SCENIC DRIVES · CAPE BRETON
The Cabot Trail is a roughly 300 km loop around the northern end of Cape Breton Island. It links Baddeck, the Margaree Valley, the Acadian community of Chéticamp, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Pleasant Bay, Ingonish and the St. Ann’s Bay area, and it is widely considered one of the most scenic drives in Canada.
The road climbs from sea level to the highland plateau and back several times, and that is what makes it memorable: big ocean views on the western side, deep wooded valleys inland and quieter coves on the east. Fall colour, usually around early to mid-October, is the busiest and most photographed season.
Lookouts, short walks and the Skyline Trail.
An Acadian fishing community on the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
A small harbour village below the Highlands.
Beaches and headlands on the Atlantic side.
Rivers and farmland on the western approach.
The lakeside village where most visitors join the Trail.
Sydney is about an hour from Baddeck, where most visitors join the Trail. The eastern side around Ingonish is closer to Sydney than the western side around Chéticamp.
Opening dates, fees and conditions change, so check the official source before you travel.
Driving the loop alone takes around five hours without stops, and most people spend a full day. From Sydney, add the drive to and from Baddeck.
Summer brings the longest days and the most services open. Late September to mid-October brings fall colours and busier roads.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Scenic drives
Follow the curves of the coastline, from quiet communities to sweeping Atlantic lookouts. Make room for the stops that catch your eye.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Nature & outdoors
Plan a Highlands day around open landscapes, fresh Atlantic air and the Skyline Trail. We will discuss walking time and route suitability with you.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Private journeys
Bring your wish list. We will help shape a private Cape Breton journey around the places, moments and experiences that matter to you.
