Have you heard about Tenerife Peak AKA Theodore Fricker Mountain? If you’re looking for a challenging adventure with impressive views, why not add the Tenerife Mountain hike to your list? It’s not easy to find another with this kind of reward-to-effort ratio. Tenerife Mountain is one of the top Cape Breton hikes!
As I was doing some hiking research (Instagram) in June, I kept stumbling across reels and photos reminding me (at least a little) of the Rockies, where I lived (Calgary) and played for over six years. That was all the convincing I needed to prioritize the Tenerife Mountain hike. I’m so glad I did!
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About Tenerife Mountain Hike
Location: Cape North, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Distance: 4 km out and back
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation: 420 metre elevation gain
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Family-Friendly: Depends on hiking abilities and fitness levels. Not stroller-friendly.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs should remain on a leash.
Features: Tenerife Mountain (AKA Theodore Fricker Mountain) is a short but challenging hike in northern Cape Breton, offering panoramic views of the Aspy Valley and surrounding area from the ridge.
Tenerife Mountain Trail Map
Directions to Tenerife Mountain Trailhead
The Tenerife Mountain trailhead is located between the villages of Cape North and Dingwall in northern Cape Breton. As you’re driving on the Cabot Trail, turn onto Bay St Lawrence Rd next to Morrison’s Restaurant (nice spot for chowder or fish and chips… yum!). Continue along for about 4 kilometres until reaching a dirt parking area on your right-hand side. Once you’re parked, cross the road to find the trailhead… and let the adventure begin! You can find directions on Google Maps beforehand. Budget around 2 hours to drive from Baddeck and just over an hour from Chéticamp.
Read next: Gairloch Mountain Falls Hike in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Tenerife / Theodore Fricker Mountain — One of the Best Cape Breton Hikes
The first kilometre is fairly gentle. You’ll walk on a forest path and can stop to check out a small waterfall along the way. You may need to walk over or around a couple of felled trees. Don’t let this relatively easy jaunt fool you… it’s about to get real. I was impressed by the steep terrain with loose scree and boulders. It’s clear that Tenerife Mountain has become a popular spot, with a fair amount of hikers stopping by. Watch your step on the way up. Give yourself at least 1.5 hours for the nearly 4 km out and back hike.
After the gruelling climb, you can either go right to the viewpoint overlooking Aspy Bay and Dingwall or head left for a short walk to the summit. It’s worth exploring both areas for the full experience. Honestly, I couldn’t believe these impressive panoramic viewpoints after a relatively “easy” climb. Don’t get me wrong, I was huffing and puffing… but it wasn’t long before I reached the summit. The reward-to-effort ratio is truly something!
Know Before You Go
Parking: You will find a parking area near the trailhead. Here are directions on Google Maps.
Fee: No cost for parking or trail access.
Toilets: No toilets or outhouses here. Please practice Leave No Trace Principles.
Garbage: If you bring something with you, please bring it back home. Don’t leave garbage or organic products (i.e. fruit peels) on or around the trail. Be considerate of other visitors and help keep wildlife wild.
Navigation: You shouldn’t have much difficulty navigating this route. The trail is marked with flagging tape and clearly defined with ample foot traffic. That being said, consider downloading Theodore Fricker Mountain Trail on AllTrails for extra support.
Terrain: This is not an easy route, especially if you’re not used to hiking. While the terrain is fairly gentle at first, visitors must scramble to the summit on loose scree and boulders that can become dislodged. There was some rope for assistance.
Read next: Your Complete Guide to Fishing Cove Trail in Cape Breton
What To Bring — Cape Breton Hiking
The Tenerife Mountain hike generally takes between 1 – 2 hours. I recommend bringing a day pack with a few hiking essentials, including a water bottle and some snacks. I lucked out with a gorgeous summer day and didn’t need many layers. Bring a rain jacket and a warm layer just in case. Oh, and I love a Buff. You will probably have some cell service, but not a bad idea to bring a satellite communications device (especially if you’re hiking solo).
Tenerife has rougher terrain. You may want to use trekking poles to navigate the scree and boulders. What you wear on your feet is a matter of preference — I was fine with my Altra Trail Runners. Make sure you’re comfortable.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Have you hiked Tenerife Mountain on Cape Breton Island? Are you planning a trip someday soon? 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.
