Solo Hiking the Seawall Trail | Cape Breton | Nova Scotia

*AllTrails Track linked below*
~ Meat Cove to Pleasant Bay ~
If you are from the East Coast or even thinking of travelling to the East Coast and researching 'Best Things To Do on the East Coast' or ' Top 5 Things to Experience on the East Coast' chances are that you have heard of the Cabot Trail through the Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia where you can drive the rugged and mountainous coast and even stop along the way for some fantastic little hikes.
Well did you know... that between Pleasant Bay and Meat Cove lies one of the most amazing and challenging hikes that I have ever experienced!? Its true and it is called The Seawall Trail!
The Seawall Trail is a total of 40km which starts in Meat Cove at a lovely coastal Campground which I stayed at the night prior to the hike (link below). Throughout the hike there are four camping areas. First area being at the Meat Cove Campground, two located in the bushwhack section; one at Sailor Brook and the other at Malcolm Brook. Both along the ocean, and finally a beautiful area at Pollett's Cove right beside the beach and along Pollett's Cove River.
*This trail has very minimal, if any cell reception, so bring a GPS and SOS device*
From Meat Cove the Seawall Trail begins with 10km of the Cape St Lawrence and Lowlands Loop Trail. This trail is an easy hike and even has wild horses and a bull throughout (Please respect the animals and keep your distance, especially the bull). You exit into the woods when you reach and cross the Lowlands Brook where it meets the ocean.
This is where the bushwhacking begins... BE WARNED there is NO TRAIL it can be very intense at times, especially when navigating through the tuckamore trees! This section in about 23km and on the route that I had taken. There are only two camp areas which are suitable for tents and lie at the edge of the ocean. the first is along Sailor Brook. The second along Malcolm Brook. This section involves scrambling up and down steep mountains which reach 430 metres above the Atlantic Ocean, fields of waist deep grass, navigating through muddy/swampy areas, kilometres of bushwhacking through dense tuckamore trees, exceptional and mind blowing views and a large population of Bear and Moose. I myself had a Moose encounter and two Bear encounters, so I suggest carrying bear spray and brushing up on your know how on specific animal encounters so that you are well prepared.
The final stretch begins when you reach the pristine and beautiful beach of Pollett's Cove, where you can camp, relax, swim and enjoy some more horses! Although these ones aren't wild, they are put out to pasture throughout the summer months. This section is a treat after bushwhacking for a few days as there is a trail for the last 7km which leads you towards the trails parking lot at the end of Red River Road and is 6km from Pleasant Bay.
I cannot recommend this trail enough as it is one of Nova Scotia’s true gems and one of my favourite trails the province has to offer!
I hope that this video serves as a trail guide and provides motivation for others to get out and explore the beautiful Seawall Trail or any hikes through the amazing Cape Breton Highlands as there are so many to enjoy and explore!
Happy Hiking 🥾
AllTrails Track - www.alltrails.com/explore/rec...
Instagram - / _hikingthru
Tiktok - / hikingthru
*The Seawall Society is a regestered non profit society and has a proposed trail that they are hoping to develop in the near future which will be a hut based multi-day hiking experience. They are currently looking for support. If you are interested or curious I suggest you checkout their webpage where you can find loads of information and sign up to receive their newsletter, or follow them on their socials **Links Below*
KZbin - ‪@seawalltrail‬
Website - www.seawalltrail.com/
Instagram - / seawalltrail
Facebook - / seawalltrail
Meat Cove Campground - meatcovecampground.ca/
Seawall Trail | Cape Breton Highlands | Nova Scotia | Hike Nova Scotia | Solo Hike

[@dennisschwartzentruber3204]

Simply outstanding footage of one of the Worlds most beautiful islands ! Thanks for the adventure !

[@HikingThru]

Appreciate it! CB is something else 😍

[@FloridaFlipFlops]

Like 26 👍 Hello from Nales, Florida. We enjoyed your hike along the Seawall Trail. The drone views are spectacular. Thank you so much for sharing this part of the world with us.

