Waterside bell tents near Baddeck
Travel along the Cabot Trail while camping near Baddeck on Cape Breton Island.
- Baddeck
Popular camping styles for Baddeck
Waterside bell tents near Baddeck guide
Overview
In the heart of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island is the quaint village of Baddeck. It marks both the beginning and end of the scenic Cabot Trail. The natural scenery is a quintessential representation of Atlantic Canada, with Acadian forest, rugged highlands, and the brackish waters of Bras d’Or Lake serving as a home for mollusks, ospreys, moose, and lynx. Camping at Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers a great opportunity to drive the iconic 298-kilometre Cabot Trail, soaking in coastal views and highland scenery. Or, enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on Bras d’Or Lake from Battery Provincial Park. Then visit Nova Scotia’s only totem pole at Whycocomagh Provincial Park. With a range of backcountry campsites and well-equipped campgrounds in the region, camping near Baddeck has something for everyone.
Where to go
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres, Cape Breton Highlands National Park protects about 20 percent of northern Cape Breton. One of 26 trails in the park, the 8.2-kilometre Skyline Trail loop leads to an eagle’s eye view of the Cabot Trail. Look for birds, moose, and bears along the way. The park boasts multiple campgrounds, from Broad Cove with over 200 campsites and hot showers to the backcountry campsites at Fishing Cove, once the site of a Scottish fishing community.
Battery Provincial Park
On the other side of Bras d’Or Lake, Battery Provincial Park is a terrific destination for campers who love water-based activities. Take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from the hilltop campground, which features wooded and open campsites with a universal family restroom. Some campsites are equipped with hookups for drinking water and 30-amp electricity. Unsupervised swimming is available on St. Peter’s Bay, or go angling for Atlantic salmon, gaspereau, brook trout with a valid sportfishing license.
Whycocomagh Provincial Park
Up on a hillside overlooking the western shore of Bras d’Or Lake is Whycocomagh Provincial Park. It’s home to Nova Scotia’s only totem pole. Gifted in 1971 by British Columbia, the totem pole was carved by Patterson McKay, a member of the Greenville Band—part of Tsimshian First Nation. Today, the totem pole lays on its side to “return to the earth” on the McQueen Trail. The on-site campground loop offers showers, fire rings, and electrical and water hookups for RVers, but be mindful of the rough roads leading in and around the park. Yurts with bunk beds are also available for a comfortable stay.
When to go
The most pleasant time of year to go camping in and around Baddeck is from late spring to early fall. Some public campgrounds are only open from May to October to coincide with warmer weather. Prepare for precipitation year-round on Cape Breton Island. Daytime temperatures approach 15–20℃ by May, heating up to the mid-20s during sunnier summer months. Enjoy stunning colourful foliage and peak apple picking in early fall.
