The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s ultimate scenic highways. Located on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail is a 298 km (185 miles) scenic drive through Cape Breton Highland’s National Park along the Atlantic Ocean. It is considered one of the best road trips in the world. We drove the Cabot Trail in a counterclockwise direction, starting in Baddeck and ending in Cheticamp. Although the trail can be driven in a day, we recommend four days to really explore everything there is to see and do.
Cabot Trail Itinerary
There is a lot to see and do on the Cabot Trail, including spectacular coastal hiking trails, cultural experiences such as the Gaelic College, and great adventures. So, are you ready to explore the best stops on the Cabot Trail? Let’s go!
Cabot Trail Stops You Cannot Miss
If you have never visited Atlantic Canada, you are in for a treat. This Cabot Trail itinerary showcases the stops along the Cabot Trail in order as we saw them driving counterclockwise from Baddeck to Cheticamp.
We set off from Halifax early one morning to spend five days exploring the famed ocean vistas of this scenic highway. After the nearly four-hour drive north from Halifax, our Cabot Trail road trip started in the town of Baddeck, where we continued counter-clockwise. The next few days were spent exploring the entire loop through the northern half of Cape Breton Island.
1. Baddeck
Baddeck was Alexander Graham Bell’s summer home, and The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site offers an excellent history lesson on the invention of the telephone and other achievements by Bell. He was an avid inventor working on everything, including the first aircraft to fly in the Commonwealth (which also flew farther than the Wright Brothers). The museum is built near his cottage, “Beinn Bhreagh,” Gaelic for “Beautiful Mountain.”
Moreover, he developed many medical machines, including the iron lung to help polio patients breathe, and techniques for the hearing impaired while becoming good friends with Helen Keller. Fun Fact: Alexander Graham Bell also founded the National Geographic Society.
2. The Uisge Ban
Just outside of Baddeck lies one of the most pleasant hikes we took during our drive. The Uisge Ban (pronounced Ishkaban) hike is an easy 1.5 km stroll to a beautiful waterfall. The trail meanders through a mossy forest along a running stream, where roots twist around fallen tree trunks and rocks, creating small rapids.
The waterfall itself surprised us with its size, as we expected a much smaller set. It is a tall three-tiered cascade where you can swim or soak in the bottom pools. Although many trees block the view of the top, it is a wonderful spot to spend a day in nature.
3. North River Kayaking
North River Kayak Tours is a fantastic stop for all levels of kayaking. Located on the North River, your excursion starts in easy, flowing water and ends at the bay, where you’ll witness the Cape Breton Coast from an alternate perspective.
You can expect to see several bald eagles flying overhead, and we even spotted a nest with babies waiting for their mother. Fresh tea and baked goods are served during a break on a picturesque beach where paddlers can take a short hike to another lovely waterfall.
Consequently, this was one of the most enjoyable kayaking excursions we’ve had. It was a relaxed, easy-going half-day adventure that offered stunning views and great conversation.
4. Glenora Distillery
Technically located on the Cleideh Trail, the Glenora Distillery remains a great stop on your Cabot Trail Road trip. Glenora is the first single-malt whisky distillery in North America. Daily tours demonstrate how whisky is made, and there are tastings available. We purchased a bottle to take home, which is our favorite souvenir from our travels.
5. Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery
A quirky bakery along the Cabot Trail between North River Kayaking and Ingonish Beach, the Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery is not only a great stop for delicious coffee and pastries but also a fun photo opportunity.
There are not many lunch stops along this route, so ensure you bring snacks and plenty of water. However, be sure to stop and enjoy the few cafés you encounter; the best part of the Cabot Trail drive is meeting the friendly locals.
6. Ingonish Beach
The excitement of the Cabot Trail really begins once you reach Ingonish Beach, located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This area makes for a wonderful base for a day or two, given the beautiful beach and plentiful hikes in the vicinity. Moreover, there are excursions, boat tours, and kayak rentals available. A corner store is located about 10 km away where you can stock up on supplies.
7. Cape Smokey Gondola
The only gondola in Eastern Canada is located along this portion of the Cabot Trail. Take the gondola up to the summit of Cape Smokey Mountain, where views of Ingonish, Keltic Lodge, fishing boats, and Ingonish Island await. Once you reach the top, consider going for a hike to truly enjoy the scenery.
