Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada? If you're planning to go to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Important essentials for Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Activities for Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada
Based on the climate and weather in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia, Canada by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Cape Breton Highlands National Park in January, you will notice that it is freezing and somewhat snowy. Expect it to rain sometimes and snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pajamas
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent choice.
February
In February, Cape Breton Highlands National Park is frigid and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) and a bit less than half of the time jump into the low 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with a few of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Lip balm
The best pick: here
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Pajamas
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
March
March for Cape Breton Highlands National Park is frosty and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains sometimes and snows 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a perfect option.
April
April in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is brisk and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about a third of the time. It also snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Heavy jacket
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect option.
May
Traveling to Cape Breton Highlands National Park in May, you will notice that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
June
If you vacation in Cape Breton Highlands National Park during June, you will probably see that it is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
July
If you are traveling to Cape Breton Highlands National Park in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
August
If you vacation in Cape Breton Highlands National Park during August, you may find that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
September
If you are traveling to Cape Breton Highlands National Park in September, you will notice that it is crisp and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
October
October in Cape Breton Highlands National Park can be very chilly and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
November
November for Cape Breton Highlands National Park is pretty cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
December
December in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is frigid and somewhat snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: here
-
Gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sweaters
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
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