Beaches and Parks

Victoria County is fortunate to have a number of parks for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors including the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Beaches
MacCormack Park, Iona  Kidston Beach, Baddeck Cabot Landing Beach Dalem Lake Beach Ingonish Beach, North Bay Beach,

National Parks

Cape Breton Highlands National Park
protects 950m2 (366 sq. mi) of magnificent highlands and coastal wilderness in northern Cape Breton. The world famous Cabot Trail , one of North America's premier touring circuits, weaves through the park. 26 hiking trails, look-offs, campgrounds, beaches and more for you to enjoy. Interpretative programs at outdoor theatres.
Highlands Links Golf Course, rated number #1 golf  course in Canada by Score magazine.

Provincial Parks

MacCormack Park - Iona
Off Rte 223, o.3km north of |Iona. A small picnic park overlooking Bras d'Or Lake, with tables scattered through a softwood forest. Beach access, view of picturesque Plaster Cove. Open May 17- October 14.

Uisge Ban Falls Park - Baddeck Forks
Hwy 105, exit 9, 15 km; 1.5 km trail leads to a spectacular 15 m waterfall in a granite gorge. 2 km trail following the North Branch River. Beautiful hardwood strands along the cliffs. Parking, picnic tables with some shelters. Open May 17- October 14

St. Ann's
On the Cabot Trail, 1.5 km north of St. Ann's.  A small picturesque picnic park on the shore of North Gut. Tables under softwood trees, accessible via a short trail beside the highway. Open May 17- October 14

Dalem Lake Park - Boularderie
3 km east of Boularderie East. 4 km north of Hwy 105. Park on a small lake. Hardwood-shaded tables. White sand beach; boat launch for non-motorized boats. Hiking trail 1.5 km. Open May 17 - October 14.

Plaster Park - North Shore
Located along the Cabot Trail, a picnic park with rolling topography and several ponds in sinkholes. Scattered tables, some with shelters, in open areas along the forest edge. A short trail leads from the high bank to St. Ann's Bay.

North River Park - North River Bridge
3.5 km. off the Cabot Trail A small picnic park located along the river well known for trout and salmon fishing. Open May 17 - October 14.

Cape Smokey Park - Cape Smokey
Top of Smokey Mtn. on the Cabot Trail. Picnic Tables, look-off views. A hiking trail along the coast , 5 km each way, offers even more spectacular views. Allow 4 hrs. for the hike. Open May 17- October 14.

Cabot Landing Park - Aspy Bay,
10 km north of the Cabot Trail. Interesting picnic and beach park overlooking Aspy Bay. Picnic table sin open fields. National Historic site: Interpretative Cairn. Hike and beach comb along the sandy beach. Open May 17 - October 14.