Summers are great in beautiful Nova Scotia, but to experience the fall and witness the transformation of nature here in Cape Breton Island is simply magical. To see the brilliant reds, oranges, and golden yellows across the highlands is an experience that captures every traveler's heart. While summer is the popular season here for beaches and events, autumn in Cape Breton is nothing short of magical.

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Best Things to do in Cape Breton Island this Fall:

Fall is our favorite season and we are grateful to spend this beautiful season in Cape Breton Island. Here are the best things to do in Cape Breton Island this Fall:

1. Drive the Cabot Trail

This is at the top of everyone's list during fall - for a good reason. Imagine colorful mountains, roads lined with colorful trees and viewpoints overlooking the water. If you can only do one thing in Cape Breton - it would be to drive around the Cabot Trail. This is also perfect for families with small kids, people with decreased mobility or if you are simply looking for a scenic drive.

Make sure you download the Audio Tour while you drive around and take in the views.

2. Take a Nature Hike in the Highlands National Park

If you love hiking and spending time with nature, the Highlands National Park will never disappoint. Imagine rugged coastlines and scenic hiking trails with the autumn colors. Make sure to purchase the Parks Pass or Discovery Pass either from Chéticamp or Ingonish prior to entering the National Park.

There are 26 marked hiking trails in the National Park and here are our top fall recommendations:

• Skyline Trail. This iconic and highly-visited trail offers a boardwalk that leads to a cliff's edge, providing panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the vibrant autumn foliage.

• Franey Trail. A challenging 10.5 km but rewarding loop that climbs steeply to a lookout with sweeping views of the Clyburn Valley and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Aspy Trail. A moderate 9.6 km trail that passes through rugged sections and stream crossings following the Aspy fault. Don't miss the Beulach Ban Falls by the entrance of the trailhead.

• Middle Head Trail. A 5.1 km, moderate loop, follows a narrow peninsula, offering coastal views and vibrant foliage.

**Bonus Trail: Blueberry Mountain Trail. Not a marked hiking trail, but a local recommendation - check out our full guide on finding the Blueberry Mountain Trail. It is a bit hard to find, the hike is moderate-difficult, but the view is totally worth it.

3. Find Scenic Spots Around the Island

The entire island shows off it's beauty during the fall season and if you are looking for trails or viewpoints outside of Highlands National Park, these are the ones we highly recommend:

• Gypsum Mine. Near the Acadian Village of Cheticamp, this old quarry creates a scenic landscape with the vibrant color of the lake and contrast of the autumn colors of the surrounding forest. If you are feeling adventurous, you can climb up a lookout point overlooking the water with ropes.

• Uisge Bàn Falls. Located near the town of Baddeck, Uisge Bàn Falls (pronounced "Ish-ka Ban") is an easy, family-friendly trail along a gorge beside Falls Brook that leads to a 16-meter waterfall surrounded by colorful hardwood forests.

• Whycocomagh Provincial Park. The park's main hiking route is the Salt Mountain Trail with several lookout points for spectacular views of the Skye River Valley and the Bras d'Or Lakes. The hike can be challenging, so make sure you wear the proper gears.

• Egypt Falls. A highly-recommended trail by locals is Egypt Falls. The trail is short but very steep, with ropes in place to help you descend. The reward is a beautiful, wide waterfall that is often surrounded by a stunning autumn backdrop.

4. Experience Celtic Colors

Celtic Colors is an international festival highlighting the islands musical events, lively dancing, and the gathering of the community with the beautiful autumn colors. You definitely have to experience this and attend to at least one event. You can find the full schedule in their website.

5. Go Square Dancing

One thing locals always recommend for us to do is to go square dancing. Fueled by lively fiddle music, square dancing is a high-energy community tradition that brings people together for a night of rhythm and connection.

The great spots to catch square dancing are Brook Village, West Mabou and Glencoe Mills.

