The Ultimate Cabot Trail Itinerary: A Complete Guide to Nova Scotia’s Iconic Drive
One of the most scenic drives in Canada, the Cabot Trail is known for its stunning scenery and breathtaking coastal views as it winds through the northern tip of Cape Breton. While it’s possible to simply drive the 298-km route, there are so many fun stops, great hiking trails and stunning lookoffs that it’s worth spending a few days to enjoy the beautiful drive. This Cabot Trail itinerary ensures that you don’t miss any of the highlights along this scenic route.
Planning your trip
How long should you spend driving the Cabot Trail? Honestly, you can spend 1, 2 or 3 days, but if you have the time, I recommend spending 3 days, which will allow you to see the sights, hike a trail or two and not be rushed. If you’re short on time, you can comfortably drive the trail in 2 days, focusing on the highlights. This post outlines a 3-day Cabot Trail itinerary, but there are options at the end for those who want to plan a 5-day trip, which allows for a more relaxed pace and additional detours.
Things to Know Before Driving the Cabot Trail
- The Cabot Trail is 298km long, and if you were to drive it without stopping, it would take around 5 hours.
- It’s a loop trail and once you begin, you have to finish the trail, or turn around and go back the way you came.
- There are three different entrance points, but they are all towards the south end of the loop. For the purpose of this post, this itinerary starts and finishes in Baddeck, but you can also join the Cabot Trail at Margaree Forks after exploring Judique, Mabou and Inverness. If you’re coming from Sydney, you can jump on the Cabot Trail near Englishtown and then head to Baddeck.
- The Cabot Trail is narrow in spots, with one lane in each direction. Especially during the busy summer months, driving may be slower than you anticipate.
- Lookoff points are clearly marked, and frequent along the coast. Please pull off the road into the parking area so traffic can continue along the road.
- Gas stations are far and few between on the Cabot Trail. Be sure to fill up before you start driving.
- If you have an electric vehicle, there are charging stations at several spots within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Here’s where to find them.
- Cell phone reception is sporadic along the Cabot Trail, so be sure to download maps and make reservations ahead of time. You can see the full map here, or save this itinerary before you head out on the road.
What’s the best way to drive the Cabot Trail?
As the Cabot Trail is a loop, you can drive it clockwise or counterclockwise. Honestly, I don’t think it makes a big difference which way you go, as you’ll see the same views either way.
If you choose to go clockwise, you’ll be on the inside lane, and while there is a lane of traffic between you and the coastal views, many turn offs within the national park are on the right side.
If you drive counterclockwise, the views are on your right, and it’s easy to pull off to lookouts, but you are also closer to the steep edges and drop-offs.
The first time we drove the Cabot Trail, we went clockwise, mostly because I wanted to hike the Skyline trail earlier in the day before it got too crowded, but if you want to do the hike at sunset, it’s best to go counterclockwise.
When’s the best time to visit?
The summer months are the most popular time to drive the Cabot Trail. The weather is at its best, although you may still have foggy days, but it will be busy with tourists. July and August will be busy along the trail and it’s best to book accommodations ahead of time.
October is also a great time to visit, as it’s absolutely gorgeous with the fall colours, but temperatures are cooler and it’s not as warm for tent camping.
About this Cabot Trail Itinerary
The Cabot Trail is a loop route, and you can access it in a few different spots. If you’re coming from Sydney, you can hop on the Cabot Trail near Englishtown, just over Kelly’s Mountain. There’s also another entrance near Margaree if you’re coming from Inverness and the Ceilidh trail. However, this Cabot Trail itinerary starts and begins in Baddeck, ensuring that you drive the entire route and don’t miss any fun stops.
Day 1: Baddeck to Cheticamp
Begin your first day in Baddeck with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. This famous Scottish inventor spent many summers here in Baddeck, and while you can’t visit his house, you can view it from the observation deck or learn about his inventions and his connection to Cape Breton at the museum.
