Cape Breton Island 
A new 48-kilometre hiking trail is taking shape in northern Cape Breton, promising a challenging four-day journey through coastal mountains, old-growth forests and some of Nova Scotia’s most remote wilderness.
Jajiktek Seawall Trail in Cape Breton. Credit: Province of Nova Scotia
The Jajiktek Seawall Trail, pronounced Jah-Jick-Teck, is expected to open in 2028 or 2029, with construction anticipated to begin in fall 2026.
Nova Scotia announced two agreements on October 19, allowing the Municipality of the County of Inverness to build and manage the trail.
Where Will the Jajiktek Seawall Trail Be Located?
The trail will begin in Red River, near Pleasant Bay, and follow the northwestern coastline of the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area before ending in Meat Cove.
Approximately 42 kilometres, or 86 per cent of the route, will pass through the protected wilderness area.
Hikers can expect jagged coastal mountains, cliffs, barrens, old-growth forests, brooks and marshy lowlands.
What Can Hikers Expect?
Designed as a guided, four-day wilderness experience, the trail will feature three overnight accommodation locations, each with bunks for 20 hikers.
The cabins will provide shelter and reduce the amount of camping equipment hikers need to carry. They could also make four-season operations possible.
The route will be physically demanding, with steep, difficult terrain suited to experienced, able-bodied hikers.
Jajiktek is a Mi’kmaw word describing crouching and standing while navigating a difficult route close to water.
When Will the Trail Open?
The municipality anticipates completing construction in 2028, with the trail scheduled to open in 2028 or 2029.
Nova Scotia has invested approximately $7 million toward designing and building the trail and cabins.
“We are pleased to work with the Municipality of the County of Inverness to advance the communities’ vision of creating a world-class, guided hiking experience,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman.
Can You Hike the Trail Now?
Not as a developed trail. The municipality warns that the proposed route currently has no completed trail, accommodation, signage or hiking infrastructure.
Anyone exploring the area now needs advanced wilderness navigation and survival skills. The municipality strongly recommends contacting a local guiding business.
More about Jajiktek Seawall Trail