8. Lantern Walk
Parks Canada runs a lantern tour that begins at dusk, putting on a delightful show. Your guide lights lanterns to illuminate your way as you walk through the forest.
There is much history in this area, and our guide shared captivating tales of the early settlers. There are plenty of ghost stories as well. The mood is set with chanting in the forest, creating an entertaining and informative experience. It is one of the most unique activities you’ll ever encounter in a National Park!
9. Hike The Middle Head Trail
If you drive through the Keltic Lodge (which we highly recommend if you wish to splurge), you’ll find the entrance to the Middle Head Trail.
This 3.8 km route takes you through forests and fields, leading out to high cliffs offering expansive views of Ingonish Beach to the right and the winding Cabot Trail to the left along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The walk takes about two hours and is well-maintained.
10. Lakies Head
One of the most striking parts of the Cabot Trail is the rocky coast of Lakies Head. The shore is filled with rugged boulders, and visitors can walk out to explore the coast. A bridge and boardwalk lead you to a viewing platform where you can stop and take in the scenery.
11. Zodiac Tours at the Pier
As you proceed farther north, consider a turn onto Wharf Road off the Cabot Trail. This leads you briefly outside of Cape Breton Highlands National Park but into a charming fishing village.
Here, you’ll see the quintessential East Coast view of Cape Breton fishing boats lining the pier. You can stroll along the beach, and for a bit of excitement, take a zodiac tour to go whale watching.
12. White Point
Our next stop took us to White Point, situated outside the National Park. One of the most beautiful hiking trails on the Cabot Trail is the White Point Hiking Trail at Neil’s Harbour.
This trail offers excellent hiking that leads to stunning views overlooking the high sea cliffs.
Out on the point, you’ll find a cemetery that honors the Unknown Sailor lost at sea, marked with a wooden plaque and a large cross. Beside the Unknown Sailor’s grave is that of Dan Dixon, who was known for hiking daily to Point Hill and diligently maintaining the cemetery.
13. Neil’s Harbour
Neil’s Harbour is a quaint fishing village with colorful boats docked in the water, home to about 300 residents. Summer brings an influx of visitors stopping along the Cabot Trail. Don’t miss the Periwinkle cafe, the lighthouse ice cream parlour, and the zodiac whale tours leaving from here.
14. Coffee at the Pumpkin Patch
We savored some of the best coffee on our trip at the Pumpkin Patch, where everything is organic and the coffee delicious, but the homemade fudge truly stands out.
Consequently, it’s worth stopping here to grab a coffee to-go (and stock up on sweet treats). Located between Red River and the Skyline Trail, this spot is easy to miss!
15. Pleasant Bay – North Mountain Look-Off
Another notable stop off the Cabot Trail is the fishing village of Pleasant Bay, where we encountered many friendly local fishermen eager to share stories as we captured photographs.
Moreover, as you drive up to the North Mountain Look-Off, you’ll face a winding, steep ascent that heightens the excitement of the spectacular views that await. From this lookout, you can see the dramatic coastline of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the rugged cliffs of the Cape Breton Highlands.
The lookout is particularly beautiful in the fall when the foliage transforms into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow—making this a prime time to visit.
There’s a great location beside the parking lot where fishermen gather. You can sit in Muskoka Chairs to take in the breathtaking view. This might be an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic lunch, especially in October during the stunning fall foliage.
16. Mackenzie Mountain Look off
Mackenzie Mountain offers yet another splendid lookout point. From the highlands plateau, the Mackenzie Mountain Lookout grants stunning views of Pleasant Bay. If you’ve missed out on whale watching during your journey, now is a great opportunity to spot minke whales and pilot whales migrating through the area.
17. Skyline Trail
The moment you’ve been waiting for: the Skyline Trail is the most famous stop on the Cabot Trail, and justifiably so. This 7.5 km loop is one of the longer hikes on the trail, yet it’s quite easy, and the views are worth every minute. Hiking at sunset is highly recommended.
The sunsets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence are breathtaking, and the trail is less crowded during this time. We encountered about 10 other hikers while on the Skyline Trail, yet the area is so spacious that we scarcely noticed their presence.
There are several tiers for sunset watching where you can find more secluded spots by hiking down a narrow dirt trail further off the boardwalk to enjoy the scenery.
