Hike the Highlands Festival https://www.hikethehighlands.com

A clear sign of spring has arrived when you start seeing all the gear guides featured in the outdoor magazines in April.  The photo credit to left is Outside Magazine Summer Gear Guide 2023. Expect the 2024 in April/May.  This an excellent time to check out all your outdoor gear to see if...Read more

Spring has arrived on Cape Breton Island and there is still some snow in the Highlands. Expect the following conditions when hiking in the spring :  wet conditions on the trail, windfalls & branches down, snow, higher brooks & streams than normal. So it is important to prepare for...Read more

I have learned over the years several lessons and tips to being prepared for spring hiking especially in the highlands of Cape Breton. They are: 1) Expect snow in May on trails, 2) expect high streams and difficult wet crossings. 3) Use hiking or trekking poles for balance and stability. 4) Wear...Read more

  Trail conditions are unpredictable in the spring so hikers must be prepared for everything.  There can be snow on the trail,  muddy and soft conditions,  over flowing streams and brooks from spring meltdown, windfalls, and much more. Hikers can be prepared by having the following...Read more

It was a cool and breezy day when I got of the car and headed to the trailhead of Middle Head, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish Beach.  It wasn’t long on the trail when I switched apparell – put on a toque and winter gloves.  It felt like winter hiking today rather than...Read more

Like most hikers at this time of the year, it is hard to say no when the warm weather hits and its a beautiful day out there.  Off we went to the Red Island trail, Indian Brook, on Cabot Trail.  There was alot of discussion – will there be snow on the trail, can we […]Read more

Spring hiking means wet conditions, streams and brooks to cross, and using your trekking poles and wearing your gaiters. But don’t forget about snow...Franey is one of your classic hikes in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park – incredible views on top and a nice aerobic workout. It...Read more

Getting an early start to hiking season is what most hikers want but it forces us to hike in wet spring like conditions and in snow sometimes. Here are some tips to start the season off early: 1)  Crossing streams – With melting snow and milder conditions, streams are higher this time of the...Read more