An outdoor destination
Victoria County has plenty to offer Labour Day weekend adventurers
Outdoor adventurers looking for something to do on Labour Day weekend need look no further than Victoria County.
Victoria County is known for its beautiful views and hiking trials, but for many people the full extent of its natural beauty is still a mystery.
The county has plenty to offer local residents and visitors who are planning outdoor adventures, with many hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and beaches along with kayaking and bicycling opportunities.
Vince Forrestall, physical activity strategy co-ordinator for Victoria County, said he considers the county to be Nova Scotia’s top outdoor destination in all seasons.
“We have an abundance of natural assets and resources — what a way to spend your Labour Day weekend in Victoria County,” he said. “We have activities that are offered by organizations and community groups that explore the outdoor assets that we have.”
Some of the most popular hiking trails and waterfalls in Victoria County include Uisge Ban Falls in Baddeck, North River Falls in the provincial park, as well as Mary Ann Falls in Ingonish.
“A beautiful trail that I like — put away a day for it — is North River Falls, it’s nine kilometres in and out and it takes you through different forests and different terrain,” said Forrestall. “It’s a breath-taking waterfall — take a lunch with you and lots of refreshments and enjoy what it has to offer.”
Other notable trails and scenic views include Franey Trail Head, Freshwater Lake and look-off trail, Red Island Trial, Middle Head, Sugarloaf Trailhead, Warren Lake Trail Head, Green Cove look-off, Cape Smokey Trailhead, White Point Trailhead, Cape Dauphin Trailhead and Bald Mountain trail.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park, St. Ann’s Provincial Park and Cabots Landing Provincial Park are also mustsee outdoor destinations.
Forrestall said the feedback from those visiting trails across the county has been positive.
“Being out and enjoying nature is rewarding,” he said. “We’re known in Victoria County for (people taking) group shots, so once they achieve their destination, whether it’s at the top of Franey or at the top of a peak or cycling or kayaking, we often see group shots of people enjoying themselves, and that’s what we like to see.”
Along with hiking trails and camping, kayaking is also popular with tourists to Victoria County with rental and tour options in Ingonish Beach, North River and Dingwall to name a few.
“Being outdoors and participating in nature is very beneficial,” said Forrestall. “Ninety per cent of people spend their time indoors because of electronics, so we want you to know that being outdoors is beneficial.”
Victoria County has a number of different beach opportunities including the well-known Ingonish beach, a popular destination for beachgoers to soak up the sun and cool off.
The county also has opportunities for golfers with courses in Baddeck — Bell Bay and Baddeck Forks — as well as the Highlands Links in Ingonish Beach.
For more information on hiking trails, must-see destinations and attractions in Victoria County, visit www. naturallyactivevictoriacounty.com.
“Being outdoors and participating in nature is very beneficial. Ninety per cent of people spend their time indoors because of electronics, so we want you to know that being outdoors is beneficial.”
Vince Forrestall, physical activity strategy co-ordinator- Victoria County