18. French Mountain
The Cabot Tail has some of the best scenic stops in Canada. If you have the time, pay close attention to road signs and stop at all lookout points. The classic view of the Cabot Trail is from the Veterans Monument halfway down French Mountain when driving counterclockwise.
There are easy hikes to waterfalls and even easier hikes to lookout points. The many stops along the Cabot Trail could easily fill a week of exploration.
We stopped at several turn-offs to enjoy the panoramic views. Another popular vista along the route is the Cap Rouge exhibit.
19. Beaches of the Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail boasts stunning secluded beaches. We paused at one after the Skyline Walk en route to Cheticamp, providing a picturesque stroll and a prime vantage point of the iconic winding road view of the Cabot Trail.
Stopping at the beaches along the Cabot Trail allows you to appreciate the massive sea cliffs and rolling hills’ scale. It’s rare to find such pristine beaches, making for a tranquil experience.
Few travelers stop here, so you will often have the beach to yourself—or perhaps share it with an artist capturing the scene.
The best beaches along the Cabot Trail include:
20. Epic Views
If you love taking road trips, you’ll be delighted exploring the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. The road meanders through the Highland Plateau, surrounded by lush, rolling hills. Truly, one beautiful view follows another.
21. Cheticamp
The Acadian Village of Cheticamp serves as an excellent base for hiking the Skyline Trail, located just 20 minutes from the trailhead. Be sure to visit the Elizabeth LeFort Gallery and Museum at Les Trois Pignons to admire her exceptional rug hook portraits. Cheticamp is also a great place to learn about French Acadians and their rich culture.
The Island Sun Resort, situated at the mouth of the Margaree River, is an ideal lodging option. Here, you can also try your hand at fly fishing in the Margaree River, regarded as one of the most beautiful rivers globally and designated as a heritage river.
Conclude your day with fresh Nova Scotia lobster or seafood. Once you’ve savored lobster in Nova Scotia, your culinary bucket list is surely complete.
And that’s a tour of Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail. Isn’t it amazing?
Conclusion
While the Cabot Trail can be driven in one short day, we suggest taking 3-5 days to drive it. There are countless attractions and activities that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Driving counterclockwise places you in the outer lane, enhancing views of the coast. However, the real beauty is experienced when you step out of the car. Accommodation should be arranged in advance. It is encouraged to establish a base for a day or two to explore and take day trips.
What to Pack for the Cabot Trail
Be sure to pack extra water and snacks in advance, as surprisingly, there are not many places to stop for food along the Cabot Trail. Hiking boots are essential for the many trails along the coast that deserve exploration.
We recommend water shoes for your Cape Breton adventure. The shores can be rocky, but water shoes allow you to hop in and out of kayaks, wade in shallow waters, and hike inland comfortably.
Accommodation along the Cabot Trail:
Glamping at Ingonish Beach
If you don’t have camping gear, the Otentik is an excellent option. These glamping-style accommodations can sleep up to eight people and are built on solid foundations, providing room to walk around and even enjoy card games at the wooden table inside.
All cooking and cleaning materials are supplied, including a small camp stove or the option to use the barbecue outside. It is a perfect introduction for first-timers who wish to experience rugged nature without sleeping in a tent.
- Inverary Resort at the start of the route on the West side of the Cabot Trail.
- Island Sun Resort for the Eastern side of the Cabot Trail.
- Camping or Otentiks in the National Park for the Northern portion of the route.
Map of the Cabot Trail, Canada
Click on the Interactive map for all the stops on the Cabot Trail that we mentioned.
Have you driven the Cabot Trail? What is your favorite road trip in the world? Our journey along the Cabot Trail was supported by Nova Scotia Tourism, with whom we captured adventures and photography around the beautiful regions of Nova Scotia. Discover more about exploring Nova Scotia at VisitNovaScotia.com. All opinions are our own.
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.
Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they offer the best flight deals.
Find Your Accommodation: Use these two providers for the best prices on hotels. If you are in Europe, use Booking.com, and for locations elsewhere, check out TripAdvisor.
Find Apartment Rentals: You can find the lowest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Don’t travel without coverage. Here is what we recommend:
- Safety Wing – Ideal for occasional travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Book Your Activities: Looking for guided tours, skip-the-line tickets, or private guides? We highly recommend Get Your Guide.
Need more help planning your trip? Don’t miss checking out our Resources Page where we highlight the great companies we trust while traveling.
