Cape Breton Island Pathways Association is a non-profit organization registered under the Societies Act of Nova Scotia since 2004. Merely a concept in July 1999, a conference held in November of that year and attended by more that 100 interested individuals, confirmed the need for such an organization. A Vision Statement was developed at that time, as were the Association's objectives.

A second conference held in February, 2000, resulted in the development of a "go forward" action plan and the formation of a governing body for the fledgling non-profit association.

Following the publication of several significant studies, including the Trail for Tourism Strategy and the Tourism Road Map (2003), Pathways developed its first partnerships with federal, provincial and municipal government departments, regional agencies and education facilities, many of which are still active supporters of the Association.

A third conference was held in 2004 that resulted in the election of a Board of Directors with a commitment to hire staff to develop strategic planning and initiatives to move Pathways' vision and mission forward.

Today, located in offices in Baddeck, the geographic centre of Cape Breton Island, Cape Breton Island Pathways Association employs a full time Coordinator and a part time administrator whose work schedule varies with the work load. Pathways' offices are open to the public and we welcome any and all inquiries that will further the Association's goals of developing a world-class trail system on land and on water for Cape Breton Island and its diverse communities.