Middle Head Trail

Middle Head juts a kilometre and a half into the Atlantic between South and North Bay Ingonish, ending in a rocky tip where common and Arctic terns nest each summer. The trail begins behind the historic Keltic Lodge and follows a wide, mostly flat path through spruce woods with frequent ocean overlooks. It is one of the best places in the park for a sunrise walk and is popular with families. The final approach to the tip is closed during seabird nesting season in late spring.

What you'll see

• Big-sky views in both directions — Cape Smokey to the south, Franey and the highlands plateau to the west, and the open Atlantic at the tip.
• Tern colonies wheeling and screaming above the rocks at the headland.
• Sea ducks, gannets, and the occasional seal or whale offshore.
• Storm-pruned spruce, krummholz, and patches of berry bushes that flare crimson in autumn.

On the trail

• 3.8 km return, mostly flat with a short steeper drop to the tip.
• Wide, well-packed gravel surface for the first kilometre, narrowing to roots and rock toward the end.
• Two named branch viewpoints — north overlook and south overlook — are clearly signed.
• The final spur to the tip is fenced off during tern nesting (typically late May through July) — respect the closures.

What to bring

• Sturdy runners or light hikers — sneakers are fine in dry weather.
• A windbreaker; the headland is exposed even on warm days.
• Water and a snack if you plan to linger at the tip.
• Binoculars for the seabird colonies and offshore whales.

Park & access

• Trailhead parking is at the end of the Keltic Lodge driveway, past the resort buildings.
• Lot fills by 10 a.m. on summer weekends — go early or late.
• Parks Canada day pass required.
• Vault toilet at the trailhead; nothing on the trail itself.

Combine it with

• A coffee or lunch at the Keltic Lodge after your hike.
• Ingonish Beach a short drive away for a swim in either ocean or lake.
• The Freshwater Lake Look-Off across the road for an easy second outing.