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Sea
Kayaking Cape Breton Highlands
Cape Breton Highlands and Cape North
©
Outdoor Adventure Canada
 Cape
Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia is well known for
its scenic and rugged coastline. Most people hike this region
but sea kayaking offers an entirely different perspective. Seeing
the cliffs from above, however beautiful cannot replace the experience
of paddling in hidden coves, under rock arches and the grandeur
of viewing the cliffs from the water level. If you are not an
experienced with sea kayaking it is highly recommended that you
take a guide.
Before you
start your adventure you must be sure to register your trip with
the National Park staff at the visitor information center in Cheticamp.
A short shuttle can usually be arranged with a local outfitter
to the put in which is about 5 minutes North of Cheticamp at Le
Bloque. You will begin your journey by paddling to Fishing Cove.
This is an ideal place to camp and you will find sea caves to
explore. 8 miles
The second
part of your journey takes you to the northwestern tip of Caper
Breton and an area known as Polletts Cove. Polletts Cove is where
the gorge of the Blair River emerges. This Cove is more beautiful
that Fishing Cove. You might want to stop at Pleasant Bay on your
way as it is an ideal place to have lunch before you carry on
to Polletts Cove. 14 miles
 After
camping at Polletts Cove for the night you will continue on to
the most northerly community in the province, Meat Cove. You will
kayak under granite arches and see many pinnacles. The geology
of this area is stunning. Sea life is abundant and you can expect
to see Pilot whales and seals. You will also see a great deal
of bird life including eagles. You will travel through one more
archway before you reach Meat Cove. If the weather is good you
will see a stunning Atlantic sunset from the hilltop campground.
The next few
days of your journey take you around Cape North. Along the way
you should stop at Jumping Brook Falls and the site of Canada's
very first lighthouse at Money Point. A small hike takes you to
the lighthouse grounds. Weather can sometimes get rough so be
prepared. You will then visit Cabot Landing named after the explorer
who landed here in the late 1400's.
At the end
of your journey you will need to shuttle back to Cheticamp (if
you are using a guide they will take care of this).
Be sure to
take a camera on this trip as you'll want a record of the unique
geology and natural wonders that you will see.
Here are some
links of popular services in the area…
http://www.northriverkayak.com
http://www.getoutside.com
http://www.coastalspiritexp.com
For more articles
please view the archives.
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