Nancy Parode is a freelance travel writer who has lived abroad three times. But, you'll likely miss out on some cool hikes and highlights. It would be nice to hear some music each nighthopefully we will get to. If you plan totake a walk or hike, bring insect repellentand use it liberally. If you have time, we really enjoyed the short hike to Uisge Ban Falls, which is just a 15-minute drive inland from downtown. This would give you time for a few stops along the way. Head toward the Neil Harbour Lighthouse for some ice cream (served in the lighthouse!). If you do see a moose, stop and wait for it to go away. Alternatively, driving allows visitors to explore the island of their own volition, making any stops they want along the way. The 185-mile road is the best way to see the highlights of Cape Breton as the route does a loop of the northern tip of the island. It is considered one of the best road trips in the world. Lets uncover your next trip together . I hope you enjoyed my guide to driving the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia! in English Literature and foray through digital marketing, her life path was made abundantly clear. Reasons to Travel the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia There are so many reasons to travel the Cabot Trail. Staff at the park can advise on the best wildlife viewing areas. The Coastal Trail is long so it'd be in your best interest to walk to Squeaker's Hole, explore the area . We drove the Cabot Trail in a counter clockwise direction starting in Baddeck and ending in Cheticamp. Stay the second night somewhere like Cape North or Dingwall. Subdivision STONEYBROOK SOUTH NORTH PRCL PH. Our cabin was so cute, very clean, and it had everything we needed. Leaving from either (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This age-old debate has left many conflicted, including neighbours, friends, and visitors alike. Bring along a fishing rod and cast a line into our many rivers or lakes, or try your luck in the ocean at Jersey Cove. Here are some of my favorites: The most beautiful winding roads. We discovered that the Coastal Trail starts/ends here, so we did a quick hike just before sunset, which took us to the top of the waterfall and along the cliffs. It is really hard to tell these things when looking at a map. Build some time into your itinerary for unexpected stops, slow meal service, and traffic issues. During the height of summer, the sun didn't set until well after 9:00 pm, so we could take our time exploring the 7.5 km loop beginning at 7pm. We stayed at Knotty Pine Cottages in Ingonish Harbour and I highly recommend staying here. A number of local outfitters also operate whale watching boat rides. It pays to plan ahead. It is 1/2 hour shorter than the 105, equally scenic and you will already have seen the most scenic parts of the 105. You can easily rent a car from the airport there - it's about a two-hour drive to Cape Breton. Also, the roads along the Cabot Trail have lots of turns and twists so it would be much more difficult to drive there in the winter. Navigating around the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia Cape Breton Island is easily accessible by Land, Sea or Air Travelling By Land Cape Breton Island is linked to mainland Nova Scotia by the Canso Causeway, a mile-long road and railway system that is part of the Trans Canada Highway. Neil's Harbor 9. The drive passes through Canada's Cape Breton Highlands National Park as well as a number of lovely fishing villages. Bathrooms 5 Full baths. Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park, Baddeck 3. Driving the Cabot Trail encompasses the best of Cape Breton Island. . The Cabot Trail makes a loop around Cape Breton Island, cutting across the top of the island and closely following the western and eastern coastlines. Read on to get inspired about how to make the most of a short trip around the picturesque trail. Directly across the street from the site is an adorable little flower-lined boardwalk overlooking Baddeck Bay. If you want to read more opinions about the pros and cons of taking on the Cabot Trail in both directions, the tourism board surveyed its staff to get their personal recommendations, which you can read here. Most people like to hike the Skyline Trail at sunset but we went in the afternoon and it was still incredible! The Cabot Trail is one of the world's most scenic drives, here's what you can do, and where to stay, if you're planning a weekend there or more. The world famous Cabot Trail is a scenic drive everyone should take the time to do at least once in their lifetime. Find a local radio station and listen to the island's music. Breakfast was included and it was pretty good! The town of Cheticamp is one of the largest French settlements in Nova Scotia. It travels for over 300 kilometers along the island's northern tip, passing through the Cape Breton Highlands. The Cabot Trail is popular with bird watchers and, while not common, bears, wolves, coyotes, and foxes are sometimes seen on the route. On Cape Breton, you need time for a few side trips as well, like to roam the Margaree Valley or to go to Meat Cove. Which way should you drive around the Cabot Trail? Unless you really want to go to Baddeck or say Iona in the middle of the island, you can come on the Island, Travel 19 and 219 all along the coast , loop into Margaree for a few hours or stay in that area , then head into the Highlands park, loop the Trail over to the Englishtown ferry, then over to Sydney /Louisburg /Glace Bay for a stay and then off the Island on Route 4. this gives you several opportunities to slow down but also catch up and see all the high spots . Seafood and especially shellfish are the undisputed stars on local menus. Your first choice will be to either drive around St. Ann's Bay or take the ferry in Englishtown. Many of the turnoffs into Cape Breton Highlands National Park are right turns if you travel clockwise. For the full Cabot Trail experience, you should set aside 3-5 days or plan to spend at minimum an entire day. However, a lot of people recommend that you take three or even five days to complete the trail. The world-famous Cabot Trail is the islands' most popular attraction. Sewer Private Sewer. The Cabot Trail makes a 185-mile (297-kilometer) loop around a sizeable chunk of the island, passing through Cape Breton Highlands National Park at its northernmost point. The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway in the northern part of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. In the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail is a picturesque road. 11 Fabulous Free Things To Do In Venice, Italy, 7 Fascinating Experiences In New Mexicos Hidden-Gem National Monument, 6 Alaska Towns That Make The Last Frontier First In Holiday Cheer, Why A Tour Of This Private Island In Nova Scotia Sells Out In Minutes, 11 Adorable Small Towns To Visit On Nova Scotias Southern Coast, Why Scallop Lovers Need This Quaint Canadian Town On Their Bucket List, 7 Reasons To Explore Stunning Peggys Cove, Nova Scotia, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, Hosteling International property in Pleasant Bay, how to spend a day in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lakies Head Lookout 7. To get the best weather and leave colour changing. