Cabot Trail: One of the Most Scenic Drives in the World
Are you looking for a spectacular road trip? Then head to the Cabot trail! This beautiful loop in Nova Scotia, Canada, is widely known and celebrated as one of the most scenic drives in the world. The stunning views, constantly changing scenery, wildlife sightings, small fishing villages, and national parks make this drive unforgettable! Whether you are coming from across town or around the world, getting out on the open road and exploring what The Cabot Trail offers will be an experience that stays with you forever. So sit back, connect yourself with nature's beauty, and prepare to explore one of Canada's most incredible gems – The Cabot Trail!
Cabot Trail Basics
WHAT IS CABOT TRAIL
The Cabot Trail is a 185-mile (298 km) scenic drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Atlantic Coast. It is considered one of the best road trips in the world. You can find this trail on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island.
See the breathtaking beauty of this world renowned scenic drive
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit the Cabot Trail is May to October. September and October are peak months while the fall foliage is in full bloom and the weather is milder. However, it is also when the trails are the most crowded.
Where to Stay
One of the best things about the Cabot Trail is the variety of accommodation options available. You can choose a cozy bed and breakfast (Cornerstone Motel), rustic campground (Broad Cove Campground), luxury hotel (Keltic Lodge), or even a hostel (Accolade Hostel Retreat).
Park Pass
A Canadian National Park pass is required for Cape Breton Highlands National Park. If you plan to explore this area, pick up a daily or annual pass. You can find more information on park fees here.
What to See and Do
The Cabot Trail offers an array of activities and sights to explore. Hiking, whale watching, shopping, and dining await you as you travel the trail. Below are some of the locations you will not want to miss.
Snacks and RESTAURANTS
Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery: This coffee shop is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a midday snack. The locals rave about freshly baked bread, cookies, and other tasty treats. If you want to snag a freshly baked loaf, arrive early. They sell out before noon! We picked up chocolate chip cookies and coffee. Both were delicious!
The Chowder House: Local recommendation for good fresh seafood and excellent views.
The Rusty Anchor: Local recommendation for good food and great views.
Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge: Recommended by locals for excellent seafood.
The Doryman Pub & Grill: According to locals, this is the perfect place for lunch and authentic Acadian music.
Coastal Restaurant & Pub: We were told by a local that this is the best place on the trail for a big burger
the best views
Cabot trail offers numerous lookouts to stop and admire the view. Be sure to check the lookout map to plan your stops.
FUN FACT!
There are 9 red adirondack chairs scattered around Cape Breton Highlands National Park, just waiting for you to sit, relax and soak in the view—chair locations.
Gros Morne National Park was the first Canadian park to install the red chairs. Now, you will find 200 chairs throughout Canada’s national park system.
Wouldn’t starting a red chair bucket list and having your picture taken in all 200 chairs be fun?
towns to explore
Chéticamp: This Acadian fishing village at the entrance of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers visitors an insight into the Acadian people's language, culture, and traditions. You can explore the village's historic buildings or enjoy fresh seafood at the La Baleine Café. Take a short stroll along the boardwalk for breathtaking ocean views.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park: As you embark on the Cabot Trail drive, you'll be surrounded by the magical beauty of this popular Canadian National Park. You will want to hit one of the many hikes the park offers. The most popular is Skyline Trail, and for good reason. You will be immersed in breathtaking nature. You may even spot moose, bald eagles, and other wildlife.
Ingonish Beach: The beach offers hiking along the Coastal trail and swimming. The oceanic views and the calming sound of the waves crashing onto the shore create the perfect ambiance.
Baddeck: Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, which showcases Bell's life and works. It includes some cool airplane replicas of the first airplanes. The nearby town of Bras d'Or Lake sits on the water and is perfect for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Pleasant Bay: Pleasant Bay is known as the whale-watching capital of Cape Breton Island and should not be missed. Picturesque mountains and vast crystal turquoise seas surround the town. Be sure to sign up for a whale-watching tour. Be sure to visit one of the local restaurants to enjoy excellent seafood cuisine.
Fun activities
Take a Gondola Ride: Ride the first gondola in eastern Canada. It opened in 2021 and links to a tree walk that will take you to a lake at Destination Cape Smokey! They offer many summer activities like hiking, kayaking, and more.
Hike the Skyline Trail: I mentioned this hike above, but it is worthy enough to stand alone. It is the most popular hike in the national park for good reason! Take your camera and hike out for a sunset. It will be less crowded, and you will see the best views. This is an easy hike on a boardwalk with a few stairs. The trail is 4 miles out and back to the view or a 5-mile loop. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the cliff edge. Also, don't forget flashlights if you plan to watch the sunset.
Jump in the Waves: Head to Black Brook Beach for a refreshing jump in the ocean, waterfall, and short hiking trail.
Explore CAbot Trail
The Cabot Trail offers much more than we can ever cover in one blog post and one visit! We certainly didn't see nearly enough of what Cabot trail has to offer. (Which means we will be back!) Cabot Trail is a never-ending dream drive, and each stop has its own flavor. Whether you're an adventurer, a history buff, or a nature lover, there is something for everyone. So plan a trip, and let the magic of the Cabot Trail make you fall in love with this magical place.
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About the Author: Meet Stacy! Stacy and her husband, Phil, are a wanderlust couple who have been roaming the great USA for an epic 5 years! They ditched the daily grind to embark on thrilling adventures and inspire fellow dreamers to chase their travel dreams. Curious about how they do it? Check out their awesome youtube channel, Today is Someday, where they're spilling all the secrets to living a life on the move. Get ready to pack your bags and join them on this incredible journey.
