Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. 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 western and eastern sections follow the rugged coastline, with views of the ocean. The southwestern section passes through the Margaree River valley before passing along Bras d'Or Lake.

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 Newfoundland and not Cape Breton Island. Construction of the initial route was completed in 1932. The route is within the county municipalities of Victoria and Inverness.

The Cabot Trail includes all of Nova Scotia Trunk Highway 30, and the portion of Nova Scotia Highway 105 between exits 7 and 11.

At less than 300 km, you could drive the loop in 4 hours, but you'd miss so much. At a minimum, plan a full day but it would be getter to spend 2 or 3 days in order to take side roads and hikes to be able to enjoy the trip.

This part of the island has pristine beaches and spectacular coastal views. Take time to enjoy the region's food, art, and music.

July and August are the high season for driving the trail. The shoulder seasons, May and June, or September and October provide a more peaceful experience, although some amenities may not be available in the shoulder periods. Even during the high season, you will be able to find deserted beaches and hiking trails.

In winter, plan on enjoying downhill skiing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling.

Because the Cabot Trail passes through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, you have to pay park fees from the end of May to the end of October. If you travel through the park from November to May, park fees are not charged.

Following are some stops along the route, travelling clockwise from the south:

• 🌍 Baddeck — the location of the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
• 🌍 Chéticamp — an Acadian fishing village.
• 🌍 Pleasant Bay — site of a bay with whale watching possibilities
• 🌍 Cape North — a headland at the northernmost point of the Cabot Trail
• 🌍 Dingwall — a small fishing village.
• 🌍 Ingonish — site of the Keltic Lodge resort and Cape Smokey Provincial Park
• 🌍 St. Anns — home of the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts

The Cape Breton Highlands National Park occupies one third of the Cabot Trail. There are 26 hiking trails maintained in the park, ranging in length and difficulty. Trails provide access to panoramic ocean views, unique aspects of the park's natural environment, and some historic points of interest. Maps and guides are available at the visitors centres. Some notable trails are listed in the park's Wikivoyage article.