There are plenty of other things to do in Baddeck as well, but you’ll return here at the end of the itinerary and have time to explore more of the town.
Then it’s time to begin driving the Cabot Trail.
The route heads south to start, and at Buckwheat Corner, you’ll see a big red barn, which fittingly is called the Red Barn Gift Shop & Restaurant. This is known as the beginning and end of the Cabot Trail, and if you wish to stop, the gift shop sells clothing and souvenirs, as well as snacks, sandwiches and ice cream at the restaurant.
The next part of the drive passes through the Margaree Valley, with rolling hills and the beautiful Margaree River, which is known for its excellent fly fishing. Lake O’Law Provincial Park makes for a good spot to stretch your legs or continue on for a few kilometres to the Dancing Goat Cafe, where you can pick up a coffee and baked goods for the drive ahead.
If you’re up for a little detour off the Cabot Trail, Egypt Falls is well-worth the stop. These beautiful falls are one of the prettiest and most popular waterfalls in Cape Breton, and are only a short walk from the trailhead.
Back on the road, continue towards Margaree Harbour, where you’ll have your first glimpse of the coast. As the road turns north, you’ll have rolling hills on one side and coastal views on the other. This is a beautiful stretch of the drive, and you’ll pass through many small villages, like Cap LeMoine and Grand Etang before reaching Cheticamp.
This area has a strong Acadian culture and you’ll see the blue, white and red Acadian flag proudly displayed on houses throughout the area. Even the lighthouse in Cheticamp is painted with Acadian colours and if you’re interested in learning more about Acadian culture, a visit to Les Trois Pignons in Cheticamp is a must.
Cheticamp is the largest town in this area and makes for a good place to stop for the night. There’s a small grocery if you need to stock up on snacks, and a few restaurants to choose from for dinner. Le Gabriel has excellent nachos or head to the Doryman Pub for some food and live Celtic music.
Where to Stay:
Auberge Doucet Inn: This lovely inn boasts clean and comfortable rooms, and a terrace with Adirondack chairs to enjoy the sunsets in the evening.
Archie & Isidore Hotel: Right in Cheticamp, this hotel is another great option, with private rooms (some have a balcony), washing facilities and even a small gym and hot tub.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Several campgrounds in the national park are close to the town of Cheticamp. Cheticamp and Cap-Rouge are the closest, and offer serviced and unserviced campsites, as well as oTENTiks, which are a cross between a tent and a cabin.
Day 2: Cheticamp to Ingonish and Cape Breton Highlands National Park
The second day of this itinerary takes you through the gorgeous Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Before leaving Cheticamp, you might want to stop at Aucoin Bakery, known in town as THE place to pick up any sort of baked good. I can’t eat bread, but my kids loved the oatcakes, and the rest of their pastries are just as delicious.
As you leave Cheticamp, you will enter the National Park. You will need a day pass to enter the park (unless you have a Discovery Pass) and it can be purchased at the gate or in the Visitor’s Centre.
This section of the route is the Cabot Trail that you’ve probably seen in photos, with stunning views of the road weaving alongside the cliffs. There are a few good lookoff spots along this section of the drive, and they are all well-marked.
One of the first lookoffs features the red chairs that Parks Canada is known for. The views here are incredible, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. (The first two times we drove the Cabot Trail, we had the foggiest views from this lookout, but I’m happy to say, we finally had a sunny day!)
The drive continues to climb higher into the highlands and as you reach the top of French Mountain, you’ll see a sign for the Skyline Trail. This is the most popular trail in Cape Breton with absolutely stunning views from the boardwalk steps. If you have the time, it’s worth taking the 2-3 hours to hike it. Here’s a whole post about what to expect on the hike if you are thinking of doing it.
Back on the Cabot Trail, drive across MacKenzie Mountain, stop at MacKenzie Mountain Look-off for some stunning views of the coastline and Pleasant Bay, before continuing on to the town of Pleasant Bay.
