Are you planning to explore Cape Breton waterfalls this year? As one of my favourite places to visit, Cape Breton offers plenty of hiking options and is known for stunning waterfalls. Here’s are a few waterfalls on Cape Breton that you won’t want to miss. Here we go!
If you’re planning to visit Cape Breton, consider visiting one of many waterfalls on the island. Have you heard about Cape Breton’s waterfall challenge? You can download the Waterfall Season App and enter for your chance to win a Cape Breton Adventure Weekend. That’s a pretty sweet deal!
I spent a few weeks in Cape Breton last year, and loved exploring a few waterfalls near my home base in Middle River (close to Baddeck). If I had to pick a favourite, I would probably have to say North River Falls — it’s a rugged adventure to reach Nova Scotia’s tallest waterfall. But honestly, I loved each waterfall on this list!
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Table of Contents
Map of the Best Cape Breton Waterfalls
Humes River Falls
Location: Wagmatcook
Trailhead: 46.07407, -60.92232 Google Maps
Distance: 10 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Elevation: 316 m gain
Time: 2.5 – 3 hrs
Humes River Falls is a picturesque waterfall and the second-longest trail on this list. This moderate hiking trail begins on an ATV dirt road and then winds through the forest. Be prepared for a couple of water crossings, with ropes to help support the journey. If you’re lucky like me, you might even have the falls to yourself!
Uisge Bàn Falls — Family-Friendly Cape Breton Waterfall
Location: Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park
Trailhead: 46.20324, -60.77856 Google Maps
Distance: 3 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 80 m gain
Time: 1 – 1.5 hrs
Uisge Bàn Falls is a fairly short and popular trek, not far from the town of Baddeck. Hike on a well-maintained trail through mixed forests, before reaching a gorge with the cascading falls. If you’re crunched for time and want something a little easier, Uisge Bàn Falls might be just what you’re looking for. With vault toilets and picnic areas, this provincial park is a nice spot for families with kiddos!
Gairloch Mountain Falls — Beautiful Cape Breton Waterfall
Location: Middle River
Trailhead: 46.13223, -60.95892 Google Maps
Distance: 6.5 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 260 m gain
Time: 1.5 – 2 hrs
Gairloch Mountain Falls is another great hiking option near Baddeck, offering a serene escape without too much effort. When I visited last fall, I was surprised to be the only person on this short route. I even decided to take a cold dip… and it was very cold! The reward-to-effort ratio for Gairloch Falls is excellent!
North River Falls — Tallest Nova Scotia Waterfall
Location: St. Anns
Trailhead: 46.31798, -60.66308 Google Maps
Distance: 18 km out and back
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation: 350 m gain
Time: 5 – 7 hrs
North River Falls boasts a dramatic 32-metre (105-foot) drop — the highest waterfall in Nova Scotia! This difficult route requires a decent level of fitness. Be prepared for river crossings and route-finding. Most hikers will take full day to complete the 18-km round trip. If you’re up for a challenge, North River Falls is worth the trek!
Egypt Falls — Popular Cape Breton Waterfall
Location: Upper Margaree
Trailhead: 46.19737, -61.12469 Google Maps
Distance: 1.8 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 100 m gain
Time: 30 min – 1 hr
Egypt Falls is easily one of the most popular hiking trails on Cape Breton Island, renowned for its 60-foot-wide falls. With another exceptional effort-to-reward ratio, I highly recommend adding Egypt Falls to your itinerary. If you have an hour to spare, this is one stop you won’t regret!
What To Bring — Hiking Cape Breton Waterfalls
Before hitting the trail, make sure you pack everything you need to stay safe and have fun out there. Bring a day pack (I love this one) with some water and snacks. You may either want a water bottle or hydration pack (I was happy with a Nalgene). You might find hiking poles useful on the uneven terrain. In Cape Breton’s wilderness, cell phone reception can be spotty (or even non-existent) so I’m in the habit of packing my satellite communications device for emergencies (check out Zoleo). Of course, it’s always a good idea to bring extra snacks, a flash light, and a small first aid kit. Become familiar with the terrain and carry navigational tools (map, compass, GPS).
Choose your preference for footwear. If you’re unsure what to wear, I suggest a pair of mid-hikers for extra ankle support. Personally, I prefer my Altra Trail Runners for day hiking — they’re shaped like a foot and so comfortable. Whatever you choose, just make sure your feet are comfy (blisters suck).
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Are you planning to explore Cape Breton waterfalls? Would you add others to this list? Leave a comment below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
