Construction is expected to begin soon on a wilderness hiking trail in northern Cape Breton, according to the Government of Nova Scotia. The Jajiktek Seawall trail is forecast to be completed in 2028, weaving 48-kilometres through the Polletts Cove-Aspy Wilderness Area. The trail will start around the community of Red River near Pleasant Bay, then finish in the remote community of Meat Cove. The hike is anticipated to offer scenic coastal vistas, mountain terrain, old growth forests and marshy lowlands, taking four days in total to complete. Three huts will be constructed along the trail for hikers to sleep in, rather than in individual tents. Each hut will have bunks for 20 people. This comes as the project seeks to minimize impact to the land and preserve the natural environment. The province has contributed roughly $7 million to help design and build the trail and camping huts. The federal government also chipped in $3 million in 2025. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Timothy Halman announced two agreements on Monday allowing the Municipality of the County of Inverness to build and manage the trail. The Municipality says the construction will be a “significant undertaking due to the exceptionally rugged terrain.” “The Jajiktek Seawall Trail will give people a unique opportunity to experience one of Nova Scotia’s most spectacular and special protected areas, while ensuring conservation remains at the heart of the project,” says Halman in a provincial news release. The government expects the trail to generate economic activity through tourism once completed but also a significant boost through its construction. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