[@HikingThru]

Thank you for the kind words. I am glad you could stop by to enjoy my film! Perhaps someday Ill venture down to Florida for a few hikes.

[@joelaut12]

Beautiful cinematography!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@HikingThru]

Thank you 😊

[@joemcneil6602]

Hands down the nicest footage of cape breton iv ever seen. I love my home.

[@HikingThru]

Really appreciate it! That was one of my favourite hikes with some of the most amazing views. You’re very lucky to call CB home!

[@kod-ee-wom-pl]

Hello! Thank you for the beautiful tour. The scenery is amazing. Enjoyed watching 😃 Have a wonderful day 😊

[@HikingThru]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Wow!! fantastic views. Great job on the video. Thank you for sharing.

[@HikingThru]

One of the best adventures! Appreciate it 🙌🏼

[@hikesandotherthings-troyra3375]

Great video. Some nice capture in different elements. I just found out about this trail today. Your video definitely makes me sure I will go down to hike this trail this summer thanks. Enjoyed some of your other videos of hikes I done also

[@HikingThru]

If I am being honest… this was my favourite hike from the Maritimes in 2022. The views are unmatched and the effort required to catch a glimpse of these views is very high. The harder it is to get to the views, the more you appreciate them. Be warned that my video does not do this trail any justice on just how difficult it is. My camera was really only out when the goings were easy. There is no path, no trail… only dense thick bush with a taste for blood. If you can handle the abuse, you certainly deserve the views! Some form of GPS is 100% required and I highly highly recommend using a GPS track to follow as well or you could very easily find yourself in some sticky situations. I hope you make it out and I hope you enjoy the Seawall Trail and everything it has to offer!

[@ervinslens]

Views are incredible here, beautifully presented upload.

[@HikingThru]

Thank you, it is certain a beautiful and challenging hike.

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Great hike in wonderful landscape. Beautiful scenery 👍

[@HikingThru]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@utahdan231]

Phenomenal job. Beautiful landscapes.

[@HikingThru]

Thank you 😊

[@rogelicewanders-eastcoast]

OMG! That was insane cinematography. Watta’ pro; way to go! Keep on sharing your adventure bud. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@HikingThru]

Really appreciate it! I’ve got 3 more videos in the chamber. Should be coming out every 2 weeks🤙🏼

[@rogelicewanders-eastcoast]

We’ll watch out for that.

[@CohanMagazine]

Great vid-you're a tough hiker-looked like a lot of time spent soaking wet!

[@HikingThru]

I was quite damp for about half of the hike, but I’d take that any day over the heat wave I hiked in. It was about 35°C the last day which made things pretty rough!

[@CohanMagazine]

@@HikingThru True! Was that in the recent heat wave? Luckily none of that heat has hit here in western AB- we haven't been above mid 20's- and that only a time or two for a couple of hours at most..lol

[@HikingThru]

No, that was a year or so back now. I’ll be up in AB to hike the Great Divide Trail starting next week. Hoping for reasonable weather over the next month and a half, but I know there will be some wild curveballs in the mix hiking the length of the Rockies haha

[@CohanMagazine]

@@HikingThru ha- yeah, no doubt I'm sure you'll feel at least 3 seasons... have an awesome time!

[@walktherockies-withzach.3125]

So proud of you.

[@HikingThru]

You can do anything if you put your mind to it ✨

[@numinoushiker]

I'm from Cape Breton. Such a beautiful little jewel tucked in an unsuspecting place. Would love to do this trail some time.

[@HikingThru]

Would be a great trail for the bucket list. The views and challenges are endless!

[@lukemclaren3386]

Did the pollets cove hike solo last summer and will definitely complete this hike hopefully next summer. Thanks for sharing.

[@HikingThru]

That’s awesome Luke! Just keep in mind that there is actually no trail and it is a bushwhack the majority of the time… although completely worth it! Have some form of GPS track and GPS unit with SOS with you as it is very easy to get lost or injured in this beautiful wilderness. Let me know if you need any help or questions when planning and I will be glad to help!

[@lukemclaren3386]

@@HikingThru The bushwhacking makes it sound like more of an adventure! Although that easy to say when your not bushwhacking! Will definitely use your advice for this next trip!!

