Activities
Around the Hill
All activities
Carve through pristine snow with ocean views on Cape Smokey’s slopes. From gentle beginner runs to adrenaline - pumping expert trails, every turn comes with breathtaking mountain scenery and the thrill of winter at its best.
One of the world’s most stunning drives. Winding roads lead you past rugged ocean cliffs, endless forests, and views that take your breath away. Every turn is a new postcard moment - the kind that stays with you long after the journey ends.
Watch the aurora swirl and dance across a dark, star-filled sky - no city lights, no distractions. Just you, the night, and nature’s most magical show from the best seat in the house.
You can often spot them on the webcam at the top of Cape Smokey.
Glide high above Cape Smokey for sweeping ocean and mountain views. In winter, float over snow-laden trees; in fall, drift above hills ablaze with colour. Every ride ends with a view you’ll never forget.
Venture into the waters around Cape Smokey, where humpback and minke whales breach the surface, bald eagles glide overhead, and playful seals pop up to greet you. With expert guides leading the way, every trip is a front-row seat to nature’s most captivating marine and coastal wildlife.
From bald eagles soaring overhead to moose stepping through the morning mist, nature here comes right to your doorstep. At Cape Smokey, the wild isn’t far away - it’s part of everyday life.
Glide through calm waters alive with birdsong and reflections. Each paddle stroke takes you deeper into untouched wilderness, whether chasing the sunrise or drifting under a starlit sky. Here, canoeing isn’t just an activity - it’s pure peace.
Savour the flavours of Nova Scotia - fresh Atlantic lobster, wild blueberries, and maple tapped from nearby trees. From beachside boils to fireside feasts, every bite is rooted in the land, the sea, and the seasons. It’s not just a meal - it’s a memory made here.
Power through Cape Breton’s snow-covered wilderness on miles of groomed trails and rugged backcountry routes. From forested paths to wide-open highlands, every ride delivers adrenaline, fresh mountain air, and winter scenery you’ll never forget.
From winter festivals to summer concerts under the stars, Cape Breton’s calendar is always alive. Every season brings its own celebrations - where culture, community, and good times meet.
Tee off at Highlands Links, a Stanley Thompson–designed course often ranked among Canada’s best. Set within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, it winds through forest, along ocean cliffs, and across rolling highlands. After your round, explore nearby hiking trails, relax on Ingonish Beach, or take in the views from the Cape Smokey gondola.
Explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park on trails that wind through lush forests, along rugged cliffs, and to breathtaking lookouts. From the famed Skyline Trail’s sweeping ocean views to hidden waterfall paths, every hike here is a new adventure.
Ride through Cape Breton Highlands National Park on trails that range from gentle forest paths to thrilling downhill runs. With ocean views, rugged terrain, and pristine wilderness at every turn, biking in Ingonish is as breathtaking as it is exhilarating.
Ride the Atlantic swells along Ingonish’s uncrowded shores. The best waves roll in from late summer through fall, when warm waters meet consistent surf. Whether you’re chasing perfect breaks or catching your first wave, this coastline delivers.
Roar through forests, climb mountain paths, and skirt ocean cliffs on Ingonish’s scenic ATV trails. From rugged backcountry routes to hidden viewpoints, every ride is an adventure into Cape Breton’s wild side.
Feel the rush as you race across crystal-clear Atlantic waters with Cape Breton’s rugged coastline at your side. More than a thrill ride, it’s your front-row seat to the edge of the ocean.
Glide across the Atlantic, skimming past Ingonish’s dramatic cliffs and untouched coves. With steady winds and breathtaking views, it’s the perfect setting for a day at sea - from adventurous coastal cruises to peaceful anchorages in hidden bays.
Stand tall on calm lakes or weave through hidden coves along Ingonish’s rugged coast. Paddle boarding here offers a fresh perspective on Cape Breton’s wild beauty.
Under Cape Breton’s dark skies, constellations, the Milky Way, and the occasional shooting star shine bright. It’s a quiet magic found only where the night is truly still.
Step into a winter wonderland as you trek through quiet, snow-covered forests. With trails ranging from gentle loops to backcountry routes, snowshoeing in Ingonish is a peaceful way to explore the beauty of Cape Breton in winter.
Cast for salmon in clear mountain streams or reel in cod and mackerel from the open Atlantic. From riverbanks to deep-sea waters, Cape Breton offers an angler’s paradise and a true taste of the ocean’s bounty.
