Cabot Trail | Cape Breton Island (original) (raw)
Rising from the sea and clinging to mountains, the 298-kilometre-long Cabot Trail is a winding mix of roadway, paths, stairs and stunning beauty that takes you from unreal ocean vistas to quaint fishing villages.
Plan several days to experience the journey of a lifetime along one of the world’s most scenic drives—you’ll need it.
Feel the Rhythm of our Island
If you’ve got a few days, we have a few hundred things to see and do. Fresh local seafood. Ancient coastlines. Land-loving activities and seafaring adventures—all waiting to be discovered.
Hiking
Meander through old growth forest stands. Hug highland mountaintops. Discover hidden waterfalls and claim secluded beaches. The path less traveled? We have a few dozen of those.
Places to Stay
Across the Island’s varied landscapes and stunning seascapes, you’ll find a home away from home nestled somewhere between seaside cottages and mountainside retreats.
Places to Eat
A culinary capital of our own right. World-class shellfish, netted right off the shores of the North Atlantic. Sustainably farmed and locally grown ingredients with big flavor.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Majestic plateaus. Lush boreal, Acadian, and Taiga forests. Deeply-cut river glens. Endless ocean views. Heaven is a place on earth, and it’s The Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Sunset to Starlight: Nighttime Wonders at Cape Breton Highlands
Experience Cape Breton Highlands at dusk! Hike the Skyline Sunset, marvel at Stars on Mica Hill, enjoy a Lantern Walk at Freshwater Lake, and explore Seeing in the Dark at Warren Lake.
KitchenFest! Féis a’ Chidsin!
Concerts & céilidhs, pub nights & square dances, celebrate beautiful Unama’ki/Cape Breton’s scenery, music, food, & people with this perfect summer season kick-off – one big island-wide kitchen party.
Doug Fraser's Art Studio 'It's like Sleeping In A Painting'
Surrounded by my sculpture garden, enjoy sunsets & ocean views from your hot tub or deck in this unique creative space. Stay includes a private artist led tour of the sculpture garden and gallery.
Daily Ceilidhs!
Proudly known as North America's 1st single malt whisky distillery, Glenora Inn & Distillery is located in a picturesque glen. Enjoy Daily Ceilidhs with no charge when dining or drinking.
Dixon's Zodiac Seafari
Join us and embark on a minimum two-hour adventure in search of different whale species such as fin, pilot, minke, humpbacks and others.
Capt. Mark's Zodiac Adventures
Capt. Mark’s is Pleasant Bay’s most experienced whale watching company. Operating for 30 years, Capt. Mark takes you along Cape Breton’s coastlines in search of Pilot, Minke, Finback and Humpbacks.
Made of Stories – Experiential Tour
Our living history site will take you through period buildings and four distinct eras. Costumed animators invite you to experience a piece of Gaelic history, language and culture first-hand.
An Experience of Art & History
Embrace the opportunity to have a historical and artistic experience by staying for a night at the vintage Royal Hotel established since 1895.
An adventure a day at Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort
3 days, 2 nights accommodations in a large yurt or dome. Breakfast & dinner for 2 each day. Private hot tub access each evening.
Optional morning meditation & daily Qi Gong session.
Unama'ki Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design
Unama’ki Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design in Sydney offers artisan works, exhibitions, & workshops. Use the Artisan Trail Map for a cultural journey. Also visit Customs House in Port Hawkesbury.
Sunset Yoga
Meet us on the mat this summer for sunset yoga! Relax and unwind with us where water meets green space, cliffside and fireside. Yoga mats provided.
Woodroad - A Cape Breton Culinary Experience
An intimate fine dining restaurant located in Margaree Harbour along the western coast of Cape Breton Island. Offering a set, 7-course menu that features seasonal and locally inspired dishes.
The Cabot Trail
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.
The Cabot Trail loops in either direction, starting from Baddeck or the Trans Canada Highway, this will give you time for some stops. It is best to have at least 5-7 days to enjoy all of what the Cabot Trail has to offer.