Nova Scotians and visitors to the province will soon be able to experience a new world-class coastal hiking experience in northern Cape Breton.
The Jajiktek Seawall Trail through the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area will give hikers access to one of Nova Scotia’s most spectacular and remote wilderness areas in a way that ensures the ongoing protection of the area.
The trail, expected to open in about two years, will be a marquee destination for those seeking a premium wilderness hiking experience, further strengthening Cape Breton’s tourism sector.
Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced two agreements that will allow the Municipality of the County of Inverness to build and manage the trail.
“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 through one of the most beautiful places on the planet,” said Minister Halman.
“The Jajiktek Seawall Trail will give people a unique opportunity to experience one of Nova Scotia’s most spectacular and special protected areas, while ensuring conservation remains at the heart of the project. It shows that protecting our natural areas while creating opportunities for people to experience and appreciate them can go hand in hand.”
Hikers will cross about 48 kilometres offering scenic coastal vistas, mountainous terrain, rugged wilderness and pristine nature. The experience will take four days to complete, and hikers will spend the night in camping huts at three locations along the trail.
The Jajiktek Seawall Trail is expected to generate economic benefits throughout its construction, creating opportunities for local contractors, tradespeople and suppliers. After it opens, the trail is anticipated to become a significant tourism attraction that will support local accommodations, restaurants, transportation providers, guides and other businesses, while encouraging longer visitor stays, extending the tourism season and creating new economic opportunities for communities throughout northern Cape Breton and beyond.
The province has invested about $7m to help design and build the trail and camping huts.
“The Jajiktek Seawall Trail represents an extraordinary opportunity for both Inverness and Victoria counties and Cape Breton Island. This project is about much more than creating a world-class hiking destination. It is about supporting the long-term economic vitality of our rural communities, creating opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs, and showcasing the natural and cultural heritage that makes this region so special,” said Bonny MacIsaac, warden, Municipality of the County of Inverness.
“People already come to Cape Breton to get outside and explore, and this trail will give them one more reason to make the trip. The Jajiktek Seawall Trail will take hikers through some of the most beautiful coastline in the world – the kind of unforgettable journey they’ll talk about for years. We’re proud to invest in a project that will draw more tourists to northern Cape Breton, support local businesses and give both visitors and Nova Scotians a new way to experience this part of the province,” said Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.
“The Jajiktek Seawall Trail will be a bucket-list experience that will draw destination hikers to Cape Breton Island from around the world. A four-day hike through one of the most remote and beautiful stretches of the coast gives visitors a reason to stay longer, which aligns with our primary goal of extending the length of stay. We’re looking forward to its opening,” said Terry Smith, CEO, Destination Cape Breton.
The Jajiktek Seawall Trail will begin near Red River, Inverness County, and end in Meat Cove, close to the Victoria County line.
About 86% (42 kilometres) of the trail will be within the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area; the remaining six kilometres will cross lands administered by the Department of Public Works, the Nova Scotia Nature Trust and the federal Department of National Defence.
