Walk-in campsites feature picnic tables, an enclosed fire pit, and spectacular views of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. The campground features 42 tent sites, four of which are accessible with parking spots and an accessible picnic table.
Credit: Parks Canada (CNW Group/Parks Canada)
The government of Canada is investing in national parks across the country to support sustainable tourism, create jobs in our local communities and help advance the Government of Canada’s efforts to combat climate change, according to a press release.
Jaime Battiste, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria; and Mike Kelloway, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, minister of Environment and Climate Change and minister responsible for Parks Canada, formally announced the opening of Cape Breton Highland National Park’s newest visitor offer, Mkwesaqtuk/Cap-Rouge Campground on Wednesday (June 29).
The $7 million project, funded through the Federal Infrastructure Investment Program, offers a brand new coastal camping experience along the world-famous Cabot Trail. A community celebration was held by Parks Canada and partners from La Société Saint-Pierre and the Parks Canada-Unama’ki Advisory Committee to mark the occasion.
Pronounced “Mm kwas sock took”, Mkwesaqtuk/Cap-Rouge Campground opens to visitors on July 1, in time for the summer camping season. Visitors to the campground will have a private, backcountry feel, with stunning ocean vistas and views of the highlands and cliffs of the Cabot Trail, according to the release. Mkwesaqtuk/Cap-Rouge Campground offers 47 walk-in sites, including five oTENTiks and six accessible campsites, with treed nooks to create a feeling of remoteness and privacy, with the convenience of front-country camping.
In the design of the campground, Parks Canada integrated innovative climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions, including off-grid solar-powered infrastructure and the use of native vegetation to build stable, climate resilient slopes. “Climate change impacts on Parks Canada-administered places are complex, and the agency is committed to integrating climate change mitigation and adaptation actions into its work,” states the release. “This investment ensures the quality and sustainability of the campground’s infrastructure and an enhanced visitor experience.”
Visitors can reserve their campsite or oTENTik on the Parks Canada Reservation Service.
