Finding the hidden trailhead to Blueberry Mountain hike in Cape Breton Highlands Park, Nova Scotia, can be surprisingly tricky. It is not an official hiking trail maintained by Parks Canada, and therefore there are no signage to help you find the trailhead. Luckily, climbing to the top of Blueberry Mountain is very accessible if you know where to go. Keep reading so you don't miss out on one of the very best views in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
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Where is Blueberry Mountain Trail, Cape Breton?
The trailhead to Blueberry Mountain in Cape Breton Park, NS is difficult to find yourself, but is quite easy if you know what to look for. Even if you stop at the Visitor Center and ask Parks Canada staff for directions, they will not tell you how to find the trail, and will recommend the official hikes instead. You are still allowed to hike Blueberry Mountain trail, and is an excellent alternative to the beautiful Skyline Trail, which often hits capacity early in the morning.
To find Blueberry Mountain Trailhead, you will head 11 kilometers, or roughly 11 minutes north from ChΓ©ticamp Visitor Center, which is where you will buy your Parks Pass (see image below). We highly recommend you consider purchasing the Discovery Pass if you plan to stay here for an extended period of time or if you plan to visit other must-visits such as the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and the Fortress of Louisbourg.
On your way here and around the famous Cabot Trail, download the Audio Tour while you drive around and take in the views.
After passing Corney Brook Campground, you will soon see a sign for "Cap Rouge" on your left (given that you are driving from Cheticamp). There is a lookout here with parking spots - park here. Neither Cap Rouge or Blueberry Mountain Trail is marked on Google Maps, however it is found exactly where this blue hiking marker is:
After taking in the views, simply walk across the highway and you will find the trailhead. It is still somewhat hidden, however there is a small clearing leading into a break in between the trees (image on the right).
From here, the trail does not have any official signage however it is an in-and-out trail with a single possible route. Blueberry Mountain trail is easy to follow and you are unlikely to get lost.
Is Blueberry Mountain Trail worth it?
Blueberry Mountain Trail provides some of the best views in all of Cape Breton - or even Nova Scotia. The nearby Skyline Trail is likely the most popular trail in the Highlands Park, however it is more of a leisurely stroll than a hike. It also is very crowded, and often exceeds capacity during summer seasons, meaning you can be denied entry.
If you are looking for a more adventurous hike, which provides views that may even exceed the Skyline Trail, while having a mountain top all to yourself - Blueberry Mountain Trail is absolutely worth the challenge.
The hike is rated hard, and is 6.8km round-trip, taking 2.5 - 3 hours to complete. The challenge comes from a steady uphill climb - 450 meters is the full elevation gain. Wear proper hiking shoes, as the path is full of roots and rocks. There are also a number of shallow stream crossings, where you will be able to hop across the rocks to avoid getting your feet wet.
The overgrowth was also a challenge. The trail is not maintained, so you will be occasionally dodging tree branches and long grass as you climb. In the second half of the trail, visibility starts to improve and you will find yourself walking across the mountain ridge. The views are incredible and cannot be missed.
Things to Prepare
If you have reached this point, you probably have a mental list of the things you needed for this hike. If not, here are the essential things to have for this hike:
- Parks Pass or Discovery Pass. You can purchase it from the Visitor Center prior to entering the Park, either from Cheticamp or Ingonish. And the location to park your car is here.
- Water-proof shoes. You are likely to pass a couple of streams/rivers even on a good summer day.
- Long sleeves and pants. It is highly recommended to fully cover yourself to avoid toxins from some plants getting in contact with your skin. Like previously mentioned, this is not a maintained trail so the overgrowth will likely brush to you.
- Camera and Smartphones. This one is a given. You would not want to miss the best views from the Blueberry Mountain Trail. Note that it can be cold and windy at the top so bringing your gimbal or setting up your monopod would be tricky.
Final Thoughts
Finding Blueberry Mountain hiking trail in Nova Scotia can be surprisingly tricky without a guide. We hope this guide made it easier to find, so you can enjoy some of the best views in all of Cape Breton Highlands Park!
Curious on what drone we have? We currently have the DJI Mini 4 Pro and we couldn't recommend it enough especially for beginners as it has good stabilization and obstacle avoidance (because you don't want to crash into a tree on day 1!)
Traveling Canada? Check out our guides on Banff and Gros Morne Parks!
Safe travels!
