Jajiktek Seawall Trail

About

The Jajiktek Seawall Trail is anticipated to span 48 kilometres and become a four-day hiking trail along the northwestern coastline of Cape Breton Island, following the provincially protected Pollet’s Cove-Aspy Fault Wilderness Area’s coastline.

Jajiktek (pronounced jaw-jick-deck) is a Mi’kmaw word that means crouching down and standing up as you move along a difficult route close to water. The trail is expected to be supported with three remote accommodations sites, aiming to be an anchor project in northern Cape Breton’s adventure tourism economy. 

In June 2023, the Province announced an investment of $6.4 million for the design and construction the trail and accommodations. In March 2025, the Government of Canada complemented this funding with an additional $3 million investment. 

The Jakiktek Seawall Trail is led by the Municipality of Inverness County with support from Build Nova Scotia as an advisor. A key to the project’s success has been meaningful engagement with the Jajiktek Seawall Trail Society that includes representation from residents of Cape Breton’s northern communities and local Mi’kmaw communities in the traditional district of Unama’kik (Cape Breton). 

Full trail construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026 and completed in 2027. Construction on a test section of the trail is taking place in fall 2025.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the project page here.

Background + quick facts

• Build Nova Scotia collaborated with volunteers from the Seawall Trail Society to help bring a long-envisioned project to life with the support of various partners.
• A project steering committee, co-chaired by the Municipality of the County of Inverness and Seawall Trail Society, provides guidance as the project progresses.
• The society was formed in 2014 to develop northern Cape Breton’s natural walking assets.
• Build Nova Scotia is an advisor on the project and sits on the project steering committee.
• The municipality will continue work partners to support community engagement and ongoing project communications.
• The trail is expected to be a hand-built, backcountry footpath.
• Camping will not be permitted along the trail corridor, although there will be several huts that can be booked for overnight stays.

*Cover Photo Credit: Jason LeFrense
Gallery Credit: Seawall Trail Society (unless otherwise indicated)