Parks Canada is responsible for one of the largest and most diverse federal asset portfolios in Canada, including highways, bridges, trails, canals, wharves, historic buildings, visitor facilities and operational infrastructure. Investments in these assets help ensure visitor safety, protect natural and cultural heritage, support local communities and tourism economies, and strengthen climate resilience.
Close to $130 million has been invested across Cape Breton/Unama’ki and Canso, including Alexander Graham Bell, Fortress of Louisbourg, Canso Islands, and St. Peters Canal national historic sites, with the majority allotted to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Work on some of these projects has been completed, while several projects are or will soon be underway. Together, these investments represent a significant commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of Cape Breton/Unama’ki and Canso for present and future generations.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Parks Canada has completed work for emergency replacement and reconstruction of portions of the Cabot Trail that were impacted by several extreme weather events over the last few years. This work has improved drainage, stabilized slopes and reduced risks to motorists as well as improved fish passage and stream connectivity. More specifically, work has included:
– Cabot Trail upgrades and repairs on the portion most heavily impacted by extreme weather has been reconstructed and repaired. Culverts have been replaced and fish-bearing stream crossings are now easier for aquatic life to navigate, while the road surface over the 14-km stretch between Black Brook and Halfway Brook has been replaced and repaved.
– The original Halfway Brook Bridge had reached the end of its lifespan. The old structure was removed and the new bridge has been installed and paving completed.
– Mary Ann Falls Trail was converted from a road to a hiking and mountain biking trail and reopened to visitors in June 2026. This trail is now a 7 km route from the Warren Lake Road to the waterfall. The road had been closed due to persistent washouts and increased maintenance costs due to extreme weather events over the last several years. The hiking trail follows the route of the Mary Ann Falls Road, which formed a part of the original Cabot Trail when it was initially built in the 1930s.
– Franey Trail has been rerouted into a sustainable stacked-loop trail system in an effort to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce maintenance costs. The trailhead has been moved and expanded at a lower elevation, close to the beginning of the Clyburn Valley Trail. This move accommodates more parking and provides trail users with more route options and scenic viewpoints.
– Middle Head Trail has been rerouted to replace the single-track, unsustainable trail in an effort to increase accessibility, extend asset life, and reduce maintenance costs.
– Glebe House was stabilized by replacing the old foundation to stop heavy flooding and groundwater damage.
Salt storage facility improvements will help protect the material from the elements and ensure a reliable supply for winter operations, improve operational efficiency, and reduce the potential for environmental impacts associated with exposed salt storage.
Renovations for staff housing has occurred in areas adjacent to the national park. Staff housing supports Parks Canada operations, provides safe, modern accommodation, and helps Parks Canada attract and retain skilled employees.
Work is being completed to install a kiosk for visitors arriving to the Skyline trail. This also includes the installation of gates to aid with traffic control, solar panels and enhancing Internet connectivity for improved visitor servicing and operational requirements.
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
The museum’s A-frame roof, timber-framed gable end windows, slate roof, and walls have deteriorated due to weather exposure and the original installation methods, putting the structure at risk. Work to replace the windows and glulam beams is underway with full project completion in mid-2027. The site remains open to visitors throughout the project.
Canso Islands National Historic Site
As an aging ocean-facing infrastructure, the boat dock on Grassy Island was reconfigured and replaced. The fishing boat which had been used as a ferry was also replaced by a new vessel which will continue to transport visitors to and from Grassy Islands during the summer season. These upgrades will significantly improve the visitor experience and safety at the national historic site.
St Peters Canal National Historic Site
Repairs have been made to St. Peters Canal after damage sustained during severe weather events. Additionally, some lock stop logs have been repaired, with others being replaced completely. New stairs at the swing bridge will allow access from the bridge deck to the canal wall. The installation of these new, custom-fabricated stairs will improve both safety and access to the canal. A new access road from under the canal bridge to the administration building will also be completed.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Essential improvements at the Fortress to create a more efficient and welcoming arrival experience and modernize site operations through implementing a new visitor entry model that includes a redesigned entrance experience, a new entry kiosk, and expanded on-site visitor parking. As well, upgrades to the potable water onsite will occur through watermain replacement and line extension work.
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