[@HikingThru]

@@lukemclaren3386 best of luck, it’s one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve been on. Enjoy!

[@Eliza_788]

It was wonderful, a beautiful and relaxing place, thank you for the great filming and editing❤❤

[@HikingThru]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@douglasdoucette7352]

Great camera work on an amazing trail. I love the Fundy Footpath but the Seawall is definitely on my list for next year. Curious to know more details about your gear esp backpack & drone.

[@HikingThru]

Thanks! I have a lot of info about the trail in my video description you can checkout to help plan. I use a DJI mini 2 for my drone and my backpack and tent are both from Durston. I can’t recommend them enough. The pack is just under 2lb and tent is about 1.5lb. My favourite pieces of gear that helped me save the most weight overall! Pack weigh for this trip was 25lb food and water included as well as about 5lb of drone and battery packs.

[@andrewpace2267]

Nice video!! I did this hike every year for 10 years (95-2005). Slightly different route each time. Found everything from a moose skull with a 7 foot spread to stone ruins of old camps and uncountable waterfalls up the streams. Nice to see the area is still untouched and as wild as it's ever been. The scramble over Delany's is my favorite spot. And looking over Pollets from the top of Baldy. Cheers bud good to see people are out seeing this treasure. I'll have to get back up there soon.

[@HikingThru]

I appreciate it! And can see why you’ve hiked the area so much.. it’s an amazing experience with so many things to see along the way, and the wildlife is unmatched. I’ll be headed back this year, but not when it’s so spicy and over 30°, probably aim for the Fall when the leaves begin to change. I hope you make it out again soon!

[@user-gj8mn4ce8d]

Are they not developing this as a national park project? Thought I read they were lastly year ?

[@HikingThru]

The Seawall Trail Association has received funding to develop a trail and huts along their proposed route. Haven’t heard any developement time lines though.

[@user-gj8mn4ce8d]

@@HikingThru that’s a big surprise for NS ! Always a delay or people have complaints about something. There always seems to be a problem there but explains why there is never any progression.

[@HikingThru]

@@user-gj8mn4ce8d​​⁠​​⁠ I believe that it’s been about 10 years of back and forth with plenty of hoops to jump through. Certainly a big step though. It’ll be interesting to see the trail develop and will be another big tourism activity added to CB’s resume!

[@ianmcphee]

Well it took me over a year to find this video, and it is a great peaceful video to watch, you certainly have a different way about showing your hikes, and I like it. I'm very glad to have met you in at Low Land Cove on day one of this trip. Looking forward to watching more of your adventures.

[@HikingThru]

So glad you finally found it! Did you ever find that geocache that you guys were looking for!? Was a pleasure to meet you as well, Ian!

[@HikingThru]

I actually just got back from Cape Breton yesterday. Was back on the Seawall, but this time I was running the trail and finished the whole 40km in 14hr 4minutes 🏃🏻‍♂️💀

[@ianmcphee]

@@HikingThru Were you part of David's crew that had to destroy Live Life In Tents time? Nah we never found it, once it's losing the fun factor it's time to move onto another cache.

[@HikingThru]

@ianmcphee Haha yes, I was out with David and Johnny. They had a lot more training under their belt, so after halfway they carried on and finished with 12hr 19min. I just started running this year and took the summer off 😂 so I’ll train hard this winter and see where that takes me for another Seawall run next year!

[@calatoruldac]

I love this beautiful landscape ❤️

[@HikingThru]

It truly is a beautiful place 😊

[@hikesome]

Incredible shots and a fantastic video composition. Cape Breton looks fantastic!

[@HikingThru]

Thank you, Cape Breton is certainly a place that feels larger than life!

[@RogerMain]

Pleasure to watch and thanks for posting. You and I and the few others who have completed this yet to be trail, still provides a most challenging hike... Please be aware and be well informed before giving it a try Peace Outside ✌

[@HikingThru]

Big thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed the film Roger!

[@CanadianSledDog]

Wow some gorgeous shots man! I can't wait to get out there.

