Cape Breton’s contribution to the Trans Canada Trail is 92 kilometres of linear, multi-use trail which travels over relatively flat terrain of the abandoned Canadian National Railroad once connecting the numerous communities along the way. The trail begins in the southern end of the Island in the community of Port Hastings and travels north along the coast to the town of Port Hood, where it then veers inland to the village of Mabou, continuing up to the north-west flank of Lake Ainslie before exiting into the community of Inverness overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The 92 kilometres of trail is divided into five smaller components each managed by its respective trail organization; The Ceilidh Coastal Trail (21km), The Judique Flyer Trail (23km), Chestico Trail (13km), Mabou Rivers Trail (12km) and the Inverness Shean Trail (22km). Each section has its unique attributes offering a variety of uses and is a spectacular way to explore the western side of Cape Breton Island. Please view our photo gallery to see some of the breath taking scenery that this trail has to offer.