This is one of the best spots for whale watching in Nova Scotia and you can book a 2-3 hour cruise with Pleasant Bay Whale Watching, or explore the Whale Interpretative Centre.
The Rusty Anchor in Pleasant Bay is a great spot to have a late lunch. They serve excellent mussels (and the oysters are recommended too, but I haven’t tried those yet).
The drive continues through the highlands to North Mountain, where you’ll find an odd stone hut alongside the highway. This is the Lone Shieling, a replica Scottish sheep crofters hut. It’s an interesting stop where you can learn about the Scottish immigrants who settled here, and there’s also a short trail that leads through the forest. This old-growth hardwood forest is one of the most protected areas in the park, and this trail is one of the few spots where you can walk under these 300-year old sugar maple trees.
A few minutes further is Beulach Ban Falls, an impressive waterfall that’s worth a quick stop. The base of the falls can be seen from the parking area, and it’s only a few steps from there to fully appreciate the waterfall.
The Cabot Trail continues across North Mountain to Neil’s Harbour. Along the way, there’s a detour that you can take to reach Meat Cove, the most northerly point of Nova Scotia. It adds about an hour of driving time to this itinerary, but the views are stunning. It’s not the best-maintained road though, so take caution, especially if you are driving a smaller car.
This section of the Cabot Trail doesn’t have any coastal views, but it’s still scenic and be sure to keep your eye out for wildlife. We spotted a moose on the side of the road one rainy and chilly day when we drove through this stretch.
Neil’s Harbour is the next stop, where you’ll find a small fishing village and a lighthouse. This lighthouse is no longer functioning but has been turned into a popular ice cream shop. There are plenty of flavours to choose from but if you’re looking for something different, try Moon Mist, a flavour that up until recently, was only available in Nova Scotia.
There’s also a gorgeous sand beach here if you’re up for a bit of beach time. It’s a quiet beach with plenty of room to walk or play in the sand, but it’s accessed down a set of steps, so may not be the best beach for everyone.
As the route heads south towards Ingonish, you’ll notice the landscape changes from the steep cliffs and sand beaches found on the west side of the island to more of a rocky landscpes with large, round, pink-ish coloured rocks.
One of the best spots to see these pink rocks is Lakie’s Head lookoff. But before that, be sure to stop at Black Brook Cove Beach, one of Cape Breton’s most popular beaches. It’s a great spot to have a snack or picnic lunch (although it will be late by this time), dip your toes in the ocean or spend some time on the beach. At the northern end of the beach, there’s a pretty waterfall that you can also see from the road.
The next part of the drive passes right along the coast, with plenty of scenic views. There are quite a few spots to pull over and take some photos, including Lakie’s Head, that I mentioned above.
As you near Ingonish, there are some great hikes to do if you have time – or energy – left in the day. Franey Trail and Middle Head are two of the popular trails, but both are longer hikes and require at least 1.5 hours for Middle Head and 2.5-3 hours for Franey. Another option is Broad Cove Mountain trail, which is a steep 2.3km and takes about an hour to hike. If you’re interested in hiking, here are some of the best hikes in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Where to Stay:
Unfortunately, the popular Keltic Lodge, which was our top recommendation, recently closed their main lodge, but there are some other good options for accommodations.
Ingonish Chalets: Offering suites and chalets, all with a kitchenette, and only steps to the beach, the Ingonish Chalets are a great spot to spend the night.
Glenghorm Beach Resort: A simple motel with clean rooms and a private white sand beach, this is a good spot for those just looking for a place to stay overnight.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park: If you prefer to camp, Broad Cove Campground and Ingonish Campground are both close to Ingonish. Both campgrounds offer serviced and unserviced campsites, as well as oTENTiks, for those that prefer roofed accommodations.
Day 3: Ingonish to Baddeck
Today’s drive has you heading back to Baddeck, but before you leave Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there’s time to fit in a hike if you didn’t have time yesterday. Franey, Middlehead and Broad Cove Mountain trails, all mentioned above, are our top recommendations.
