Government of Canada invests in Cape Breton wilderness experience

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail to connect visitors and locals with the island’s unique coastal landscape

March 21, 2025 · Port Hood, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Tourism plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada, creating jobs and strengthening communities. The Government of Canada is supporting eco-friendly, year-round tourism that creates memorable outdoor experiences while protecting the environment and growing the local economy.

New Coastal Trail Coming to Cape Breton

Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso, announced a non-repayable contribution of $3 million to the Municipality of the County of Inverness. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

This funding will help the municipality design and build the Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail, a 50-kilometre coastal trail in Cape Breton’s Northern Highlands. This project includes constructing overnight huts at three sites along the trail. Once completed, the trail will offer multi-day hikes, guided tours, and will expand possibilities for seasonal activities such as ski touring and snowshoeing. It is expected to attract visitors to stay and explore the region in all four seasons, enhance recreation opportunities for surrounding community members, and generate new tourism prospects for nearby businesses.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting sustainable tourism, strengthening communities, and protecting natural spaces for future generations.

Quotes

“As someone who was born and raised in Nova Scotia, I know that the province’s natural beauty is something special, and the Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail will give people even more ways to experience northern Cape Breton’s stunning landscapes. It’s not just about the views—it’s about creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and making our communities stronger.”
- The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Cape Breton has always been known for its beauty and warm hospitality. The Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail builds on that legacy, giving people new ways to connect with the land and with each other. Whether it is families exploring the outdoors or visitors discovering the Highlands for the first time, this trail will create lasting memories and new reasons to return to our region time and time again.”
- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton—Canso

“Cape Breton Island, traditionally known by First Nations Mi’kmaq people as Unama’kik, is emerging as one of Atlantic Canada’s most dynamic travel destinations. The Jajiktek Seawall Trail is a flagship tourism anchor project not only for Inverness County, but for all of Unama’kik. This multi-day hiking experience will not only showcase our region’s unparalleled natural beauty but also generate significant economic opportunities for our communities. Thanks to the generous $3 million investment from ACOA, in addition to the already committed provincial funding, we are one step closer to making this world-class trail a reality. Together with our partners, we are building something truly special—an experience that will inspire visitors, celebrate our rich cultural and natural heritage, and support the long-term prosperity of our region.”
— Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of the County of Inverness

Quick facts

  • The Jajiktek Seawall Hiking Trail will be located within the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area, north of the Cabot Trail.  

  • Multi-day hikers will explore Northern Cape Breton’s pristine coastal wilderness while hiking from hut to hut over four days. Hut-to-hut hiking has become increasingly popular, including with international travelers.

  • The Municipality of Inverness is working in collaboration with the volunteer-based Seawall Trail Society, the Province of Nova Scotia, and Indigenous communities. 

  • Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), which builds on the strengths of communities and provides the tools needed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Associated links

Contacts

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Lori Selig
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477
Lori.Selig@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Megan Wludyka
Chief Communications Officer
Municipality of Inverness County
902-258-7437
Megan.wludyka@invernesscounty.ca

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