Ingonish

Travel Guide

Ingonish showing a house and a sandy beach
Ingonish
Ingonish showing a sandy beach
Ingonish showing rocky coastline
Ingonish showing a house

Famous for its beaches, lakes and hiking trails, this community on the northeast coast of Cape Breton Island is also a gateway to a national park.

Gorgeous scenery, hiking trails, year-round sporting activities and wildlife spotting lure visitors to Ingonish. This collection of five communities is spread around a picturesque bay on the northeastern coast of Cape Breton Island.

With its coastal location and lakes and rivers, visitors can enjoy both sea and freshwater swimming. Spend long, lazy summer days on Ingonish Beach, which gets washed away by the Atlantic in the winter and is reformed during the spring. Swim in the crystal-clear water of Freshwater Lake and fish for salmon and trout in lakes, rivers and the sea. A good fishing spot is Dunphys Cove at Ingonish Harbour. Join a boat trip and go in search of dolphins, seals and whales. June to October is the best time for whale watching.

Ingonish is also a popular destination for golfers. Play 18 holes at Highlands Links, designed by the famed Canadian golf course architect Stanley Thompson. 

Rent a car or bike and explore the Cabot Trail, a renowned scenic highway that circles the northern peninsula of Cape Breton Island for approximately 186 miles (300 kilometers). Stop at viewpoints and admire the sweeping coastlines, dramatic cliffs and forested mountains of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Visit the park to hike along its trails and to look for wildlife such as moose, deer and numerous bird species.

Find more hiking and wildlife spotting opportunities at Cape Smokey Mountain, which is also along the trail. When the winter snow arrives, try skiing and snowboarding at Ski Cape Smokey. 

During your drive along the trail, stop by some of its communities to sample fresh crab and lobster at their pubs and restaurants. Visit handicraft stores for leather goods and glassware made by local artisans. Stay overnight at one of the many campgrounds, cottages, guesthouses and resorts situated along the Cabot Trail. 

Ingonish is a 2-hour drive from Sydney and about a 5-hour drive from Halifax. Get here via rented car and combine your visit with tours of other parts of Cape Breton Island, such as Baddeck and Louisbourg. Whether in the sun-drenched summers or snowy winters, Ingonish is a destination for year-round adventure.

Glenghorm Beach Resort

Glenghorm Beach Resort

2.5 out of 5
36743 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
The price is P7,432 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,432
P8,726 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ingonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Franey Mountain and Groovy Goat Farm are ...
7.4/10 Good! (292 reviews)
"Proximity to the ocean with wonderful wave sounds lulling you to sleep."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Glenghorm Beach Resort
Sea Breeze Cottages And Motel

Sea Breeze Cottages And Motel

2.5 out of 5
36104 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
Stay at this hotel in Ingonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Groovy Goat Farm and Middle Head Trailhead are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (106 reviews)
"Comfortable beds, excellent internet access. Close to beaches."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Sea Breeze Cottages And Motel
Ingonish Chalets

Ingonish Chalets

3 out of 5
36784 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
Fully refundable
The price is P12,257 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P12,257
P14,392 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ingonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Franey Mountain and Groovy Goat Farm are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (437 reviews)
"Comfy place, nice beds, clean and lots of space, easy access to the beach and lots of dining options around"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Ingonish Chalets
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ingonish Chalets

Ingonish Chalets

3 out of 5
36784 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ingonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Franey Mountain and Groovy Goat Farm are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (437 reviews)
"Comfy place, nice beds, clean and lots of space, easy access to the beach and lots of dining options around"

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Ingonish Chalets
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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