Freshwater Lake Look-off Trail – Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Short but steep, or, steep but short! Wooden stairs lead to a picturesque vista unfolds before you: Ingonish Beach, Freshwater Lake, Middle Head and Cape Smokey. If you don’t have time for a longer hike to get a view, then this trail is for you. Children enjoy it also but be careful at the top.

Trailhead: On the Cabot Trail, across from the Park’s Administration Building in Ingonish 

Significant Feature: Atlantic coastline

Length: 0.3 km (0.2 mi) return

Hiking Time: 10 minutes

Elevation: 10 – 45 m (35 – 150 ft.)
Trail Rating: Moderate

GPS Co-ordinates for Trailhead (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 46.646010 Long: -60.402759

Park is open year-round but full visitor services are only available from mid-May until mid-October. A park pass is required all year for hiking or use of other services in the park.  Check in at the Parks Canada Visitor Centres in Chéticamp (16 Visitor Centre Road, just off the Cabot Trail on the west side of the park) or in Ingonish (37637 Cabot Trail, on the east side of the park) to obtain passes, information on visitor safety and any other information you may need, including a trail location map.

For your comfort and safety:
– Do not approach, disturb or feed wild animals.
– Take along appropriate clothing – rapid weather changes often occur on the plateau or along the coast.
– Carry water with you, especially for longer trails, climbs or open barrens.
– Bring insect repellent as black flies and mosquitoes are common all summer.
– Mountain bikes are permitted only where indicated, for public safety and protection of the environment.
– Stay on designated trails and boardwalks to protect fragile vegetation.
– Do not throw food or scraps along the trails or roads.
– Read “Keep it Wild, Keep it Safe” brochure, available at park visitor centres and on the Parks Canada website.

– Recreational drone use is prohibited within the national park for the safety of wildlife and other visitors