6. Ride the Gondola at Cape Smokey

The Gondola at Cape Smokey provides a breathtaking view with the deep blue color of the water on one side and vibrant fall foliage on the other. From June to October, one ticket gives you unlimited rides. We highly recommend booking your ticket online for a cheaper price at Cape Smokey's website

7. Go Biking Around Celtic Shores Coastal Trail

This 92-km trail runs through farmlands, fishing harbours and forest from Port Hastings to Inverness. There are 5 main trailheads with information kiosks to help you plan your time. You can find a map and more information here.

If you did not bring a bike, you can still rent a bike from Eagle Eye Outfitters (Inverness), Inverness Adventures E-bikes (Inverness), Mike's E-bikes (Mabou) and Oceanview Cycling (Creignish).

8. Explore Meat Cove

Meat Cove is a remote rugged location at the northern side of Cape Breton Island. The Meat Cove Overlook trail offers a 360-degree view of the mountains, beach and the cliffs. To make the most out of it, you can stay in the Meat Cove Campground.

9. Explore the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

The Fortress of Louisbourg is a non-profit organization partnering with Parks Canada. The costumed animators offer visitors a glimpse of life in an 18th century fortified town in North America.

During fall, the Fortress of Louisbourg hosts special events such as Sinister Soiree. To learn more and find more events, you can check out their website.

10. Try Atlantic Cuisine

Atlantic cuisine on Cape Breton Island is a blend of fresh, local ingredients from both the sea and the land, with a strong influence from Scottish and Acadian traditions. Try a seafood chowder, pan-fried Haddock, mussels, lobsters or scallops.

Some highly recommended restaurants include:

• The Rusty Anchor Restaurant (Pleasant Bay). A well-regarded seafood spot with a fantastic ocean view. It's a great choice for classic Nova Scotian dishes like lobster rolls and fresh oysters.

• The Coastal Restaurant & Pub (Ingonish). Known for its friendly service and great pub food, including the famous "Ringer Burger" that was featured on the Food Network.

• Baddeck Lobster Suppers: A must-do for a classic Nova Scotian lobster dinner experience. They are known for their traditional all-you-can-eat offerings.

• The Crab Shack (Inverness). This locally-owned seaside shack is a great place to enjoy a delicious lobster roll or a hearty bowl of seafood chowder.

• The Red Shoe Pub (Mabou): Owned by the famous Rankin Family, this pub is a cultural hub known for its live music and traditional Nova Scotian comfort food, including a treasured seafood chowder. It typically operates until mid-October.

• Glenora Inn & Distillery (Mabou): Located in the picturesque Mabou Highlands, the dining at Glenora is highly-rated and a great place to experience local cuisine.

11. Sit and Relax in a Beautiful Café

Visiting a café in the fall is a special experience that's about more than just a cup of coffee. It's an opportunity to embrace the cozy, comforting, and reflective mood of the season.

Some highly recommended restaurants include:

• L'abri Café, Restaurant et Bar (Chéticamp). This charming spot in the Acadian village of Chéticamp offers French and Acadian-inspired cuisine with a cozy atmosphere. It's a favorite for both locals and visitors.

• Salty Rose's & the Periwinkle Café (Ingonish). A cute café and shop that offers coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and light fare. It's a great place to stop for a warm drink and a bite before or after a hike.

• The Dancing Goat Café & Bakery (Margaree Valley). Perfect for a casual lunch, coffee, or a baked treat. This café is a popular stop with a reputation for delicious sandwiches, soups, and amazing baked goods.

• The Corner Store by Miss Brenna (Inverness). This place is more than a typical corner store. It is a modern shop offering freshly-made treats, Cape-Breton themed apparels and several handcrafted items from local artisans.

Final Thoughts

Cape Breton Island is truly a jewel of Nova Scotia transforming into a magical wonderland each autumn with its coastal views, vibrant color of the mountains and lively fiddle music offering every traveler a chance to connect with nature and immerse in a rich culture. We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your trip.

If you are looking for a more things to do in Cape Breton Island, here is our full guide.

Looking for more Canadian destinations, check out our guides for Gros Morne National Park, Banff and Jasper National Park, and things to do in Niagara for free.

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