News release

Funding Supports Trail Infrastructure, Tourism

Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage

June 26, 2023 - 3:23 PM

Visitors to northern Cape Breton will soon be able to enjoy a new coastal hiking trail within the Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area north of the Cabot Trail.

The Province is investing $6.4 million in the design and construction of the nearly 50-kilometre Seawall Trail, including huts and bridges, as well as marketing, communications and engagement with local Mi’kmaw communities in the traditional district of Unama'kik (Cape Breton).

“The Seawall Trail has the potential to become one of North America’s iconic wilderness attractions for world travellers,” said Allan MacMaster, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board and MLA for Inverness, on behalf of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage Minister Pat Dunn. “It is an investment that will allow visitors to experience coastal scenic beauty now and forever.”

Visitors will have options for multi-day and shorter wilderness hikes and opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Quotes:

Inverness County has established itself as a world-class destination for those who love our exceptional landscapes and access to pristine wilderness. Today’s announcement will bring joy to the local communities that have actively worked to promote this project for several years. It will also bring employment opportunities to this part of the county over the coming years and provide a significant pull for our thriving tourism industry for generations to come.Bonny MacIsaac, Warden, Municipality of the County of Inverness

The Seawall Trail Society’s principle of respecting both local values and Mi’kmaw traditions has shaped an outstanding trail plan. As we move towards construction, we must focus on the trail plan to ensure we stay centred on our values and traditions.Ray Fraser, Chair, Seawall Trail Society

Quick Facts:

• the Municipality of the County of Inverness is leading the Seawall Trail project
• a project steering committee, co-chaired by the municipality and Seawall Trail Society, will provide guidance as the project progresses
• the society was formed in 2014 to develop northern Cape Breton's natural walking assets
• Build Nova Scotia will provide project management and administration services to the municipality for design and construction of the trail; the municipality will work with the society and Build Nova Scotia to support community engagement and ongoing project communications
• Unama’kik includes the First Nations communities of We'koqma'q, Wagmatcook, Eskasoni, Membertou and Potlotek

Additional Resources:

Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage grants and programs.

More information on the Seawall Trail is available here.

Polletts Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area/