paved parking is available for Fishing Cove Trail. No additional parking fees.

Toilets: Outhouse toilets are available at the Fishing Cove Trailhead and in Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground. Bring your own toilet paper.

Food Storage: Food storage lockers are available in Fishing Cove Campground.

Water: No potable water at Fishing Cove Campground. Bring your own water filter or tablets to use before drinking water from Fishing Cove River.

Campsites: Reservations are required to camp at Fishing Cove Backcountry Campground. Book your campsites through the Parks Canada Reservation Service.

Campfires: Fires are not permitted in Fishing Cove Campground. Bring your camp stove to make meals.

Navigation: Fishing Cove Trail is a well-marked out and back trail. You could use AllTrails for additional guidance.

Wildlife: Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, moose, and black bears. Stay alert and maintain a safe distance from wildlife. I suggest carrying bear spray, especially if you’re hiking solo.

Fishing Cove is a great spot for hikers and backpackers of various skill levels. As the only backcountry campground in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Fishing Cove is an absolute must for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing Cove Trail is very doable as a day trip, but is preferable as an overnight if you have time. And in October, you won’t need bug spray!

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Cape Breton Island Cabot Trail

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Are you planning to visit Cape Breton campgrounds this year? Surprisingly, my first-ever trip to Cape Breton Island was in October 2019. Yes, it’s strange that a Nova Scotian took 28 years to travel to this spectacular island — but it is what it is. After hiking and camping along the Cabot Trail, my Cape Breton adventure ended with foot-stompin’ tunes at the Celtic Colours International Music Festival in Sydney. If your trip coincides with Celtic Colours, you should definitely go to a concert (or two!).

There are many benefits to visiting Cape Breton Island in autumn. October is typically the best time to find bright yellow, orange, and red leaves on the trees. Further, visiting later in the season means fewer tourists and more solitude while camping and hiking. Again, you just need to be prepared for cooler temperatures and even frosty nights.

Read next: Driving The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, NS

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Have you hiked Fishing Cove Trail on Cape Breton Island? Are you planning a trip? Let me know in the comments below!

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