[@HikingThru]

Appreciate it! Hope you get out and have a great time, it’s an amazing place!

[@wowwaterfalls]

Wow... this is awesome. Opening shot was amazing. The photography and editing is top notch. Love it!!! The waterfall at 21:58 was a nice bonus. Bet there are amazing waterfalls in Nova Scotia with those mountains... next summer:)

[@HikingThru]

Nova Scotia is packed full of fantastic waterfalls. I hope you get to come and check some of them out next year 😊 Thank you for the kind words!

[@wowwaterfalls]

@@HikingThru ...thanks friend. Looking forward to seeing them next summer!

[@kimmartino5556]

What an inspiring video. I’ll be watching it again im sure. How do I find the Seawall Trail? I cant seem to find it on “all trails”.

[@HikingThru]

I have a link to my AllTrails GPS track in the video description as well a detailed description of the trail and what to expect 😊

[@user-gj8mn4ce8d]

Cape Breton is like a mini British Columbia. Sush !! Don’t tell anybody

[@HikingThru]

The secrets safe with me 😂

[@pvcore]

Do you know if there is a detail map of the area? I like bushwhacking but usually prepare my route with a map and a compass (am old school). If not, what gps app have you used to prepare your trip? We are going early septembre Thanks Edit: How do you come back to your car? Is there coop services/taxi to bring you back to your car?

[@HikingThru]

I am not too sure, but you should be able to get your hands on a Topo map for the area. As for GPS you could throw a GPX or KML file into Gaia, Strava, AllTrails, an inReach or other navigational device. I believe that @Daveyandsky sell the GPS track. As of right now the best bet for the vehicle situation would be to have 2 vehicles.. one at each end and is what I always do. The other option would maybe be to post into a few Cape Breton FB groups looking for a lift. Hope you enjoy the hike, it’s one you won’t forget!

[@stronghiking7558]

My neck of the woods. What camera gear do you use. Your videos are amazing.

[@HikingThru]

Appreciate it! I keep it fairly simple with an iPhone 13 Pro & DJI mini 2. For my trail running videos I use an insta360 x3.

[@stronghiking7558]

The drone shots are amazing. I just got the mini 3 pro. Still watching tutorials to learn how to fly lol.

[@HikingThru]

@@stronghiking7558best way to do it would be to head out to an open field and practice. The more you practice, the more it’ll become second nature. You’ll have fun with the mini 3!

[@alfredlangley6899]

Well done! Did you have a route downloaded before doing this or did you just bushwhack your way through?

[@HikingThru]

Great question! I definitely had the tracks downloaded into my GPS. I wouldn’t advise against going without it and I would never attempt any adventure without the proper tools. There are many places where there may only be one manageable or safe route and without the kml it would be relatively easy to get turned around. Heck, even with the tracks it was not the easiest to stay on track. I can only hope that someday I can be within these woods and know exactly where I am without my GPS 😂

[@alfredlangley6899]

I’ve watched several videos of this trail. It looks very challenging. You did great not only solo hiking but videoing it as well. Is there a site you used to get the track to download? I use AllTrails and this is not on there.

[@HikingThru]

@alfredlangley6899 I appreciate that! It was definitely a challenge in the +35° heat! The link to my alltrails track from this hike is in the video description. I believe that Davey and Sky also offer a gps track 😊

[@alfredlangley6899]

@@HikingThru awesome thanks. Look forward to your GDT adventure.

[@HikingThru]

@@alfredlangley6899You’re very welcome!

[@thomasanderson7275]

Sweet find on the blueberry’s man! Just make sure not to eat the red ones..they hurt your tummy

[@HikingThru]

Thanks for the heads up! What about the black ones though?

[@thomasanderson7275]

They are sour sometimes but help with the hangover from drinking colt 45s

[@HikingThru]

@@thomasanderson7275 much appreciated Mr. Anderson

[@nathanburns]

Is this trail complete and ready for hiking?

[@HikingThru]

I have an in depth description in the video description accompanied by my AllTrails track 😊

[@nathanburns]

@@HikingThru Thanx