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. We also saw a female moose near the parking lot! I hope you enjoy my guide to driving the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia! Technically, you can drive the full Cabot Trail in one day, however, we gave ourselves a bit more time in order to explore the national park, do some hiking . Drive 3h 5m. A. Don't rush your trip. For more information on what we did before and after the Cabot Trail, check out my blog post, The Ultimate 7 Day East Nova Scotia Road Trip., Pingback: Pleasant Bay 10. There are narrow roads, plus plenty of big bends and dips. We drove the Cabot Trail in mid-September, which was a perfect time to visit as the weather was still lovely and it was hardly busy. There are bears and other garbage-loving animals on Cape Breton Island. Cabot Trail in Cape Breton How long does it take to go around the Cabot Trail? We also got some seafood chowder at the infamous Chowder House, which was so delicious but very overpriced for the size. However, the word scenic is a bit misleading. The Airbnb is a log home owned by a very friendly older woman who has adorable rescued cats. However, there are no international chain hotels and many accommodations are seasonal in nature. My personal opinion for "doing" Cape Breton, particularly if you want to take in all the attractions it has to offer, is to stay in a couple of places. 5 2) There are plenty of hikes on the coast and within the park itself: 6 3) Whale sightings: 7 4) Visit Black Brook Cove Beach. Take a stroll through the adorable downtown area and at the end youll reach the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, a museum dedicated to the inventor. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-25397945', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Sydney or Louisbourg it is better to take Hwy 4 then 104 along the south east shore of the Bras d'Or Lakes and through St Peter's. If you're traveling from Newfoundland on the ferry via North Sydney, start your Cabot Trail road trip in Baddeck, as it's just a 40-minute drive from the ferry. The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway in the northern part of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. First things first, decide how much time you have to explore the Cabot Trail. Most visitors want to stop here and there along the Cabot Trail, not only to stretch their legs or take photos but also to more fully enjoy the Cabot Trail experience. It is well worth a stop here to see the scenic area and experience the warm hospitality. You could spend the first night somewhere between Mabou and the Margaree Harbour area where, virtually any night of the week, you can find a local "ceilidh". The drive around St. Ann's Bay is really beautiful! Some drivers do not pay attention to opposing traffic; they pull off and swerve toward an available parking place. It's advised that you give yourself at least 8 hours to drive around the Cabot Trail. Finally, youll find Scottish Gaelic around the routes center and eastern areas. Nearby grocery stores include Kroger, Harps Food Store, and Walmart Grocery Pickup & Delivery. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-25398055', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cape Breton around it (unless it fit in nicely). Cyclists and yes, there are many hearty, experienced souls who bike the Cabot Trail prefer going clockwise in order to benefit from the prevailing winds on the west side. To have an enjoyable trip, eat some good food, stop at a few gift shops, lookoffs and short hikes, you need an absolute minimum of one full day. Bedrooms 6. From there we stayed in Port Hood, which was lovely. My personal opinion for "doing" Cape Breton, particularly if you want to take in all the attractions it has to offer, is to stay in . Middle Head Trail Hiking 6. Above all, take your time and enjoy the experience. The Cabot Trail cuts right through the park, and you will not be able to avoid paying the fee to use the road. Baddeck is often where travelers will begin or end a trip around the Cabot Trail, so this is a good place to book a starting location or a place to book a final overnight stay. It takes 4-5 hours to drive the Cabot Trail if you wanted to do the entire loop in one day. Probably, by this time he will have plenty of photos of them anywaybut, just wondering. Keep an eye out for the community of St. Anns, home to the Gaelic College, which provides programming about the Gaelic language, music, dance, and crafts. After many travels during a B.A. Stand atop the rolling hills and stare down at the bay below. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-25398748', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight back on the 19th. We picked up very yummy sandwiches from Rusty Anchor in Pleasant Bay for a picnic lunch on the Skyline Trail. It is a frequent entry on top 10 lists of the most beautiful driving routes in the world and is a favorite for the top slot on many best drives in Canada roundups. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Continue along through Ingonish you will probably want to stop for photos of this lovely coastal beach town! Some other restaurants in Cheticamp that were recommended to us are Labri Restaurant (reserve in advance), Le Gabriel Restaurant, and Harbour Restaurant. We will just pass throughstop if we see something interesting. Hike or snowshoe a local trail, or one of our rocky shores. Also, approximate time to drive from Baddeck to Louisbourg Fortress? Soon we saw signs for Hopewell Rocks. Moose are common along the Cabot Trail, especially the portion of the drive that goes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This also means a more gradual climb along Cape Smokey. Highly recommend it! Each will start their journey in Baddeck before traveling in their preferred direction around the Trail. If you would like to drive the Cabot Trail clockwise, you can follow my guide in reverse. Because we had a busy day the next day, we decided to cover as much of the road as we could. Cabot Trail in a Day. The Margaree region, on Cape Breton's west side, features beautiful farmland and green valleys. But many travelers with a flexible itinerary must choose between going clockwise, which means your car is hugging the interior of the road against the forest and rock face, or counterclockwise, which means your car is on the exterior lane of the road closest to the ocean, the scenic lookouts, and the plunging cliffs. All in, you have a drive that can take the better part of a day. The Cabot Trail is mainly a scenic drive. I suggest travelling Cape Breton in one large loop, turning left when you come on to the Island and going up Hwy 19/219 along the "Ceilidh Trail" first. I recommend 3-4 days for driving the Cabot Trail, depending on how much you want to see and if you want to take your time. You could easily spend several days along the route, enjoying slow travel at its finest. While this direction is less popular (it's billed as the direction for the brave driver), it may be easier to handle if you dislike slow traffic, as fewer people travel counter-clockwise. I think that the Fort and possibly a performance that evening will be our lasts things to do on CBI before returning to the main island and our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Is this a windy road? The trail passes through many charming communities, each with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable hospitality. Youll hear about them in local newspapers, such as the Inverness County Oran, on bulletin boards at restaurants and other popular spots frequented by tourists, and by word of mouth. You can often buy small concessions like soda or coffee on site, and many ceilidhs include a tea or lunch midway in the evening. That first trip is what ignited a lifelong passion, and it's one that continues to be fueled through pen and paper Or, in this case, a keyboard and a computer screen. The Cabot Trail also goes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a superb hiking destination. The perfect spot for sunset. If you're flying into Nova Scotia, you'll most likely land in Halifax. You should allow at least 8 hours to drive around the Cabot Trail, starting from Baddeck or the Trans Canada Highway, this will give you time for some stops (highly encouraged). A short drive farther up the hill to find Fundy's Cape Enrage yielded great views. The Kintyre Farm Outdoor Scottish Concert on Sunday, August 15 at Kintyre Farm on River Denys Road at 3pm would be worth attending but I'm not sure I would plan my whole time in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You may also findthat the stunning coastal scenery and the gentle allure of local museums and shops might takemore time than planned. On our first day driving the Cabot Trail, we drove from Pictou, Nova Scotia, so we arrived at our first stop on the trail at midday. There are so many beautiful sights to see and outdoor activities. You could also drive the last stretch of the Cabot Trail Road and end up back where you started. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. There are plenty of whale watching companies in Ingonish, Bay St Lawrence, Pleasant Bay and Cheticamp. Driving clockwise is also considered easier for those in small vehicles. At nearly 300km, we decided to explore the Cabot Trail in two halves: west coast one day, east coast the other. 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After whale watching we went back to Rusty Anchor for a delicious lunch overlooking the ocean. Savor this time by including a hike to a waterfall or spend a few moments at a scenic overlook. Whichever direction you choose, you need to be aware of a few essential facts: According to the Cabot Trail tourism map, available at Nova Scotia welcome centers and various museums and merchants on Cape Breton Island, the entire Cabot Trail drive takes approximately five hours. Gas up before you start driving. Other areas of the drive are heavily forested with old-growth trees. Photo Credit: David Li French is a local lingua franca as well, as a significant portion of the route goes through traditional Acadian French land in the north. Heed the call of the ocean and join a kayak tour . The next day head north through Cheticamp into the Cape Breton Highlands National Park where you can take in a hike like the "Skyline Trail" and a whale watching trip out of Pleasant bay. Theres even a Hosteling International property in Pleasant Bay! Many drivers do not survive direct encounters with these large animals. Visit Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We went with Guaranteed Whales and although we had an amazing boat ride and saw some seals, we ironically did not any whales. You can find a comprehensive list of Cabot Trail restaurants here, including information on hours of operation and menu choices. According to the Cabot Trail tourism map, available at Nova Scotia welcome centers and various museums and merchants on Cape Breton Island, the entire Cabot Trail drive takes approximately five hours. White Point Trail Head Hike 8. Hit the Cabot Trail Road and make your way toward Ingonish. Local ambassadors traveled around the world famous Cabot Trail to determine which direction is best. The Cabot Trail is located on the island of Cape Breton in stunning Nova Scotia. You won't be sorry; in fact, you'll wish you'd planned more time for the Cabot Trail. Due to overcast weather, my pictures dont do it justice! This hike was one of my favourite moments on our trip. You can be in a fog one minute and emerge into the sunshine the next. If you are camping, be sure to secure your food so bears cannot reach it. Shot on a #GooglePixel XL on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 (49:08 and on), 2017, in #CapeBreton, #NovaScotia. We are however 75 & 80 years old. Besides the natural beauty to be found here, the Cabot Trail immerses you in the still vibrant Gaelic and Acadian cultures of Cape Breton. As an example: Day 1: arrive in Baddeck from mainland Nova Scotia in the afternoon, check out Alexander Graham Bell Museum and walk the main street. The following include flush toilets, shower, oTENTiks - so minimal camping