Aucoin Brook Fall
Nova Scotia • Cape Breton Highlands National Park • 30 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
About Aucoin Brook Fall
Aucoin Brook Fall is a waterfall on Aucoin Brook inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park, on the slopes above the Cabot Trail between the park's Chéticamp entrance and Cap Rouge. Parks Canada does not list a trail or viewpoint for it, and we found no reliable route description.
The Setting
Aucoin Brook Fall sits at 304 metres within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, in the foothills of Nova Scotia. The falls drop 30 metres.
Height: 98 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Mackintosh Brook Falls (11 m) lies 17.9 kilometres to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Parks Canada lists no trail to this waterfall, and OpenStreetMap shows no path to it. The nearest marked trail is Le vieux chemin du Cap Rouge, which runs below the falls near the Cabot Trail.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 30 metres. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
Not accessible. There is no maintained trail to the falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Aucoin Brook Fall?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed in Cape Breton Highlands National Park except on the Skyline Trail, the supervised part of North Bay Beach and oTENTik units.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Aucoin Brook Fall?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (snowmelt and spring rains) for the most dramatic flow; late spring and early summer offer good foliage and open access. Fall provides colorful forest scenery but lower flows. Winter may offer ice formations but access can be hazardous (ice, snow, and limited road maintenance). Aim for weekdays or early mornings to avoid any local traffic at pullouts.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Cape Breton Highlands National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
There is no maintained trail. Expect steep, wet and slippery ground near the brook, and do not climb on the falls. Never approach or feed wildlife.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Cheticamp River, 6.1 km away, not on Aucoin Brook Fall's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
4.3 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 64 years of record
1.03 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge CHETICAMP RIVER ABOVE ROBERT BROOK (6 km away).
Today
Moderate
4.7 m³/s
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
4.4 m³/s
5/10Sat
Moderate
4.9 m³/s
5/10Sun
Low
4.5 m³/s
5/10Mon
Moderate
5.1 m³/s
5/10Tue
Moderate
5.3 m³/s
5/10Wed
Moderate
5.0 m³/s
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, light rain (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early June, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Baddeck hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park at about 46.6956, -60.9294, inland from the Cabot Trail north of the Chéticamp entrance. There is no signed trailhead. Park passes are sold at the Parks Canada visitor centres in Chéticamp and Ingonish.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
304 metres above sea level
Coordinates
46.695611° N, -60.929389° W
Land Management
Managed by Parks Canada Agency
Visitor Tips & Gear
Buy a Cape Breton Highlands National Park pass before visiting. There is no marked route, so ask park staff at the Chéticamp visitor centre before heading off-trail.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Mkwesaqtuk/Cap-Rouge Campground
2.2 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Le vieux chemin du Cap Rouge and Corney Brook trails in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Chéticamp visitor centre and the community of Chéticamp.
Wildlife
Typical regional wildlife: white-tailed deer, various songbirds, small mammals, waterfowl, and potentially moose or black bear in the broader region. Insect activity (blackflies, mosquitoes) can be significant in late spring and summer. Be aware of tick risk in warmer months.
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