Skyline Trail visitors now required to book parking during peak season

The popular Skyline Trail is seen in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. (Cape Breton Highlands National Park/Facebook)

Visitors to Cape Breton’s iconic Skyline Trail will soon be required to book a parking spot through Parks Canada’s reservation service as the site sees increased visitor demand.

Parks Canada says the new parking reservation system will be in place from June 26 to Oct. 25. Visitors to the trail during that time must book one of the four-hour parking timeslots in advance. Reservations will open on May 6 at 9 a.m. local time.

Only visitors with a confirmed reservation will be permitted to enter the parking lot between June 26 and Oct. 25.

“Once all parking reservations are booked, there is no access to the trail during that time,” says Parks Canada on its website. “Visitors are strongly encouraged to book their parking reservation online or by phone before arriving to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.”

The first entry to the parking lot is 8 a.m. and the last entry is 5 p.m.

The cost to park, including reservation fees, will be $13 when booked online and $15 when booked over the phone.

Parks Canada says the fees will support the maintenance, management, and safety of visitor facilities at the Skyline Trail and the operations of the reservation service.

Visitors can book a parking spot through the online reservation system or by calling 1-877-737-3783. People outside North America can call 1-519-826-5391.

Skyline Trail often reaches overcapacity

According to the agency, the Skyline Trail is the most visited trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and visitor numbers have increased in recent years.

It said the popular trail and its parking lot often reach overcapacity during the peak season, which leads to congestion, temporary closures and “disappointed visitors.”

“By introducing timed parking reservations, Parks Canada can better manage high visitation, maintain the integrity of the trail and surrounding ecosystems, and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone,” it says.

“A parking reservation also guarantees visitors access to the trail during their selected time, providing peace of mind and helping reduce congestion on the Cabot Trail.”

Parks Canada says the increase in foot traffic has also led to concerns about the fragile ecosystem along the trail, noting the boardwalk was built to protect sensitive vegetation from being trampled.

“Overcrowding increases off‑trail travel, and many visitors attempt to get a better view by stepping off the boardwalk which continues to degrade the fragile ecosystem,” says the agency. “These trends pose challenges for visitor safety, visitor experience, staff safety, and protection of fragile ecosystems.”

The Skyline Trail is 6.5 kilometres, or eight kilometres including the back loop. Parks Canada says most people should plan to stay for two-to-three hours to fully enjoy the hike.

Roughly 300,000 people visited Cape Breton Highlands National Park in 2025. There are more than 30 hiking trails, beaches, lookoffs, campgrounds and cultural sites within the national park.

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