Ingonish is a picturesque community y (which has three parts: Ingonish, Ingonish Centre and Ingonish Beach) located in Victoria County on the northeastern coast of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Its history is rich and closely tied to the natural beauty and resources of the region. The town lies on the scenic Cabot Trail and is a major tourist centre at the eastern entrance of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
History of Ingonish
Long before European settlers arrived, the Ingonish area was inhabited by the Mi’kmaq people, who fished and hunted in the region’s abundant forests and waters.
In the 1500s and 1600s, explorers and fishermen from France and Portugal visited the rich fishing grounds of Cape Breton. Samuel de Champlain noted the local Mi’kmaq name as “Niganis,” though later the French named the town Port d’Orleans. It grew to second in importance to Louisbourg, but after Louisbourg fell in the town was abandoned.
The region saw a mix of French and British influence over the 1700s. After the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, which ceded parts of Acadia to the British, Cape Breton remained under French control until the fall of Louisbourg in 1758.Thereafter, Ingonish saw more settlers arrive from Britain and Scotland.
The economy of Ingonish has historically been tied to the fishing industry, primarity cod and lobster. Over the 1800s, the area’s abundant forests in the area supported a robust shipbuilding industry..
In the 1930s, the construction of the Cabot Trail, a scenic highway that loops around Cape Breton Island, brought increased tourism to Ingonish. The trail offers stunning views and access to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which borders Ingonish and attracts many visitors each year.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park was established in 1936, this national park promoted conservation and offers recreation including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Ingonish’s Ski Cape Smokey resort was developed in the 1970s. in 2021 the old chairlift was relaced by an 8 person gondola. The area offers a variety of year-round outdoor activities.
Ingonish Attractions
Cabot Trail Sea and Golfing Resort
171 Beach Crossing Road, Ingonish, NS B0C 1K0
902-285-2764
Websit
A resort offering a combination of golfing and seaside relaxation. The resort features comfortable accommodations, a golf course, and beautiful ocean views.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-224-2306
Website: Parks Canada
This national park offers stunning coastal views, scenic drives, and a variety of hiking trails. The park is home to diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes, including the famous Cabot Trail.
Groovy Goat Farm & Soap Company
41671 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS B0C 1K0
902-285-0929
A local farm where visitors can meet friendly goats and learn about the process of making goat milk soap. The farm shop offers a variety of handmade soaps and other products.
Groovy Goat Goat Yoga
41671 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS B0C 1K0
902-285-0929
Website
A fun and unique yoga experience where participants practice yoga in the presence of friendly goats. It’s a relaxing and entertaining way to enjoy the beautiful farm surroundings.
Highlands Links Golf Course
275 Keltic Inn Rd, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-285-2600
Website
This renowned golf course, designed by Stanley Thompson, offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience. It is known for its breathtaking views and well-maintained greens.
Hike the Highlands Festival
Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-224-2642
Website
An annual hiking festival that takes place in September, offering guided hikes, workshops, and social events. The festival showcases the best hiking trails in the Cape Breton Highlands.
Ingonish Beach Whale Watching and Boat Tours
103 Harbour Dr, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-285-1053
Offering scenic boat tours along the coast of Ingonish, these tours provide a unique perspective of the area and opportunities to see wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Ingonish Ferry
Ingonish Ferry, NS B0C 1L0
A small community (just south of Ski Cape Smokey) with charming coastal views and opportunities for kayaking and boating. It’s a peaceful spot to explore the local maritime culture.
Ingonish Marina, Harbour
36743 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS B0C 1K0
902-285-2855
Website
A full-service marina offering boat rentals, fishing charters, and whale watching tours. It’s a great place to start your maritime adventures.
Ingonish Visitor Centre
37639 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-224-2306
Website
A great starting point for exploring the area, the visitor centre provides maps, information, and exhibits about the local natural and cultural history.
Little River Harbour
Little River, NS B0C 1H0
A small harbor known for its picturesque views and tranquil atmosphere. It’s a great spot for kayaking, fishing, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
MacDonald House Museum
39550 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS B0C 1K0
902-285-2884
Website
A historical museum showcasing the local heritage and culture of the area. The museum offers exhibits on the history of Ingonish and the surrounding region.
