Last Updated on July 29, 2025
The Gypsum Mine Lake trail near Chéticamp, Nova Scotia is an easy, beautiful walk that takes you to an old gypsum quarry that now looks like a natural lake.
I walked this trail while visiting Cape Breton in the late fall. This walk is a great activity to add to your visit to Chéticamp, or to your Cabot Trail road trip. The trail brings you to what appears to be a lake. But actually, it was originally a gypsum mine.
The mine was started in the early 1900s, and gypsum, a soft sulfate mineral, was extracted until the late 1930s. National Gypsum, who owned the site, eventually donated it to the Chéticamp community. Today, it’s a beautiful lake surrounded by forest.
It’s gorgeous to see Gypsum Mine Lake in all seasons, but summer and fall are particularly lovely. In the warm summer months, many people use it as a swimming hole, and in the fall, the surrounding forest has turned to beautiful colors.
And, if you’re adventurous, you can climb up to a lookout point that overlooks Gypsum Mine Lake!
How to Hike to the Gypsum Mine Quarry
The hike to Gypsum Mine Quarry is simple! The trailhead is just a 5 minute drive from the main street of Chéticamp. Once you’ve parked, follow the road at the end of the parking lot all the way to the lake.
Aside from a slight incline at parts, the walk is quite easy and only takes about 20 minutes to the lake, and 20 minutes back to the parking lot. The trail to Gypsum Mine Lake gets very muddy and slippery when it has been raining. If there’s been rain in the last few days, be sure to wear good boots for the walk.
Where do you park for the Gypsum Mine Trail?
Free parking and the trailhead for Gypsum Mine Lake are located on Chéticamp Back Road, just off of the Cabot Trail. The parking lot is right by the Accolade Hostel Retreat Campground.
How long does it take to hike the Gypsum Mine trail?
The Gypsum Mine trail is a 2.6 kilometer / 1.6 mile out-and-back trail near Chéticamp, Nova Scotia. It’s an easy trail that’s good for all skill levels, and takes about 40 minutes to walk.
How deep is the Gypsum Mine Quarry?
No one knows for sure how deep the Gypsum Mine Quarry near Chéticamp is. Locals say that it’s at least 75 feet deep, and that the mining equipment is still down there.
Can you skate at Gypsum Mine Lake in winter?
It’s important to take precautions before attempting to walk or skate on Gypsum Mine Lake. Although it may appear to be completely frozen over during the winter, there are springs feeding into it which can make the ice unsafe. It’s not recommended to do any winter activities on the lake.
Hike to the Lookout at Gypsum Mine Trail
When you reach the end of Gypsum Mine Trail, you’ll see the lake in front of you. If you turn to the left, you’ll notice a pathway leading up through some rocks. This is a short but steep trail that has you scramble up rocks to a point that overlooks Gypsum Mine Lake.
The climb up takes about 10 minutes, and as you get to the top, there is a rope you can grab onto for help. When you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding area!
Climbing up to the lookout point is something you do at your own risk. Be sure to wear proper shoes, and don’t attempt the climb if you feel at all uncomfortable with it. This climb likely isn’t appropriate or safe for kids.
Swimming at Gypsum Mine Lake
If you head down the Gypsum Mine Trail on a warm day, bring your swimsuit and a towel. Gypsum Mine Lake is the perfect place for a swim! When the sun is out, the lake’s water is a lovely turquoise color, and super inviting.
When I visited Gypsum Mine Lake it was late fall, and so it was too chilly to swim. But lots of dogs enjoyed the water!
Use the Gypsum Mine Trail Responsibly
What not to do on Cape Breton? Don’t ignore the best practices around enjoying the outdoors responsibly and sustainably.
If you’re planning to hike to Gypsum Mine Lake, please remember to stay on the marked trail, don’t feed wildlife, and be sure to pack in and pack out. Following the rules of packing in and packing out is a great way to be a responsible tourist.
This means you shouldn’t leave any litter behind, including organic waste. Instead, stow any litter you have in a reusable container and dispose of it properly when you return to your home, hotel, or campsite.
Even if the forecast is looking sunny, it’s a good idea to prepare for rain. A rain jacket, good footwear, and an umbrella are good to have packed in the event that some rain rolls in.
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