gear is needed. Margaree River. I recommend 3-4 days for driving the Cabot Trail, depending on how much you want to see and if you want to take your time. Along the way, there are plenty of attractions, including beaches, community shops, museums, churches, and special events including festivals, concerts, and more. 5 hours (or multiple days) Food: Grocery stores, farmer's markets, seasonal restaurants, and more Accommodation: Campgrounds, lodges, hotels, hostels, and more Highlights: Trails, campgrounds, artisan shops, look-offs, and more Q. Okso I have made the loops and stopped here and there, seen the Fort.and it is time to make my way back to Hailifax and fly out. The loop drive is 298km (186mi) long. We had a delicious lunch at High Wheeler Cafe. Awesome.thanks for that tip. At 298 kilometers (185 miles), it's ideal for a four-day road trip. However, the word "scenic" is a bit misleading. Echoing the oceanside coastline comparable to that of Maine, Breton Island offers seaside views with dramatic cliffsides that one could only dream of. Nova Scotia's roads are, for the most part, well-maintained. For this article, I will focus on the most popular and must-see hike, the Skyline trail. The Cabot Trail is a 298KM (186 mile) driving route around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and along the coastline. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Thanks for the advice on the Judique festival as well. If you are planning to stop along the Acadian coast, in the national park or near Ingonish's beaches, take a few minutes to think about how long you plan to spend at each place. There is a Parks Canada booth on the Cabot Trail Road at both ends of the park (the other end is in Petit Etang) where you can purchase a Parks Canada pass for the duration of your stay within the park boundaries. Visitors to Cape Breton can explore the trail in a number of ways, with the two most popular options being by car and by foot (hiking). The next day head north through Cheticamp into the Cape Breton Highlands National Park where you can take in a hike like the "Skyline Trail" and a whale watching trip out of Pleasant bay. Next up is a must-do on the Cabot Trail: the Skyline Trail hike. Here, you can travel to a . You can definitely drive the Cabot Trail in one day. Centres and our Contact Centre what their recommendations are to experience the best of Cape Breton Island's famous Cabot Trail. #CabotTrail #ExploreNS Although it was slightly inconvenient, Im glad that we had the time to do so because we were able to see both perspectives. Today is the first day that youll really start to experience the gorgeous scenery and landscape of Cape Bretons coastline. The island itself is home to more things than could fit in a single week, so for those looking to get the most out of their island activities, driving is definitely the way to go. I HIGHLY recommend this two hour hike. The Cabot Trail is well-marked, easy to drive, and filled with tons of attractions. We stayed at Auberge Giseles Inn, which I actually thought was a bed and breakfast, but it turned out to be a small hotel. The Ultimate 7 Day East Nova Scotia Road Trip., A Guide to Huntsville, Ontario in the Fall, The Ultimate 7 Day East Nova Scotia Road Trip, A Perfect Week in Banff and Jasper, Alberta, The Ultimate 7 Day East Nova Scotia Road Trip - Trips to Uncover, A Complete Guide to the Amalfi Coast, Italy, 10 Things to Do in Niagara Region, Ontario. The beauty of driving the Cabot Trail in the summer is that the days are long and you can pack a lot of scenic stops into one day. This inland town is flat and miles from the sea, and life here is centered around the Bras dOr Lakes. There are many answers, and we've compiled the best suggestions to help you plan your next trip. Nova Scotia's harsh winters and summer tourists' vehicles take their toll on the Cabot Trail. 10. Only on the Cabot Trail itself are the speeds a little lower, and even there the limit is usually 80 km/h. Thanksthese are very good suggestions. On this day we had delicious avocado toast for breakfast in Ingonish at Main Street Restaurant. The patio overlooked the water, which was nice. Parts of it are, but not all. Margaree Harbour and villages in the Margaree River valley, for fishing, the Salmon Museum, and water sports, Chticamp, the largest village on Cape Breton Island's Acadian coast, Hiking trails and scenic viewpoints ("look-offs") in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish and the surrounding beaches, for water sports, golf, and scenery, St. Ann's, for the Gaelic College and local art studios, Baddeck, for the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, golf and summer ceilidhs (Celtic music and dance events). WHEN TO VISIT THE CABOT TRAIL. If you like hiking, you could spend even longer driving the Cabot Trail as there are many beautiful hiking trails. North River Kayak Tours 4. Passing lanes are few and far between. Add this to your five hour drive time to determine when you should begin your Cabot Trail adventure. The park ranger will give you a map of the park, marked with trails, picnic areas, and sites of interest. However, Cape Breton Island is made up of mountains covered in trees, so the drive would have been incredible later in the fall when the leaves change colour. The World Famous Cabot Trail! If you only have a day, love to eat delicious food and want to see "everything" - this is the perfect one day itinerary of the Cabot Trail! To enter the National Park, you need to pay a fee of $7.50 a day (as of 2020). The Cabot Trail is a 185-mile driving loop that has picturesque lookout points, miles of hiking trails, lush forests and 360 degree beauty, plus quaint crafty shops, harbors and delectable fish eateries. Another popular hike near here is the Franey Trail, which has incredible views from the top of a mountain. Choose the best weather days available to make this trip. The Skyline trail has two options. How long is the Cabot Trail from Baddeck to Louisbourg? Next:This Nova Scotia Island Is Free To Explore, But Not For The Faint-Hearted, Katie boarded a plane by herself for the first time at the tender age of 12 to traverse nearly 9,000 miles halfway across the world. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. Daily fees (as of 2019) are Can$7.80 per adult, Can$6.80 per senior, Can$15.70 per family group (up to 7 in one vehicle), and under 17 free. Many visitors to Cape Breton Island set aside an entire dayor several daysto see the Cabot Trail's sights. Put on some sunscreen, too. Welcome to this recently built 3-bedroom ocean side, cliff-top vacation home located on the Cabot Trail within 10 minutes of the restaurants, shops and the Le Portage Golf Course in Cheticamp and close to the Skyline Trail. The Cabot Trail is a highway and scenic roadway in northern Victoria County and Inverness County on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Strong preferences are part of the local culture, and there are plenty of arguments to back up each perspective! Enjoy the views, a beer, and a stretch of your legs at Big Spruce. Driving around the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you crash into one, the best you can expect is an extended hospital stay. Slow down to the posted speed, even if you are an expert driver and the sun is shining. It is named after the explorer John Cabot who landed in Atlantic Canada in 1497, although modern historians agree his landfall likely took place in . We loved the backyard and private beach, especially at sunset. From here, walk along Water Street for great views of the harbour and all of the boats. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-25369436', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cabot Trail..from say, Baddeck to Baddeck? The Cabot Trail is a scenic roadway 298km (or 186 miles) long that circles around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The curves are sharp, the grades are steep, and the other drivers may not be experienced mountain drivers. Our first glimpse of the dramatic Cape Breton coast on the Cabot Trail. This is a very popular attraction, however we chose not to visit. I highly recommend staying here or at any Airbnb on the ocean! If you are driving your own car, be sure the brakes are in good shape before attempting this drive. It is named for explorer John Cabot, and early explorer in 1497shortly after Columbus chose the Caribbean . Her blog, TurnipseedTravel, focuses on cozy, affordable travel adventures and was named one of the 100 most influential travel blogs in the world by the White House in 2014. In the peak summer months and during the autumn Celtic Colours festival season, you might not get your first-choice accommodations unless you book in advance. While it might seem like a lot to hike, there are plenty of ways to break up the journey, including multi-day tours and guided hikes. We decided to end our time on the Cabot Trail Road here and went to beautiful Inverness, which I highly recommend. The loop is roughly 300 km long and while this is certainly a good distance, it can be driven in several hours (if you don't plan on stopping), but because you absolutely DO plan on stopping and soaking everything in because you're a good little traveller, I would look forward to spending a solid 9 to 10 hour day completing the drive. The beaches in this area are fantastic and the water is warm. It's open all year round and completes a loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the scenic Cape Breton Highlands. Stop at a bakery or restaurant and eat with the locals. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all, my husband and I (both early 50s) are thinking of taking a trip next year, first 2 weeks in Oct. We have never visited the area and as we are travelling from the UK, we want to see as much as we can but without overstretching ourselves, just. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. If you plan and get an early start, you will still be able to complete your drive before sunset. I'd suggest 2-3 days, th Driving in Ireland: What You Need to Know, 10 Top Road Trip Routes in the Northeastern US, The Best Places to See Fall Colors in Canada, Cape Cod National Seashore: The Complete Guide, What to See and Do in Crater Lake National Park, The Complete Guide to Driving Maui's Road to Hana. English isnt the only language spoken in communities along the Cabot Trail and its definitely not the only language youll see on the signage! Because there are so many scenic overlooks, cultural heritage sites and hiking trails on the Cabot Trail, spending some time planning your excursion will make your road trip much more enjoyable. We had a pretty good lunch at Seagull Restaurant and we also grabbed a yummy wrap from Brookside Takeout. The Cabot Trail, a scenic roadway that takes you around the greater part of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, is one of the most famous drives in Canada. Make your first stop in Dingwall at The Markland Coastal Beach Cottages for a great view. Of course, in some circumstances, you may have your route dictated to you by default depending on where you are going and what is on your itinerary. It winds along the northern tip of the island for about 185 miles. You can easily drive the Cabot Trail in a day, even taking into account the slower traffic and plenty of scenic stops. You will need to bring cash for the Cape Breton Highlands National Park entrance fee. Therefore, its no surprise that its on so many travelers bucket lists. It's biggest claim to fame, however, is the gentle Margaree River, which flows through the region for 120 km. But in smaller villages, the selection is understandably limited and in the off-season, restaurants may be closed or only open part-time. Tips for making the most of your coastal island road trip. I still highly recommend getting out on the water if you have time! The Cabot Trail, however, has sections that could stand to be completely repaved. On our way back to Ingonish, we stopped at Black Brook Cove Beach where you can see a waterfall on the cliff. You could spend the first night somewhere between Mabou and the Margaree Harbour area where, virtually any night of the week, you can find a local "ceilidh". Fans of Ireland and Scotland love visiting Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail because the rolling green hills look so familiar to what youll see on the other side of the ocean. No matter which route you take, youre in for an amazing drive! We've compiled their suggestions below to help you plan . However, while the most famous part of the Cabot Trail is indeed the oceanside drive along the highlands, thats just one portion of the adventure. Pay attention as you enter and exit the scenic look-off areas. Some of the more popular Cabot Trail stops include: If you have extra time, plan to drive up to Cabot's Bay (the presumed site of John Cabot's landing in 1497) and Bay St. Lawrence. Below is the itinerary we followed, covering the trails, the very essential cafe breaks