North Ingonish Heritage Walk
North Ingonish, NS B0C 1L0
A self-guided walking tour that takes visitors through the historic areas of North Ingonish. The walk includes points of interest and informational plaques detailing the area’s history.
Ski Cape Smokey
38696 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
(902) 517-0371
website
Built in the 1970s, Cape Smokey has delighted visitors with exceptional skiing from mountain to ocean along one of Canada’s most scenic and popular destination areas. In the winter, Cape Smokey gets 600 cm of snowfall and has an elevation of 320m (##ft) has 10 km2 of skiable terrain, with 15 ski runs (the longest is 2.4km) for a range of abilities from green to blue to black and double black.
In the summer and fall, the 9 minute ride up the modern 8-person gondola takes you up to enjoy the views from the top of Cape Smokey are unique and vast: as far as the Cabot Trail, village of Ingonish, the national park, Freshwater Lake, and around Ingonish Island you can see fishing boats coming and going. You can also hike, kayak on Hawley’ Lake
St. Peter’s Church
39764 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS B0C 1K0
902-285-2764
Website
A historic church known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful setting. The church is a significant landmark in the community and worth a visit for those interested in local history.
Ingonish Natural Attractions
Black Brook Beach
Cape Breton Highlands National Park, NS B0C 1L0
902-224-2306
Website
A beautiful beach located within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It features picnic areas, hiking trails, and stunning coastal scenery.
Cape Smokey Provincial Park
38696 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Ferry, NS B0C 1L0
902-285-2535
Website
A scenic park offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Breton Highlands. The park is known for its excellent hiking trails and lookout points.
Ingonish Beach
Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-285-2535
Website
A popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, Ingonish Beach features both ocean and freshwater swimming areas. The beach is part of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Ingonish Beach Playground
Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-285-2535
Website
A family-friendly playground located near Ingonish Beach. It’s a perfect spot for children to play while parents enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Ingonish Cliffs
Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
Rugged coastal cliffs offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a popular spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Ingonish Island
Ingonish, NS B0C 1L0
A small island offshore from Ingonish, that can be accessed by boat or kayak. It’s a popular spot for birdwatching and exploring tidal pools.
Ingonish River
Ingonish, NS B0C 1L0
A serene river, hitting the coast adjacent to Ski Cape Smokey (see above) offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
North Bay Beach
Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-224-2306
Website
A serene and less crowded beach offering beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. It’s a great spot for beachcombing and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Ingonish Trails and Hikes
Cape Smokey Provincial Park Lookoff
38696 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Ferry, NS B0C 1L0 (just east of the park gates)
902-285-2535
Website
A scenic lookout point offering breathtaking views of the coastline and ocean. It’s a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Franey Mountain (loop)
Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-224-2306
Website
A popular hiking destination with challenging trails leading to stunning panoramic views of the Clyburn Valley and the Atlantic Ocean. A challenging hike that rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Clyburn Valley and Atlantic Ocean. The trail is steep in places but well worth the effort for its breathtaking vistas.
Freshwater Lake Trail
Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-224-2306
An easy, family-friendly trail that circles Freshwater Lake, offering lovely views and opportunities for birdwatching. The trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Freshwater Lake Lookoff
across the street from teh Parks Canada Information Centre
Website
At 300 metres, a short but steep hike to a picturesque vista of Ingonish Beach, Freshwater Lake, Middle Head and Cape Smokey
Mary Ann Falls
Mary Ann Falls Road, Ingonish, NS B0C 1L0
902-224-2306
Website
A picturesque waterfall accessible via a short hike or drive. The falls are surrounded by beautiful forest and are a popular spot for swimming and picnicking.
Middle Head Trail
Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-224-2306
Website
A scenic hiking trail just beyond the Keltic Lodge that offers spectacular ocean views and a chance to see local wildlife. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for most fitness levels.
Warren Lake Trail
Ingonish Beach, NS B0C 1L0
902-224-2306
Website
This gentle hiking trail circles Warren Lake, offering peaceful and scenic views. It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of nature.