Active on the island: 5 road closures (5 total)See details →
Highlands Hostel- The Temple of High Adventure & Culture — accommodation in Cabot Trail, Cape Breton

Highlands Hostel- The Temple of High Adventure & Culture

Experience adventure at Highlands Hostel in Cape North, your base camp for 32 hikes, 12 beaches, and winter activities on the Cabot Trail.

accommodation

The Famous Highlands Hostel is a Cabot Trail must!! This four season outdoor adventure base camp is strategically nestled between the mighty Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the soft sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. You can enjoy any of the 32 hikes, 12 beaches and refreshing rivers all within an hour of the hostel, with the best being right out the back door. Located in the village of Cape North, ‘The Winter capital of Nova Scotia’ at the very top of the Cabot Trail, Highlands Hostel is action central in Cape Breton’s wildest corners!! Bring what you need to explore the Cape Breton Highlands, we’ll provide the cozy basecamp. Large groups of 25 are welcome, family friendly! Our lower level bunk room is fully accessible and the main level of our hostel is partially accessible. Our young family runs the hostel and also lives in this 100 year old converted church, ensuring you feel at home and sharing unique local knowledge with you during your stay. Stay two days; you’ll wish you did! #1 Winter Destination!!! Large groups welcome!! Ski Cape Smokey, snowshoe at North Highlands Nordic – jam sessions – sandy beaches – lets get firewood!

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 →
CBC · Jun 17, 2026
Mi'kmaw conservation organizations working to restock Bras d'Or Lake with eels

Mi'kmaw conservation groups are undertaking efforts to restore eel populations in Bras d'Or Lake.

Yahoo News Canada · Jun 13, 2026
Voters urged to get engaged in newly created Acadian riding in northern Cape Breton

A newly created Acadian riding in northern Cape Breton is calling on voters to get engaged in the political process.

CBC · Jun 4, 2026
Truro's loss is CBRM's gain: pro rodeo coming to Sydney this fall

Professional rodeo is coming to Sydney this fall after the event relocates from Truro.