The Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic and beautiful drives that I’ve ever taken. There is a surprise around every corner, whether you visit a charming wharf in a small village or hike one of the many trails there is something for everyone here.
The Basics
The Cabot Trail makes a 185-mile loop around most of the Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia.
It passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
The trail passes through the northernmost part of the National Park, which is a 367-square-mile plateau cut by deep river valleys, this wilderness is home to black bears, bald eagles, and, of course, moose.
It was named one of the best road trips in the world by Lonely Planet.
How long does the drive take?
You can do this drive in as little as 5 hours, but that would mean no stops, no overlooks, no hikes, and no cute little towns. And you would really be missing out!
It’s advised that you give yourself at least 8 hours to drive around the Cabot Trail. This would give you time for a few stops along the way.
But if you only give yourself 8 hours then you will miss out on all those “surprises” around every corner because you will be rushing to fit it all in.
I think 3 days on the Cabot Trail would be the perfect amount of time.
Which direction should I drive?
You can take this loop in either direction.
You can start in Baddeck or the Trans Canada Highway.
Something to consider: If you travel the trail in a clockwise direction, you’ll be on the “inside” lane as you drive along both coasts. Not ideal, but there are tons of overlooks. However, this would be ideal for anyone afraid of driving near steep drop-offs.
If you are brave enough to take on the trail in the counter-clockwise direction, there is also less traffic going in this direction. This is due to the fact that you will be driving along the cliffs. You will also have better overall views driving in the counter-clockwise direction.
During what season should I visit?
Spring: The spring season is a time of emergence, the sea ice moves offshore, and the hiking trails are cleared of snow. The colorful buoys and traps are stacked high on the wharves in preparation for the lobster season.
Summer: There is so much to do in summer as the Cabot Trail comes to life. There is something for everyone, whether you want to play a round of golf, hike a trail or splash in the surf. Wander the charming villages, enjoy the festivals and explore all that the Cabot Trail has to offer.
Fall: I hope to get back during the fall season sometime as autumn colors are supposed to be amazing. Imagine enjoying all those activities set against a colorful palette of orange, yellow, gold, and red.
Winter: The Cabot Trail in winter promises its visitors many adventures. Try snowmobiling on the beautiful Highland trails. Challenge yourself on the groomed cross-country skiing trails of North Highlands Nordic Centre or downhill skiing at Ski Cape Smokey. Snowshoes open up a world of discovery for adventures along the shores or through the woods of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Speed Limits: 50 mph in tight areas, 56 mph on rural roads, 62 mph on highways with 2-way traffic, and 68 mph on divided highways.
Popular Stops:
- Baddeck
- Chéticamp, the largest village on Cape Breton Island’s Acadian coast
- Ingonish (and Ingonish Beach)
- Pleasant Bay
- Margaree Harbour
- Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands NP
Tips:
- BUG SPRAY – Trust me, if you are planning on getting out of your car at all, and especially if you are planning on doing any hiking, soak yourself in bug spray!
- If you go during the summer months you should expect traffic delays due to the sheer number of people who travel the trail.
- Tour buses and RV’s travel slowly because of the steep grades. So pack your patience for this one!
- There WILL be construction during the summer months on both the Cabot Trail and in Cape Breton Highlands National Park in general.
- Once you begin on the trail, ya kinda have to finish. It’s a loop trail!
- Check your breaks if you are driving your own car! Not gonna lie, I didn’t even consider having my breaks checked before this trip, but it turns out that I really should have. By the time I got home, my breaks were almost metal on metal. Whoops.
- This is a scenic drive so it’s smart to pay attention to the weather.
- Watch out for moose! They are most active at dusk and dawn. To be fair, I went out looking for them every day and only saw 1 big guy.
- Bring cash with you. If you do the entire trail then you won’t be able to avoid paying the entrance fee for Cape Breton Highlands National Park, but it’s 1000% worth it!
A little history:
The Cabot Trail was named after Italian explorer John Cabot (otherwise known as, Giovanni Caboto) who reached the shores of Nova Scotia in 1497. He was sailing on a mission for King Henry VII of England. The trails name also celebrates the meeting of Cabot and the original inhabitants of the island, the Mi’kmaq people, at Aspy Bay over 500 years ago.
The trail was completed in 1932 and joined previously isolated fishing villages along an approximate 300 km loop. Today the Cabot Trail connects eight major communities with fascinating histories, ranging from the Acadian Region to Irish and Scottish settlements.
So why is there such Scottish influence in Cape Breton? Well, the mid-1700s brought some major changes to the Highlands of Scotland with the end of the Highland Clan System, increased population and a dim future. Many sought a better place to live and new opportunities. Many Scot’s left their homeland and made new homes in Cape Breton.
Cape Breton has since become a stronghold of Gaelic culture, but it wasn’t only Scottish immigrants who called Cape Breton home. In the final years of the 18th Century, an early census showed many Irish immigrants were living in Cape Breton. In fact, in smaller numbers, they arrived before the Scot’s, coming from Ireland via Newfoundland. Irish Surnames are still found in many communities around the Cabot Trail.
Travel Through Photos:
Cabot Trail
*click photo to enlarge*
If you ever find yourself in Nova Scotia, do yourself a favor, and don’t skip The Cabot Trail!
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