Beulach Ban Falls
Nova Scotia • Cape Breton Highlands National Park • 21 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.3 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
12 m
About Beulach Ban Falls
Beulach Ban Falls is a 21 m (69 ft) waterfall in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, at the end of the Beulach Ban Falls Road off the Cabot Trail. Parks Canada lists it about 50 m from the trailhead, a two-minute easy return walk, near the start of the Aspy Trail. The falls can also be seen from a Cabot Trail look-off with an interpretive panel.
The Setting
Beulach Ban Falls sits at 80 metres within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, in the coastal lowlands of Nova Scotia. The falls drop 21 metres.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Beulach Ban Falls flows over hard intrusive rock laid down about 359-419 million years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating a 69-foot drop where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Mackintosh Brook Falls (11 m) lies 10.3 kilometres to the west.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.3-km out-and-back trail gains 12 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
A short, easy path of about 50 m leads from the parking lot at the end of Beulach Ban Falls Road to the falls. The Aspy Trail, 9.6 km (6 mi) return, starts at the same lot for a longer hike.
What to Expect
The falls drop 21 metres over hard intrusive rock. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Beulach Ban Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed on Cape Breton Highlands National Park trails except the Skyline Trail.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Beulach Ban Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (late March–May) for highest water flow and dramatic cascades; early fall for foliage color and comfortable temperatures. Summer provides easier access but potentially lower flows. Winter visits are possible but can be hazardous due to ice, snow and limited maintenance, only for experienced winter hikers with proper gear.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Cape Breton Highlands National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards can include slippery rocks, unstable or steep banks, fast-flowing water (especially in spring), limited cell service, and unmarked or unmaintained trails. Do not attempt to climb on wet rocks or get too close to cliff edges. Weather on Cape Breton can change quickly, bring layers and check forecasts. If visiting alone, tell someone your plans and expected return time. For winter visits, specialized gear (microspikes, snowshoes) and experience are required due to ice and deep snow.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Cheticamp River, 31.1 km away, not on Beulach Ban Falls'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
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge CHETICAMP RIVER ABOVE ROBERT BROOK (31 km away).
Today
Moderate
4.7 m³/s
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
4.6 m³/s
5/10Sat
Moderate
5.2 m³/s
5/10Sun
Moderate
4.5 m³/s
8/10Mon
Moderate
5.1 m³/s
5/10Tue
Moderate
5.3 m³/s
5/10Wed
Moderate
5.2 m³/s
5/10Best window: Sun — moderate flow, mainly sunny (trip score 8/10).
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
From Cape North, drive about 11 km southwest on the Cabot Trail and turn left onto Beulach Ban Falls Road, an unpaved road. Follow it 2.2 km to the parking lot at its end.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park in the lot at the end of Beulach Ban Falls Road, which also serves the Aspy Trail.
Elevation
80 metres above sea level
Coordinates
46.814133° N, -60.625256° W
Land Management
Managed by Parks Canada Agency
Visitor Tips & Gear
Pay national park admission before you go. Wear shoes with good grip, since rocks near the falls are slippery, and combine the stop with the Aspy Trail or a picnic. There is no cell service.
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For this easy 0.3 km trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
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
Big Intervale Campground
2 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Aspy Trail (9.6 km return) starts at the same parking lot. Cape North is about 11 km northeast on the Cabot Trail.
Wildlife
The area can host black bear, white-tailed deer, moose (occasionally), small mammals and a variety of forest birds. Practice standard wildlife safety: store food securely, give animals space, and avoid surprising wildlife on trails.
Cities near Beulach Ban Falls
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