Runners have to be at least 18 years old and they must be able to run a 9:30 minute/mile pace to participate. It is a very demanding course with runners running around the clock. Itis a 185 mile/276.33 km, 17 stage relay race through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world… beginning in Baddeck, Cape Breton, over steep mountains in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, through many small communities around the famous Cabot Trail including Ingonish, to the gently rolling Margaree Valley ending as it began in Baddeck.

Try to imagine the unknown weather conditions the runners must endure. Will it be hot, cold, sunny, rainning or even snowing! Here in Cape Breton we are known for our forever changing weather within a minutes notice. According to http://cabottrailrelay.com/notes/  “In 1993 we experienced strong coastal breezes ( gale force winds??), torrential rains and cool daytime and night time temperatures.”

Residents of each community are large supporters of this event as well. You will find locals lined up along the streets cheering as the runners go by or sitting quietly in lawn chairs in awe as the runners in their glory run by. Race participants are also known for their lavish costumes as well.

Come experience for yourself this amazing event. It will make you want to come back for more!

The 3 Peaks Challenge event will be held on Saturday, July 16th, involves hiking 3 mountains – Franey (1400 ft), Roberts Mtn.(1400 ft) , and Acadien (1500 ft) in one day beginning at 7:00 am. Patterned a bit off our neighbour – UK  3 Peaks Challenge, it less in height and miles but still quite a physical challenge.

There are 4 members on a team with one member chosen as the captain. In 2010, all the teams were mixed – male & female. The role of the captain is to make sure the team is organized and prepared for the event. Generally teams stay in Ingonish the night before because of the 7:00 am. start and then in Cheticamp after completeing the 3 peaks.

Cape Breton Highlands 3 Peaks Challenge is hosted and organized by the Hike the Highlands Festival Society with assistance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Les Amis du Plein Air. For more information on the event and registration details, please visit the website.

Hockey Day in Canada, Feb 12

A beautiful sunny winter day and lots of kids provided all the right     conditions for Hockey Day in Canada at the Ingonish Community Rink. The event was hosted by Smokey Recreation Society, Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Scotiabank  in Ingonish Beach. Lots of families came out to enjoy the event from 2:00 pm. – 4:00 pm. which featured games and activities.  Scotiabank in Ingonish Beach provided a Hockey Day in Canada  jersey. It was later drawn and the lucky winner was Matthew Smith..

Two mascots came out from Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Jellyfish and Moose.  The Moose was brave enough to play goaltender and survive the shootout competition. Notice the youngster at the right of the net looking for a rebound.

The Moose Goaltender taking a break after the competition

A young Montreal Canadien heading up the ice at Ingonish Community Rink

Cape Smokey from Middle Head

One of Cape Breton Highlands National Park most popular hiking trail, Middle Head,  attracts annually over 16, 000 hikers. It is a looped 4 km trail that features incredible scenery and look-offs along the way for some great pictures. There are interpretative panels along the way that explain the human history – the Corson House & property before the Keltic Lodge,  and the fishing industry as well flora and fauna of the area. 

Seabirds at the tip of Middle Head hiking trail

At the tip of Middle Head to the left there is a short trail that takes you to a  popular place with sea birds – gulls, cormorants, guillemots and others. Great place to stop for a snack or lunch and watch the birds. 

Spruce Grouse Drumming, Middle Head Hiking Trail

There is an trail that takes you back to the Keltic Lodge and provides views of Ingonish Island, Ingonish Centre & Ingonish.  Lately it has provided some great photo opportunities of spruce grouse and pileated woodpeckers.

Middle Head is one of the hikes offered in this year’s Hike the Highlands Festival , Sept. 10-19, 2010. The festival features 10 days of hiking, 24 guided hikes, evening presentations, opening & closing ceremonies and much more.

Mountain Goats, one of the ten teams participating in the Cape Breton Highlands 3 Peaks Challenge

A new hiking event took place recently – the Cape Breton Highlands 3 Peaks Challenge. This challenge required teams of 4 members to hike 3 mountains in 12 hrs which also included 2.5 hrs driving time as well.  The 3 Peaks were Franey, Sugar Loaf and Acadien.

On top of Franey Mountain, Cape Breton Highlands National Park

The event attracted 10 teams from Nova Scotia and quite a bit of media attention including the Canadian Geographic.  Early reports indiciate the highlights for most teams were seeing the incredible views at the top of each mountain and the experience of  hiking 3 mountains in one day.  The event was hosted by Hike the Highlands Festival with assistance from Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Swim Event - 2010 Ingonish Triathlon

Over 100 competitors came out to the Ingonish Triathlon, formerly known as Heart of Highlands Triathlon at Ingonish Beach.  There were four categories – Olympic, Sprint, Team and Super Sprint that involved swim, cycle and run events. 

Race Director - Daniel Murray

Race Director Daniel Murray was impressed by the number of competitors and the largest field of competitors since it first began.  The volunteers, sponsors and partners including the Cape Breton Highlands National Park helped make this event a success. The day was all about fun and personal challenges…

The results the Ingonish Triathlon can be found on the Atlantic Chip Event website.

Sheena Williams - Local athlete, starting the Cycling Event

Grey Jay - photo by Heather Dauphinee-Wilson

With the great weather in April and hopefully in May, spring hiking is off to a great start. Here are some tips for you to enjoy while hiking in Ingonish at Cape Smokey Provincial park and Cape Breton Highlands National Park :

1)  spring hiking usually means wet trails so wear waterproof  hiking boots and take gaiters with you & extra pair of socks – smart wool.
2) invest in a pair of hiking poles ( trekking or nordic). They are invaluable for balance – crossing difficult areas – water, streams, windfalls etc,  for safety and making hiking easier on your knees and body.  (see video )
3) never hike alone
4) wear layers and take extra clothes…spring hiking can be cold…
5) take a daypack and take extra water and food with you. you will need it.
6) Tell somebody where you are going and approximate time you will be returning..
7) Nova Scotia requires you to have a compass and matches with you when entering the woods. Recommend taking a topo map as well a cellphone with you.
Take a camera with you …never know when a great picture might be just around the corner.

In closing, hike smart…..and enjoy the great outdoors…