The initiative to convert a 92km stretch of abandoned CN rail line from Port Hastings to Inverness into Phase I of a multi-use section of Trans Canada Trail on Cape Breton Island commenced in July 1997 and slowly progressed as more funding became available. In July 2006, a substantial amount of funding was obtained, and work on the Trail proceeded quickly. Just over 2 years later, on October 22, 2008, an official opening took place at the Port Hastings trailhead overlooking the Strait of Canso with stakeholders, partners and the trail-using public there to join in the festivities.

The Trans Canada Trail is a national vision that has captured the imagination of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life. When completed in 2017 it will span 18,000km from coast to coast to coast, winding its way through all the provinces and territories, linking Canada ’s vast and diverse communities together. Over the last twelve years, 10,000km of trail has been completed and today, over 1.5 million volunteers across the country continue to work to complete their local piece of The Trans Canada Trail, a visionary trail that will provide a legacy for generations to come. The communities along the TCT, working individually but bound collectively to complete it, are following National Chair, Valerie Pringle’s motto, “Think Globally, Act Locally”.

Here at home, this “marquee” Trail travels along the western side of Cape Breton Island from Port Hastings to Inverness along the abandoned CN rail line. The trail allows users to experience the rail corridor that was once the life line of the communities. It offers breathtaking scenery, stretches of serene woodland, abundant opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat and such historical sites as two pioneer cemeteries and an archaeological site at Indian Point. The Trail provides access to 26 bridges over wetlands and waterways to enhance wildlife encounters.

Cape Breton Island Pathways Association is a non-profit organization incorporated under the Society’s Act of Nova Scotia, whose role is to lead in the coordination and facilitation of Island-wide trail development and opportunities. Cape Breton Island Pathways Association, in partnership with the Inverness County Trails Federation, Judique Flyer Trail Association, Ceilidh Coastal Trail Association, Trans Canada National and local communities and counties, continues to develop the Trans Canada Trail on Cape Breton Island into a marketable, world-class, multi-use trail at a cost of just under $2.9 million. To date, $2.6 million of cash and in-kind contributions have been secured and the first phase completed. Phase II, still in the planning stages, will see the TCT extend from Inverness to Grant Narrows and on to North Sydney where Marine Atlantic will act as a link to Newfoundland and the Trans Canada Trail sections there.

There are still some obstacles to overcome, particularly in regard to “gap” areas, of which 5 have been identified on Cape Breton Island. Community groups such as Whycocomagh Development Commission and Lake Ainslie Development Association are actively engaged in securing funds to attach to the Trans Canada Trail, realizing its potential for positive economic impact on their communities.

Local development of the Trans Canada Trail has moved forward because of countless community-minded volunteers, active, dynamic, creative individuals who have the desire, time, skill and patience to see this trail initiative progress. The current trend towards adventure tourism make this world-class trail development a natural fit for Cape Breton Island.

The 92km of multi-use trail from Port Hastings to Inverness offers the trail user a variety of experiences – from short day hikes along selected sections to extended trail experiences that incorporate overnight stays in local communities offering excellent accommodations, dining experiences and, everyone’s favourites, local culture, history and music.