When you drive 2,500 miles to Cape Breton to hike, only to have the trails closed halfway during the trip, you learn to love beach walking. During our Cape Breton Highlands Hiking trip in 2023, that’s exactly what we did. Even before the forest trails were closed we sought beaches along both sides of the island. Beach walks are the perfect way to stretch your legs on rest days and they’re a great alternative for days when the weather is too nasty for hiking.
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Tips for beach walking in Cape Breton
- Sand dunes (especially near cedar trees) equal bugs – bring bug repellant
- Bring good walking/water shoes – at least half of the beaches are very rocky and you could easily twist an ankle in flip flops
- Go during off-season if you want quiet beaches with fewer people, just know that eateries and toilet facilities may not be open during that time
- Bring toilet paper if you’re traveling off-season
So here’s our list of the best beaches for walking in Cape Breton, all of which we’ve personally walked ourselves or vetted with proper research and with local experts. Links will take you to Google Maps and you’ll see “toilet on site” if we’ve confirmed that detail.
Beach walks on Cape Breton’s west coast
The western beaches of Cape Breton have the warmest water, making them popular in the summer. Start early and make a day trip of walking each of these beaches, all of which are connected by a scenic drive along Shore Drive (219) and Cabot Trail.
West Mabou Beach
West Mabou Beach Provincial Park has over a mile of remote beach surrounded by dunes and a cedar forest with short walking trails. Good choice for solitude and sea glass hunting. Toilet on site.
Margaree Harbour Beach
One of our favorite beaches on this list, Margaree Harbour Beach is tucked away behind a large sand dune with cattle roaming the fields behind you and the beautiful ocean and glimpses of the harbour in front. This is a quiet little beach with few tourists to be seen (at least when we went) and it has a photo-worthy lighthouse.
Inverness Beach
Inverness Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sea glass hunting. You can walk to it from town along the boardwalk that runs through the golf course (just watch out for flying golf balls). We love that it’s an accessible beach with special floating wheelchairs that can be rented in advance. It’s even possible to hike from Inverness to Mabou via the Cape Mabou Trails. Toilet on site (only during peak season).
Chimney Corner Beach
Chimney Corner is small so you’ll have to do quite a bit of beachcombing to get your steps in but we include it because it’s just so lovely. It’s also a safe place for swimming as it’s protected by sandbank barriers. Chimney Corner is tucked away on Shore Rd (219) just south of Margaree Harbour, far removed from the Cabot Trail.
Whale Cove Beach
Also a tiny beach but equally beautiful, Whale Cove is nestled on Shore Rd between Margaree Harbour and Chimney Corner.
Beach walks on Cape Breton’s north coast
The beaches and coastal communities along Cape Breton’s north shore are the most remote places you will find here. The terrible roads and few amenities aren’t enough to scare away those who know how beautiful this area is, especially the water. If you have enough time and good tires, include at least one of these beaches in your itinerary.
Dingwall Beach
Also called North Harbour Beach, this one requires a bit of off-road adventure. You’ll feel like you’re driving on a private dirt road (Quarry Rd), past old boats and a wharf until the road ends at the water. This is a beautiful beach but it’s not a great choice on super windy days. It was windy the day we visited and we had to cover our faces because of the dust blowing from the quarry.
South Harbor Beach
The north section of Cape Breton may be the most rugged but the water up here is crystal clear and the beaches are unlike anywhere else on the island. If you have time to explore this area then this is a good beach with at least 1.5 miles (2.4 km) worth of walking. Good leg stretch before or after hiking Sugar Loaf Trail which is less than a mile away.
Cabots Beach
It’s a trek to get to this northern beach in Cabots Landing Provincial Park but this one is considered a hidden gem by those “in the know.” The clear water and views from the beach will have you thinking you’re in Hawaii instead of Cape Breton and there are miles of gorgeous sandbank to walk. Toilet on site.
Beach walks on Cape Breton’s northeast coast
The beaches near Ingonish may not be as warm but they have some of the prettiest water and the best options for walking.
Ingonish Beach
Ingonish has the best beach for walking in Cape Breton. The beach itself has beautiful water and offers fantastic views of Middle Head Peninsula but what makes this such an excellent choice is that Freshwater Lake Trail is accessible from this beach. Toilet and playground on site.
North Bay Beach
Also in Ingonish, North Bay Beach is the best choice for those who want miles and miles of beach walking plus plenty of space to sunbathe. Arrive early if you want solitude, this beach is very popular and has vacation homes directly on the beach. Toilet on site.
Black Brook Cove Beach
At high tide this beach walk is all rock scrambling (no sand) but it’s a beautiful beach to explore with a waterfall. It’s a great picnic spot after hiking Jack Pine Trail which is just a short parking lot away. Toilet, changing rooms, playground and fire pits on site.
Green Cove and Lakies Head
More scenic viewpoints than beach, Green Cove and Lakies Head are short boardwalks out to some interesting rock formations that you can walk on. They are good quick stops between Neils Harbour and Ingonish.
Beach walks on Cape Breton’s south coast
Point Michaud Beach
Point Michaud Beach has beautiful sandy dunes and cranberry bogs, plus at least 2 miles (3.2 km) of sand or grassy trail to walk. It’s a popular place for surfing, paddling and birding. Toilet on site.
Pondville Beach
Pondville Beach Provincial Park in Arichat offers 1.5 miles (1 km) of beach walking with dunes, a large lagoon and marsh. Toilet on site.
Beach walks near Bras d’Or Lake and Sydney
Warren Lake Beach
Warren is the largest lake in Cape Breton and it has a walking trail along the water that’s surrounded by the Cape Breton Highlands. It’s a beautiful lakeside beach within the national park, with Mobi-Chairs and mats to ensure an accessible beach experience for all. Toilet on site.
Big Pond Beach
This is a small beach on Bras d’Or Lake that doesn’t have much space for walking but we mention it because it’s close to Ben Eoin Provincial Park which has an excellent hiking trail. Stretch your legs here before or after hiking.
Dalem Lake Beach
Dalem Lake Provincial Park has a 1.5 mile (2.2 km) walking trail around the lake near Boulardarie. The white sand beach and calm water makes this a great place for young children. Stop at nearby Cedar House Bakery for a hearty lunch or baked goods. Toilet and changing room on site.
Kennington Cove Beach
Located near the popular Fortress of Louisbourg, Kennington Cove is actually two beaches divided by a grove of trees. It’s a nice quiet walk with trees and wildflowers.
Want some more challenging walks, read our Hiking Guide for Cape Breton Highlands.
