Discover the Cape Breton backcountry.

Cross The Highlands

Expedition

About the trip

The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is well known for its famous front-country hiking trails, but did you know that it also contains the two highest points in Nova Scotia and some amazing backcountry snowshoeing and skiing routes? 

This route starts at the base of Franey Mountain and covers around 60 km +/- as you head west over frozen lakes, barrens, and, the highest point in Nova Scotia: White Hill (536 m). Spend 5 days and 4 nights backcountry with our experienced guides covering approx 10 - 15 km per day ending at the Cape Breton National Park entrance in Cheticamp.

Download the information booklet here.

  • Duration: 7 Days (5 days trekking)

    Distance: Approx 60 km +/-

    Group Size: 4 - 6 guests per trip

    Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced

    Rates: 2468.89+hst per person (Fully Supplied) / 2168.89+hst per person (Self-Supplied) * see the fee breakdown below

  • What’s included?

    • Accommodations on night one and night 6 at the Inverary Resort, Baddeck.

    • Transportation to/from Inverary Resort (details discussed after registration).

    • 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 suppers during the trip.

    • All necessary group equipment for the trip including water filters/tablets, stoves, and stove fuel.

    • Fully supplied includes a 4-season tent, -18c or better sleeping bag, therm-a-rest, snowshoes, trekking poles, and 60L backpack. Personal items and clothing are not included.

    • Self-supplied clients will have to provide a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pads, snowshoes, backpack, and other main items themselves however, we have minimum requirements which will be outlined in the gear list. Not meeting gear requirements may result in a loss of deposit and not being permitted to depart with the group.

    • Professional guide services and safety plans for the entire trip.

    • Parks Canada backcountry permits and safety plans.

    What’s not included? 

    • Personal items and equipment. A full list will be provided.

    • Meals, alcoholic beverages, and gratuity on nights one and six.

  • 2026 Dates

    • Feb 16-27, 2026

    2027 Dates

    • Feb 15-21, 2027

    • This trip will require a decent level of fitness since your backpacks will be weighted with food and equipment for the entire trip. It is recommended that you train with a weighted backpack and snowshoes before this trip just to become accustomed to your kit.

    • The weather can fluctuate a lot during the 5 days from warmer temperatures and sunny days to -30c and 100km/hr +/- winds.

    • There is a good chance that we will see moose and coyotes on this route as we will be some of their prime habitats but this is not guaranteed.

    • We will provide you with a personal gear checklist and have a minimum requirement for some personal gear and items. One on one gear checks via zoom will be done prior to the departure date where we will go through each piece of kit to make sure that you meet the min gear requirements. Failure to meet min gear requirements before the trip may result in a loss of deposit and not being permitted to depart with the group.

    • Check out the most recent YouTube video documenting the 2023 expedition here.

    • Check out two of our post-trip podcasts from previous years’ expeditions!

  • Fee Breakdown:

    • Application fee: $25.00 (credited towards the deposit).

    • Deposit: $500.00 ($25 Deposit + $475) required after successfully passing the application process to hold your spot. *Fully refundable up to 28 days prior to departure.

    • Final Balance: Due 28 days before departure.

    • What’s the difference between fully supplied and self-supplied?

    • Fully supplied includes 4 season tent, stoves, fuel, -18 sleeping bag, sleeping pad, snowshoes and, trekking poles.

    • Self-supplied means that you will be responsible for providing all of your own camping equipment.

    • Cancellation Policy:

      • Full refund if canceled up to 28 days prior to the trip start date.

      • 50% refund if canceled between 28 and 14 days prior to the trip start date.

      • No refund will be provided if canceled between 14 days and the trip start date.

How to book.

  • Step one is to submit an application to join any upcoming trip.

    • To apply for this trip you will be required to pay a $25.00 application fee and will be required to complete a short questionnaire which will be emailed to you once the fee is processed. *The application fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee your position on any trip.

    • Once we receive an application, one of our staff will be in touch to schedule a short call to review the answers and answer any questions you might have. A lack of experience is not a disqualification but we need to plan appropriately for the safety of all participants.

    • Once all the spots are full, we will close applications for the season.

  • Once we’ve reviewed your application and completed our onboarding call, a link with registration information will be sent out.

    • Application fee: $25.00 (credited towards the deposit). *Discount codes are not valid on this fee - only applicable towards the full balance.

    • Deposit: $500.00 ($25 Deposit + $475) required after successfully passing the application process to hold your spot. *Fully refundable up to 28 days before departure.

    • Final Balance: Due 14 days before departure

  • Once your booking is confirmed we’ll send you a welcome email with all the info you need to prepare for your trip!

    If you require any gear rentals or have any questions leading up to the trip, just let us know!

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Check out our videos.

Check out a short YouTube vlog documenting the 2023 and 2024 Highlands trips.