Egypt Falls Hike on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Welcome to one of the most popular Cape Breton waterfalls! If you’re looking for reward-to-effort ratio, it’s pretty hard to beat the Egypt Falls hike. After a short jaunt through the forest, you get to experience an impressive two-tied rushing falls! Just be more careful than I was if you bring you’re drone…. What happened, you ask? Keep reading below.

Egypt Falls hike in Cape Breton — Egypt Falls on Cape Breton Island.

When I was on Cape Breton in June, I planned the Egypt Falls hike a couple different times. The first, I went by myself for a quick trek, threw my little drone up, and accidentally crashed into the falls (still calling it a software glitch…). I stripped down to my boxers and jumped into the brisk waters (don’t worry, I weighed the risks beforehand) and retrieved the submerged drone. I even managed to save the footage and caught a fish on film – ha!

My second visit was far less eventful, and with great company — my friend Dani and her mom, Colleen. It was fun to get outside with other nature lovers. A great trip!

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Table of Contents

Egypt Falls Trail Map (Cape Breton Island)

About the Egypt Falls Hike

Egypt Falls hike in NS — Nice strangers snapped my photo… before my unplanned swim!

Location: Upper Margaree, Cape Breton Island
Distance: 1.8 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate for regular hikers (steep sections)
Elevation: 100 metre elevation gain
Time: 30 mins – 1 hour
Family-Friendly: Yes, but not stroller-friendly.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs should remain on a leash.
Features: After a short trek through the forest, walk down a wooden staircase to discover the stunning two-tiered, 60-foot-wide Egypt Falls. While this is a short trek, visitors should come prepared for a steep climb. As one of the popular Cape Breton waterfalls, the Egypt Fall hike is worth adding to your itinerary.

Egypt Falls hike — Egypt Falls is approx. 18 metres high.

Directions to the Egypt Falls Trailhead

“This land is traditional unceeded and unsurrended Unima’ki Territory. Please use with respect.”

If you’re coming from Baddeck, drive west on the Trans Canada for about 10 km, then turn right onto the Cabot Trail (Hwy 30) at the Red Barn Gift Shop. You’re going to drive for about 40 km, through Middle River to Margaree Forks. About a kilometre past the Co-op, turn left onto Hwy 19 and continue for about 8 km. Turn left onto Hwy 395, drive for 8.5 km to Upper Margaree, and then turn left onto Egypt Rd (dirt road). After 2 km, take a right onto Pipers Glen Rd and find Egypt Falls Trailhead next to the parking area.

Egypt Falls Trail — A Popular Waterfall Hike in Cape Breton

Egypt Falls hike sign — A few signs to keep you on track.

The Egypt Falls Trail is well-established with flagging tape and an easy-to-follow path. From the parking area, head into the forest to make your way down a steep and uneven trail. Before too long, you will approach a large wooden staircase leading down to the falls. If you want to stop for a little rest, there’s a picnic table at the top of the stairs. Visitors should be comfortable navigating rough terrain, with plenty of roots and rocks on the trail. After you get down the stairs, the uneven terrain continues to the falls.

Egypt Falls is a popular place, so you probably won’t be alone. The falls itself is somewhere around 60 feet wide — an impressive sight! After soaking up the falls (in my case, literally!), head back up the staircase and then veer right to finish the loop. This’ll require a steep climb up to the road. Once you reach the road, turn left to get back to the parking area. Most visitors will take between 30 to 45 minutes to complete the 1.8 km loop.

Egypt Falls hike through forest — Steep hike down to the staircase.

Egypt Falls hike stairs — Follow the stairs down to the falls.

Egypt Falls hike views — Egypt Falls is worth the trek!

Know Before You Go

A section with road to provide some support.

Parking: There’s a free parking area next to the Egypt Falls Trailhead

Garbage: If you pack it in, please remember to pack it out. Do not leave garbage (including fruit peels or toilet paper) on the trail. Please practice Leave No Trace principles to help everyone have a great visit.

Toilets: No outhouse toilets available. Do some reading on how to poop in the woods before heading out.

Wildlife: Cape Breton is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, coyote, and black bear. Do not feed wild animals and keep a safe distance. Keep wilds things wild!

Navigation: You shouldn’t have trouble navigating this trail. Check out Egypt Falls on AllTrails for reference.

What To Bring: Bring a day pack with a water bottle, snacks, and a warm layer. A rain jacket is never a bad idea. You will also want decent hiking boots or trail runners.

More Cape Breton Island Hikes

Are you looking for more Cape Breton hiking trails? Here are a few suggestions:

Have you explored Egypt Falls on Cape Breton Island? What’s your favourite Cape Breton waterfall? Leave a comment below!

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Thomas Coldwell

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.