Skyline

Parking reservations are required to access the Skyline Trail from June 26 to October 25, 2026, during the park’s busiest season.

Visitation is highest on weekends and holidays, and advance planning is strongly recommended. From November to May, parking reservations are not required. This quieter period still offers a rewarding Skyline Trail experience, though visitors should note that services are limited. Visitor services are available from mid-May through October 25, 2026.

Directions:
19625 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS, B0E 1H0

You can learn more about specific fees on the parks Fees Page.
Admission fee (free with the Canada Strong Pass from June 19 to September 7, 2026) + (parking fee) + (reservation fee)

Need more information?
Plan your visit

When booking your parking reservation, you’ll choose from a four-hour window that best fits your schedule. This gives you plenty of time to arrive, prepare, and begin your hike. Visitors may check-in within the first hour into their reserved timeslot but should arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before their reservation.

Time slot arrivals help space out visitation throughout the day, creating a more relaxed experience. Parking reservations can be made up until 30 minutes past the start of a time slot.

What are the timeslots?

Regular Parking:

• 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
• 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
• 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Additional Details:

• You must depart no later than the end of each timeslot.
• There are no “In and Out” privileges during the timeslot selected.
• Only one reservable timeslot per vehicle per day is permitted. Back-to-back reservations are not permitted.

To hike the Skyline Trail, it takes 2-3 hours to complete, giving you enough time to enjoy the surroundings and have a memorable experience before returning to your car.

There are two ways to experience the Skyline Trail:

• Out and back

Approximately 6.5 km/4 mi return, this option takes about 2 hours to complete. Stay left at the fork to follow the main trail to the boardwalk lookout, then return the same way to the parking area.

• Loop hike

Approximately 8.2 km/ 5.1 mi, this option takes about 2.5-3 hours to complete. Turn right at the fork to follow the marked forested loop, which reconnects with the main trail and stairs to the Skyline headland boardwalk and then returns to the parking area.

The loop can also be hiked in the opposite direction. If choosing this option, plan accordingly, as the return to the parking area will be longer.

There are approximately 100 parking spots available, including a mix of standard, oversized, and accessible parking spaces.

Standard parking spaces:

• Vehicles under 6m/20’ (including full sized pick-up trucks, minivans, etc.) with up to 7 people require a regular parking spot.

Oversized parking spaces:

• Motorhomes/recreational vehicles and mini-buses over 6m/20’ with 12 people or fewer must select an oversized parking spot when making a reservation. Oversized spots are very limited. Please make reservations well in advance.

Accessible parking spaces:

• To occupy accessible spaces, you must possess and display a valid government-issued accessibility permit upon arrival, or you will be denied entry.

Notice :
Commercial parking spaces will be permitted, pending availability and guests must contact the park directly to make arrangements. To inquire about commercial parking spaces please contact the park by phone Phone:1-902-224-2306 or e-mail cbinfo@pc.gc.ca

No same day parking will be available for vehicles over 9.75m/32’

There are four designated parking spaces per time slot for accessible parking available.

Accessible parking is designated for visitors with disabilities or mobility challenges. To occupy accessible spaces, you must possess and display a valid government-issued accessibility permit upon arrival, or you will be denied entry.

 

A valid government-issued accessibility permit is required to book an accessible parking spot.

There are two ways to reserve your parking spot at the Skyline Trail

• Online
• By telephone: 1-877-737-3783

How to make an online reservation for Skyline Trail parking:

Create a new Parks Canada Reservation Service account

• From the home page, select ‘sign in’.
• Choose your preferred sign-in option and follow the instructions.
• You will receive an email asking you to click a link to finish creating your account.
• Now you can sign in any time using that sign-in method

What do I need in order to make a reservation?

To make a reservation you must give your name and contact information, vehicle details (license plate number) and a valid method of payment. If booking online, a Parks Canada Reservation System account is required.

Who needs a reservation?

Everyone needs a confirmed parking reservation to visit the Skyline Trail from June 26 to October 25, 2026. Reservations are required to secure a parking spot at the Skyline Trailhead. The only exception is when purchasing the Skyline Sunset Hike, a Parks Canada enhanced program.

Drop-offs and roadside parking are prohibited for safety reasons.

Notice: Please be aware that no refunds are provided for missed or unused Skyline Trail parking reservations.

Cancellations and changes are permitted until midnight (11:59 p.m.) Atlantic Time, the day before the date of your parking check-in. Please note, change or cancellation fees apply: https://parks.canada.ca/termes-terms/reservation