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.
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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Cape Breton Waterfalls Map (Nova Scotia)
Humes River Falls — A Scenic Cape Breton Waterfall
Location: Wagmatcook
Trailhead: 46.07407, -60.92232
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!
Read next: Franey Trail Hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Uisge Bàn Falls — Family-Friendly Cape Breton Waterfall
Location: Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park
Trailhead: 46.20324, -60.77856
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
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 top notch!
Read next: Tenerife Mountain Hike in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
North River Falls — Tallest Nova Scotia Waterfall
Location: St. Anns
Trailhead: 46.31798, -60.66308
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 tallest waterfall in all of Nova Scotia! This difficult route requires a decent level of fitness, so be prepared for river crossings and route-finding. Most hikers will take a whole day to complete the 18-km out-and-back trip. If you want a challenge, North River Falls is worth the trek!
Egypt Falls — Popular Cape Breton Waterfall
Location: Upper Margaree
Trailhead: 46.19737, -61.12469
Distance: 1.8 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 100 m gain
Time: 30 min – 1 hr
Egypt Falls is one of the most popular hiking trails on Cape Breton Island. Renowned for its 60-foot-wide falls, Egypt Falls offers another exceptional effort-to-reward ratio. I’d definitely suggest adding this one to your waterfall itinerary. If you have an hour to spare, it’s one stop you won’t regret.
Read next: Driving The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, NS
Where To Stay on Cape Breton Island
Whether you’re road tripping the Cabot Trail or hopping between trailheads, Cape Breton is easy to explore with a few strategic bases. From small towns to campgrounds, choosing where to stay can help cut down on driving and give you more time on the trails. Places like Baddeck, Margaree Harbour, Chéticamp, and Ingonish can all make good jumping-off points, depending on what part of the island you want to explore.
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 with some water and snacks. You may either want a water bottle or a hydration pack, and you might find hiking poles useful on the uneven terrain. Of course, it’s always a good idea to bring extra snacks, maybe a headlamp, 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 very comfortable). Whatever you go with, 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? What’s your favourite one? 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.
