Ingonish Beach

Travel Guide

Ingonish Beach
Ingonish Beach featuring a pebble beach
Ingonish Beach featuring general coastal views
Ingonish Beach showing a pebble beach
Ingonish Beach

Enjoy stunning mountain scenery, watersports and both sea and freshwater swimming at this beach in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Ingonish Beach is set around a picturesque bay on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a long sweep of fine sand backed by verdant mountains. Here you can swim in both saltwater and freshwater, surf, play sports and enjoy scenic walking trails.

Spend a few moments taking in the views from the beach, which include the rocky peninsula that juts out from the northern end of the bay. Face away from the ocean and marvel at the forest-clad mountains of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. 

On a warm summer day, go for an invigorating swim in the sea. Bring a surfboard with you and ride the waves or just sit on the shore and watch the surfers enjoying the action. Go for a stroll along Ingonish Beach until you reach Dunphys Creek where you will see fishermen casting their lines into the water.

Framing the beach is a wall of smooth cobblestones that separate it from Freshwater Lake. Cross the stones for a swim in the clear body of water. Afterwards, follow the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) long trail that surrounds part of the lake. Walk through areas of thick forest and look out for local wildlife.

If you are feeling very energetic, take part in some sporting activities. There are tennis courts, a soccer field and a playground for children. Break for refreshments in the picnic areas or head over to the canteen, which is open in July and August.

Ingonish Beach is situated on the northeast coast of Cape Island. The most convenient way to arrive is by car. You will find ample free parking at the north end of the beach. Among the facilities here are public conveniences and changing rooms. Lifeguards patrol the saltwater area in July and August. Note that in the winter the Atlantic Ocean washes the beach away and reforms it in the spring.

Skyline Cabins

Skyline Cabins

2 out of 5
37759 Cabot Trail, Ingonish Beach, NS
The price is CA $179 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
CA $179
CA $210 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Ingonish Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (953 reviews)
"Very clean cabin and great location on the Cabot trail - wonderful beach within walking distance and a great restaurant just across the street. Very close to various trails. Cabin had a little covered deck which was great to take in the view and relax. Absolutely recommend staying here."

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2025

Skyline Cabins
Keltic Lodge At The Highlands

Keltic Lodge At The Highlands

2.5 out of 5
383 Keltic in Rd, Ingonish Beach, NS
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
"This is a little overdue, however I definitely wanted to post this. So I rolled in here on Friday February 2nd for a skiing weekend at Cape Smokey, and was due to check out Sunday morning February 4th...but after 120 cm of snow over the weekend, I didn't get out until February 6th. All I can say ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 8, 2024

Keltic Lodge At The Highlands
Glenghorm Beach Resort

Glenghorm Beach Resort

2.5 out of 5
36743 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
The price is CA $199 per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
CA $199
CA $234 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Ingonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Popular attractions Franey Mountain and Groovy Goat Farm are ...
7.4/10 Good! (263 reviews)
"Great location. Showers were clean but could use an update."

Reviewed on Jul. 13, 2025

Glenghorm Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ingonish Chalets

Ingonish Chalets

3 out of 5
36784 Cabot Trail, Ingonish, NS
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Ingonish. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Franey Mountain and Groovy Goat Farm are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (430 reviews)
"Very comfortable and great location."

Reviewed on Jul. 12, 2025

Ingonish Chalets
Mountainside Cabin along The Cabot Trail #1

Mountainside Cabin along The Cabot Trail #1

Cape North
Stay at this cabin in Big Intervale Cape North. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Muskrat Lake and Fox Back Lake are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
"Beautiful!"

Reviewed on Jun. 30, 2025

Mountainside Cabin along The Cabot Trail #1
The Snuggy -NEW! Ocean views -Private - Eco-Lux - King Bed - Adults Only!

The Snuggy -NEW! Ocean views -Private - Eco-Lux - King Bed - Adults Only!

Ingonish Beach
Stay at this cabin in Ingonish Ferry. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Ingonish Beach and Freshwater Lake Trail are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
Oh the view!
"Very well cared for property and so much fun as a couple. Coffee and wine on the deck with a water view. The bed is so comfy. The coffee was delicious. Romantic!"

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2025

The Snuggy -NEW! Ocean views -Private - Eco-Lux - King Bed - Adults Only!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Ingonish Beach

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
23
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
20
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very beautiful area with wonderful hiking trails and lovely café called Bean barn

4/5 - Good

Rob

The actual beach was beautiful. wish we had more time to enjoy.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

There was a rocky shore that we loved! We sat on the rocks to watch the sunset. By far one of the prettiest places we have visited

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beach was nice. Not too many dining options

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice area with a nice beach and great trails.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Couldn’t believe we just wanted to beach walk and we had to pay $15.00. It wasn’t a bad beach but have seen nicer ones. Also wanted to see Keltic Lodge up close and this was in the provincial park as well.

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