and a few unique little stop offs. Whether you visit before or after cruising the Cabot Trail, heres how to spend a day in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Gas stations are few and far between on the Cabot Trail. Pronounced kay-lee, this is the Gaelic word for a social gathering or kitchen party, and its a word youll hear a lot of along the Cabot Trail, no matter what language youre speaking! Driving around the Cabot Trail from Baddeck to Baddeck is about 3 3/4 to 4 hours of driving time. There are literallyhundredsof things to do on Breton Island at any one time, but here are some to consider factoring into a road trip. Of all the words in all these languages, theres just one thats essential to know during your road trip: ceilidh. My best friend and I chose to drive the Cabot Trail COUNTER-CLOCKWISE so that we could be closer to the ocean and pull off to the lookouts easily. If your top priority is to stay in only one place then Baddeck makes sense but you will spend a lot of time driving back and forth and won't be able to squeeze in as much as you can by moving around. After marching on the rocks and rough sand, we took the chance to relax a bit on the cool gravel beach. The (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you like hiking, you could spend even longer driving the Cabot Trail as there are many beautiful hiking trails. A 367-square-mile. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-25373652', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cabot Trail is likely your farthest destination, so l always say plan the time so you have at least an extra day to play with when on Cape Breton . How long to spend on the Cabot Trail? What is the best way to travel around the Cabot Trail? This gives you access to the park and all of the hikes! Guaranteed Whales is nice enough to give back 25% of the price charged if no whales are seen. Once they finish the 298km route, they will . You should have no difficulty driving from Halifax to Cheticamp in under six hours, with no dawdling along the way. Driving it is a lot slower, too. I am just trying to get a fix on time . not that I plan to do it this way. But Nova Scotia is probably best known for the Cabot Trail in the far northeastern corner that takes in the dramatic coastal views on Cape Breton Island. Jun 2022. However, we also ended up having to backtrack and drive the Cabot Trail clockwise due to various reasons, so we were able to experience parts of the road in both directions. The music you will get at the Judique on the Floor Festival (12-15 August) will be no better than the music you will get everywhere around the island. How much time should I take? The weather on Cape Breton Island can vary from moment to moment. Reward yourself with a delicious treat from Aucoin Bakery in Petit Etang and continue on to Cheticamp for the night. What is the actual driving time to do the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Pack your patience. Since the Cabot Trail snakes its way around a majority of the island, it's easy enough to find good accommodations depending on a variety of budgets. Tour buses and RVs move very slowly on the grades. I highly recommend driving up to Neils Harbour, youll stop by some amazing lookouts on your way. The trail itself can be driven in one day but the question remains - why would anyone want to do it in a day? In short, the Cabot Trail is more diverse than you might think! Here's some basic info about it: Contents [ hide] 1 Where is the Cabot trail located? Ingonish Beach 5. The Cabot Trail makes a 298 km (185 mile) loop around the northern part of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia passing through the very scenic and hilly Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Then head toward Meat Cove Campground for views that youll never forget. . 2 Here is a map of the Cabot Trail: 3 10 things to see and do while on this scenic road: 4 1) Stop at the Clucking Hen Cafe. Before finding a home with TheTravel, her focus was indie publications and she has been published with Bolde, The Arts Fuse, The Silver Tongue, LI Pulse, Tattooed Heroine Magazine, and more. Called the beginning and the end of the 300-kilometre Cabot Trail loop, Baddeck is your perfect jumping-off point for this iconic Nova Scotia scenic drive. In addition to traditional park activities, such as camping, hiking, and fishing, check the park's websitefor information about special events and programs throughout the year. It is another beautiful trail! The Cabot Trail loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, 185 miles or 298 km long. In smaller areas, like St. Anns and Ingonish, youll likely find just one or two choices open year-round. If you are hopping on the Cabot Trail road at the south end, I highly recommend stopping at Big Spruce Brewing. The best part the view from our deck was incredible. What the map does not tell you is that this time is calculated without any stops. The Cabot Trail loops in either direction, so you can plan your route accordingly. Shop for Cape Breton quilts, fine art, even an antique. After we had lunch we headed to Margaree Harbour, another beautiful coastal beach town. Use extra caution if you are driving the Cabot Trail in fog, mist, or rain, all of which are common on Cape Breton Island. This is a buffet of coffee, tea, sweets, and sometimes light sandwiches and is especially common at ceilidhs designed as community fundraisers. Days On Market 9 Days. 8982 CABOT CLIFFS DRIVE. Those who choose to visit Highlands National Park can also opt to spend the night at a campsite there, making the visit very affordable. Because there is only one road around the island, a serious accident can create traffic problems very quickly. This winding road spans roughly 186 miles and encompasses the entire northern half of the island. From Margaree Harbour you have a few options for what to do. The next day finish off the Trail and head for the Sydney Louisbourg area where you would spend the next day doing the cape Breton Miner's Museum in Glace bay, followed by the Fortress of Louisborg. We were supposed to go whale watching on this day in Bay St Lawrence, which is off the Cabot Trail Road at the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. Driving the Cabot Trail. The route measures 298 km (185 mi) in length and completes a loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands. If nothing else, the trail should be driven in no less than three days, which could make it a perfect weekend trip, as well. Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning writer specializing in travel, food and drink, lifestyle, and current events. For dinner in Cheticamp we went to the Doryman Pub, which was okay. Once you begin this drive, you have to finish it, either by completing the loop or by turning around and retracing your path. Dispose of all trash in covered, designated containers, particularly in the national park. However, it wouldn't be much fun. Named after Italian explorer John Cabot, who landed on these shores in 1497, the winding coastal route climbs from sea-swept beaches and sleepy fishing villages to forested slopes and cliff-tops. For instance, a common starting point is the town of Baddeck. On Cape Breton Island, a ceilidh can be a casual affair of neighbors gathering for music and drinks at home or a more-organized event at a community center, church hall, or cafe with a slate of musicians, a host, and a small admission fee. There are pros and cons to both, and neither is the best way to explore the trail - just another option to see an absolutely stunning island route! The average rate is $33/night with an $11 reservation fee, plus a $16 daily admission fee for two adults. Watch for moose. At most public ceilidhs, admission and concessions are cash only. Driving counter-clockwise may give you a better view of some of the more spectacular ocean vistas along the way. The Cabot Trail loops in either direction, starting from Baddeck or the Trans Canada Highway, this will give you time for some stops. Drive from Antigonish to Cabot Trail 190.4 km. This time you can just cruise and not stop for photos! It passes through Cape Brenton Highlands and Highlands National Park. If youre planning a trip to Nova Scotia, here are 10 important things you should know about driving the Cabot Trail. This isnt just a driving route its also a lifeline that connects dozens of small towns and even smaller villages. The Cabot Trail makes a 185-mile (298-kilometer) loop around a sizeable chunk of the island, passing through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park at its northernmost point. You can always leap from Cape Breton to a destination on the mainland even say to Lunenburg leaving from say to Sydney with a 6 hour trip. If you plan to drive to Meat Cove, one of the northernmost points on the island, be aware that the road is a combination of gravel, dirt, and mud. The Cabot Trail is about 300 km (185 miles) and loaded with scenic viewpoints, so it's not one you'd want to rush. Long Weekend On The Cabot Trail. Whether youre doing the Cabot Trail in one day or several, make some time for Pleasant Bay. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Newfoundland's Northern Arm: Viking Trail Road Trip You may be tempted to drive the Cabot Trail in just one day since it's only 298km in length, but I strongly advise against this! Rates are in CAN and may differ when converted to USD. Called the beginning and the end of the 185-mile Cabot Trail loop, Baddeck is your perfect jumping-off point for this iconic Canadian drive. We stayed in a private room at an Airbnb in Cheticamp that was right on the ocean. It is a 298 km (185 mi) loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.. The 3.8 kilometre pathway winds through a shaded forest before emerging along the coastline, and ends at an incredible lookout point where you're surrounded by shimmering blue water and craggy cliffsides. There are potholes, bumpy cold-patched areas and gravelly spots along the way. In major towns, like Baddeck, Cheticamp, and Margaree, there are several restaurants to choose from. From June to mid-October, the Whale Interpretive Centre is open and kids, in particular, will love seeing the life-size model of a giant pilot whale, plus a tank of live sea creatures. Drive to the end of the Keltic Road and you will reach the Middle Head Trail parking lot. This is easy if you plan to drive theloop in one day, but becomes more difficult if you are spending a couple of days on the Trail. Your first stop should be the historic Keltic Lodge at the Cape Breton Highlands Links golf course and the Middle Head Trail. Click on the map below, or here, to zoom in and out and follow along. Some other places I heard good things about are Coastal Restaurant, and Salty Roses & the Periwinkle Cafe, which looked super cute. You cannot cut across the center of Cape Breton Island. Both sit on a strip of land on a high bluff that juts out into the ocean. The Cabot Trail is considered to be one of the best places for a cycling tour in all of North America and on the 'must do' list of many a serious biker. The tiny community of Pleasant Bay marks the Cabot Trails midway point and is the whale watching capital of Cape Breton Island. The Cabot Trail is one of the most popular Canada destinations and one of the best-known driving routes in the world. You will now be entering the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We have read several articles about the challenges of driving the Cabot Trail; switch backs . For more info on the Airbnb in Cheticamp: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/20150959. Since this will be a good drive along the lake (and my husband is quite partial to eagles and loves to photograph them) is there a spot along that route 4 that is particularly good for eagles? Her bylines include USA Today, Canadian Traveller, Ontario Tourism, The Globe and Mail, and more. I highly recommend this road trip for anyone looking to explore Canada and admire the Atlantic ocean. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. The Cabot Trail is located on the island of Cape Breton in stunning Nova Scotia. While they look goofy in photos, these are strong, sturdy, agile animals who wont hesitate to protect their young and should never be approached. Here are some helpful tips for those considering one or the other, or maybe even both. Here are six recommended trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park that can be found along the Cabot Trail: Skyline trail, Franey trail, Acadian trail, Fishing Cove trail, Aspy trail and Middle Head trail. Thirty kilometres of the Trail includes the Trans-Canada Highway. They also have a food truck and beer for purchase! The Cabot Trail, a scenic roadway that takes you around the greater part of Nova . This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. You do notwant your brakes to fail on one of the 13 percent grades. Cycling is about a 6 day trip. Many folks travel to Nova Scotia just to take this drive, making it a 3-4 day vacation. Note that if you have a seafood allergy or prefer vegetarian dining, youll want to scope out your options well before you travel. The room was average, and the hotel definitely needs updating. Along the trail, youll find cottages, rental properties, campgrounds, motels, old-fashioned bed and breakfast properties, and a few elegant inns and holiday resorts (mostly privately owned and operated hotels by the Bras dOr Lakes). If you travel in a clockwise direction, you'll be on the "inside" lane as you drive along both coasts. Follow along on my adventures on social media! The beginning of the hike is nothing special but once you reach the wooden steps, the views are unforgettable. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. What the map does not tell you is that this time is calculated without any stops. You never know when you will come upon an accident. Bring appropriate clothing and be ready for abrupt changes. 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 and the Atlantic Coast. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Baddeck 2. Today youll drive part of the Cabot Trail Road that you drove yesterday. At 185 miles, the Cabot Trail is longer than most people think. Along the way youll probably spot signs in Mikmaq, an indigenous language, too. Not stopping except to do a lookover and then going on. Take your time, especially on blind curves. Additionally, there is great Celtic music at the Louisbourg Playhouse every night of the week and at the Gaelic College at St Ann's every Wednesday night. Baddeck to Louisbourg is 1 hour and 20 minutes each way. That night go to the Louisbourg Playhouse for 2 hours of great cape breton music. You can definitely drive the Cabot Trail in one day. Although whale watching was cancelled due to high winds, we decided to drive up to that area anyway and Im so glad that we did we saw some of our favourite scenery! The Cabot Trail Road in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia is an infamous loop road with beautiful scenery on Canadas beautiful east coast. It is a loop, so it doesn't have a technical beginning and end, but most people start either in Baddeck or Margaree/Cheticamp. Going counter-clockwise, head north from Baddeck for 20 kms on the Trans-Canada, and then the Trail starts properly at the turn-off for the Gaelic College. This charming brewery is on the Trans Canada Highway 105, just before it connects to the Cabot Trail Road. How long is the Cabot Trail ? Named after Italian explorer John Cabot, who landed on these shores in 1497, the winding coastal route climbs from sea-swept beaches and sleepy fishing villages to forested slopes and cliff . There is a ceilidh almost every night of the week somewhere on the west coast of Cape Breton (http://www.invernessco.ca) . Our main reason for coming to Cape Breton was to drive the world-famous Cabot Trail; a scenic highway that measures 297 kilometres and forms a loop around the northern tip of the island. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The Cabot Trail is a 185 mile loop of jaw-dropping beauty in the northern part of Cape Breton Island (roughly two-thirds of the Cabot Trail is Atlantic coastline). This isn't just a pretty drive, but rather one of the most famed roads in the world, renowned for its views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Breton highlands. Many people tackle the 185 mile Cabot Trail scenic drive as a daytrip, starting at one of the more southern towns and . There's so much to see and do that most suggest reserving at least five days, preferably seven, in order to see all that it has to offer. Better brace yourself for an opinionated answer before you quiz a local! In order to do the Cabot Trail comfortably in a day you will . The Ultimate 7 Day East Nova Scotia Road Trip - Trips to Uncover on October 17, 2021, My name is Michelle. How long to drive the trail It is about an 8 hour trip around the trail, so why not split the journey in 2, stay at the Little Brook Cottage which is half way point and enjoy all that the Cabot Trail and the Highlands national park has to offer at a more leisurely pace. The Cabot Trail is considered one of the world's most scenic destinations, with stunning ocean vistas, old-growth forests, prehistoric rock scarred by glacie. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-25369902', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cabot Trail from Baddeck to Baddeck is about 3 3/4 to 4 hours of driving time. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. You can take a whale watching trip here (allow two to three hours) or enjoy the maritime scenery. Popular hikes include the Franey loop which takes two to three hours, as well as Middle Head trail. Do we need to reserve a place ahead of time at the Louisburg playhouse? The Cape Breton Highlands National Park lies along the Cabot Trail, providing world class hiking. And you would really be missing out! If you plan to pause for meals, hikes or sightseeing beyond the occasional photo stop, you will need to allow an entire day, at a minimum, to drive the Cabot Trail. Because the road goes up and down steep grades and curves, the clockwise direction is better for drivers (and passengers) who dislike driving next to steep drops. For dinner, The Freight Shed is a must the Haddock Parisienne Vin Blanc was delicious. MLS# S5077637. Depending on where you are coming from to start your journey on the Cabot Trail, you might be able to do more on this day but this is what we had time for. Cabot Trail is Nova Scotia [Latin for New Scotland]/Cape Breton Island's scenic highway. I would suggest visiting in the Summer and Fall months. Another 1/3 of the way is two-lane undivided highway with a 100 km/h limit. We ended up rescheduling whale watching to today so we woke up and drove back to Pleasant Bay. Is it best ot go down 105 or to fo down 4/104 to get back to the main island? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Do you know anything about the Judique on the Floor festival. I also heard great things about Toms Pizza, Baddeck Lobster Suppers, and Captain Capers Fish and Chips. If you have just a day to explore, I personally recommend an early morning start to minimize traffic and have some of the scenic lookouts all to yourself. Distance: 297 kilometres Time: Approx. Hubby and I are very active, healthy seniors. How long does the drive take? Incredible stops on Cabot Trail 1. 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