Active on the island: 4 weather warnings · 3 road closures (7 total)See details →
Gull Cove Trail — attraction in Gabarus, Cape Breton

Gull Cove Trail

Hike the 10.5km Gull Cove Trail near Gabarus to dramatic coastal views, abandoned settlements, and panoramic ocean vistas of Green Island and Louisbourg.

attraction· Gabarus, NS · ★ 4.80 (27 reviews)

Length – 10.5km Hiking Time – 2-3 hours Difficulty – 3.5 Cell Service – No Trailhead GPS Reference: N 45°49’40.6" W 60°08’13.8" This 10.5 km out-and-back trail was once a cart path leaving from the village of Gabarus heading to the original settlement of Gull Cove. The Gull Cove Trail is relatively flat for the first few kilometers, then hugs the coast, winding through windswept woods, cobbled beaches and coastal barrens. It continues on past the abandoned settlement (keep an eye out for the abandoned foundations), rising to a spectacular drumlin bluff at Cape Gabarus. From Cape Gabarus is a panoramic ocean view that includes Green Island, Guyan Island and the Fortress of Louisbourg National Park. The trail is maintained to the top of the bluff but it is possible to continue on from there around the head of Gabarus, creating a small loop which will add some extra distance to your hike (12.3 km). If you go around clock-wise, Bear Cove is a great place for a lunch. This loop can be a little hard to follow at times but is easily passible as of May 2018. From Bear Cove, you can continue on to Winging Point if you really want a challenge or take the trail back towards Cape Gabarus. Possible wildlife: shorebirds, seals, fox, coyote, rabbits Information for this trail was sourced from www.hikecapebreton.ca.

Have you been here?

Share a star rating, a quick note, and a photo or two to help future travellers.

Sign in to write a review

Visitor photos

Sign in to add a photo

Loading photos…

You might also like

Around Cape Breton

More news →
PNI Atlantic News · Aug 14, 2026
Feds to invest more than $1.2M to help five Cape Breton tourism operators and pair of non-profits

Federal funding of more than $1.2 million will support five Cape Breton tourism operators and two non-profits in the region.

CBC · Aug 7, 2026
Books & Backroads: Postcard from Louisbourg

Discover a literary journey through historic Louisbourg in this postcard-style feature.

CBC · Aug 14, 2026
Halifax tourism season on track to break last year's record

Halifax tourism is poised to exceed visitor numbers from the previous year.