Glide above treetops with sweeping views of Cape Breton’s coastline, forests, and highlands. Whether you’re chasing thrills or trying it for the first time, it’s an unforgettable way to see the island from a whole new perspective.
Each spring, Nova Scotia celebrates one of its sweetest seasons - the maple harvest. While most large sugar shacks are found on the mainland, Cape Breton locals keep the tradition alive through small-batch producers and family-run operations. You’ll find pure maple syrup and hand-crafted treats at farmers’ markets and local shops, bringing the taste of spring straight to your table. It’s a delicious way to experience an authentic part of Nova Scotia’s heritage.
Wander through meadows painted with wildflowers, where lupins, asters, and buttercups bloom in a shifting tapestry of colour. From spring’s first blossoms to summer’s vibrant fields, each season brings new hues to Cape Breton’s landscapes. It’s nature’s artistry at its most delicate - fleeting, fragrant, and unforgettable.
Step back in time with a visit to Cape Breton’s historic villages and museums. Wander cobblestone streets, explore traditional homes, and hear the stories of those who shaped the island’s past. From Indigenous heritage to Gaelic traditions and seafaring tales, every tour brings history to life in a way that’s immersive, authentic, and unforgettable.
Evenings near Cape Smokey come alive with the sound of Cape Breton. From intimate pub sessions to lively community gatherings, music is woven into the culture of the island. Guests can enjoy traditional Celtic tunes, modern performances, and the warm spirit that makes Nova Scotia famous. At Cape Smokey, seasonal music nights bring people together at the base of the mountain, combining live bands with good food, local drinks, and the cozy atmosphere of the resort. It’s the perfect way to end a day of adventure.
Venture into the open waters around Cape Smokey, where humpback and minke whales rise from the deep in awe-inspiring displays. With expert guides at your side, each excursion offers an unforgettable front-row seat to the ocean’s most majestic giants.
Near Cape Smokey, guests can enjoy tennis surrounded by the natural beauty of Cape Breton. Local courts and clubs offer the chance to play a friendly match or simply practice your swing, all while breathing in the fresh ocean air. It’s the ideal way to stay active, unwind, and make the most of the coastal setting.
Stroll along endless stretches of shoreline where every season tells a different story. In summer, the sand warms beneath your feet; in autumn, crisp winds carry the scent of salt and pine. Winter brings a quiet solitude, while spring revives the coast with new life. No matter the time of year, a walk by the sea is a timeless invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with nature.
Glide across shimmering waters where silence meets adventure. Each stroke of the paddle propels you closer to hidden coves and winding inlets, whether you’re racing the morning tide or drifting at sunset’s glow. In a kayak, the wilderness feels within arm’s reach - it’s not just a journey, it’s pure freedom.
Top of Cape Smokey Hawley’s Lake
Cape Breton is world-famous for its fall foliage, drawing visitors from across the globe to witness the fiery reds, golden yellows, and vibrant oranges that blanket the highlands each autumn. The colours frame the ocean cliffs and winding trails, making Cormorant Rock the perfect place to experience this breathtaking season.
A true winter tradition in Cape Breton, ice fishing offers both adventure and calm. As the lakes freeze over, locals and visitors alike gather in cozy huts or out on the open ice to fish for trout and perch. It’s a chance to slow down, take in the snowy landscape, and experience an authentic slice of Cape Breton life.
For those who crave freedom beyond the groomed runs, Cape Smokey’s free ride slopes open up a playground of natural terrain. From untouched powder fields to rolling drops and tree-lined gullies, every descent offers a new adventure shaped by the mountain itself. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of carving fresh tracks or exploring the untamed side of the hill, the free ride slopes invite you to write your own line in the snow.
Cross-Country & Backcountry Skiing Winter in Cape Breton offers more than downhill thrills. Just beyond Cape Smokey, you’ll find a network of serene cross-country (Nordic) ski trails, winding through snow-covered forests and open landscapes with breathtaking ocean and highland views. For those seeking more adventure, the island’s backcountry terrain invites exploration on untouched slopes, where fresh powder and quiet wilderness create an unforgettable escape. Whether you prefer a gentle glide or a challenging climb, skiing here is as much about the beauty of the setting as it is about the sport itself.
Savour the flavours of Nova Scotia at its seasonal farmer’s markets — where crisp apples, handpicked berries, and homemade preserves fill the stalls. From summer’s abundance to autumn’s harvest, every visit is a feast for the senses and a celebration of community. It’s a complete experience of the land flavours and its people.