Best things to do in Ingonish

Enjoy the outdoors with tranquil walks around picturesque mountains, scenic beaches, and the famed landscape of the highlands at Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You can go for a drive or a hike on one of many trails passing through the park, featuring ocean and mountain views from above. Observe the steep cliffs and river canyons winding through the forests near the Atlantic Ocean, with waterfalls and tundra-like plateaus also forming part of the scenery. You can also test your skills at an 18-hole golf course marked as the best public course in Canada. Wildlife in the area includes bears, birds, and whales, which can often be seen from the park’s coastal trails. Wear appropriate clothing, as the weather often gets cold and wet.

Experience the salty spray of the sea as you trek across Middle Head Trail, which loops around Cape Breton Highlands National Park. As you traverse 3.8 km (2.4 mi) of generally flat trail with some patches of rugged terrain, you'll take in views of the ocean from atop seaside cliffs that face the Atlantic. Be sure to bring plenty of water and watch weather conditions, which can change rapidly.

Enjoy both the ocean and the freshwater lake from Ingonish Beach, a narrow sandy strand. The beach is easily accessible from the Ingonish campground and the parking lot via a wooden boardwalk. Surfers are attracted by the large waves, while other sports enthusiasts have tennis courts and a soccer field at their disposal. Amenities include restrooms, changing cabins, a canteen, and a day park with picnic tables.

Take a scenic drive on Cabot Trail, a 298 km (185 mi) loop around the island's northern section. Named after famed explorer John Cabot, the roadway was built in the 1930s. Drive or cycle through the picturesque Cape Breton Highlands, a route offering a staggering amount of stunning viewpoints overlooking mountains, undulating green hills, the ocean, and quaint, sleepy hamlets.

Experience a slowed-down slice of Nova Scotia life at Meat Cove, a rural fishing community on the northernmost tip of Cape Breton Island. The unusual name for this village likely refers to the hunters who dressed in animal carcasses in the area's early history. Take the drive along the St. Lawrence Bay for memorable views along the remote coast (do prepare for some tough driving conditions). Park and snap a few pictures, or hike along the rugged landscape for a bit. With fishing and tourism as the main sources of income for the community, you can be sure to find excellent seafood dishes among the restaurants here. Try the fish and chips.

Enjoy the architecture and the peaceful atmosphere at Saint Peter's Church, where the hilltop location feels refreshingly removed from the city rush. The 1893 structure lets you see the whole parish through the windows; inside, observe the polished floors and the white altar with paintings of saints and biblical stories. Make sure you pass by the choir loft to view the old organ, still used during mass.