Gypsum Mines

This short hike follows an established trail/ATV track that leads to a beautiful, secret swimming spot near the Acadian village of Cheticamp. From the trailhead take the trail toward the foot of the Highlands and at the intersection, you will see big outcrops of gypsum. Go straight through the intersection and the secret spot is behind the sheer gypsum cliffs.

The trail ascends gradually and rewards you with views of the Gulf of St Lawrence. At the top of the ridge you go in between two small hills and into the secret swimming spot: an old gypsum quarry. There are sheer walls of gypsum on some sides of the man-made lake. The gypsum outcrops in the water give a turquoise colour to the lake.

Directions:

Cabot Trail to Cheticamp. Turn on Cheticamp Back Rd and park at trailhead; 46° 37.782’N, 60° 58.864’W