Then the drive continues to Cape Smokey Provincial Park, and the inclines can be steep. Cape Smokey is one of the popular spots to go skiing in Nova Scotia, but during the summer and fall months, you can still enjoy the slopes.
At Cape Smokey, the Atlantic Gondola takes you over the ski hills for a bird’s eye view of the Cabot Trail and the village of Ingonish. If you’re not up for the gondola ride, there’s another excellent viewpoint just a few more minutes’ drive along the coast.
Along the final stretch of the Cabot Trail, you’ll find a variety of unique local artisans. Stop in at any of the small shops to browse interesting local crafts and products or pick up a unique souvenir from Cape Breton. I love to stop at Wildfire Pottery and the Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery, but there’s quite a few other artisans as well.
And just across the road from Glass Artisans Studio is the Clucking Hen Cafe, which serves great coffee and delicious baked goods, perfect for fueling up for the last leg of your drive.
Before reaching St. Anns, the Cabot Trail turns west towards Tarbotvale and North River Bridge. Alternatively, you can detour off the official trail here and continue on Hwy 312 to Englishtown, where you can book one of the few puffin tours in Nova Scotia.
Whichever way you choose to go, both roads meet up just after St. Anns and continue on to Baddeck.
Spend the evening in Baddeck, have dinner at Baddeck Lobster Suppers or head out for a cruise on Bras d’Or Lake.
Where to Stay:
Inverary Resort: Set on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake, the resort offers clean and spacious rooms in a great location. There’s also a gym, sauna and hot tub to relax in after several days of driving, as well as paddleboards and pontoon boat rentals to explore the lake.
Telegraph House Motel: Set in the heart of Baddeck, this historic building offers comfortable rooms, all decorated with antique furnishings, yet featuring modern amenities.
Trailsman Lodge: Just outside of Baddeck, the Trailsman Lodge is located on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake. Rooms are simple yet clean, and the entrance to the Cabot Trail is just one kilometre away. We stayed here one year while driving the Cabot Trail in May and found it was perfect for a one-night stay.
How to Get to the Cabot Trail
If you are arriving in Nova Scotia by air, the closest airports are in Sydney or Halifax Stanfield International Airport, just outside of Halifax. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Baddeck.
From Halifax, it’s about 3.5 hours driving time. Take Hwy 102 from Halifax to Truro, then east on the Hwy 104/TransCanada to Cape Breton. Once you cross the Canso Causeway, take Hwy 105 to Baddeck.
From Sydney, take Hwy 4 and 125 towards North Sydney, where you’ll connect to Hwy 105 and head south to Baddeck.
What to Pack
In Nova Scotia, there’s a saying that you can see all seasons in one day. And while maybe all seasons is a bit of a stretch, the weather can change quickly, and it’s not unusual to see fog in the morning and full sun an hour later, so it’s best to be prepared for any kind of weather.
Here’s what we recommend packing for your Cabot Trail drive:
- Bug spray: If you’re planning on doing any hikes, camping, or just sitting outside in the evening, you will want to bring bug spray, especially in June or the end of August.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen is always a good idea, even on foggy days.
- Light jacket: A light jacket is a good idea for chilly mornings, foggy days, or cool coastal breezes – even during the summer months.
- Camera: With all the stunning scenery and fantastic lookouts along the trail, you will want to bring a camera.
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots: If you’re planning on doing any hikes along the Cabot Trail, you will want to have good hiking shoes or boots. Flip flops and thin sandals are not a good idea with the terrain.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while enjoying the drive or a hike.
- Snacks or a picnic lunch: Snacks are always a good idea to have on a road trip, and while there are restaurants along the Cabot Trail, there are stretches of the drive with no shops or places to eat. Pack some snacks or a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the scenic stops along along the way.
- Binoculars: Binoculars are a good idea to pack. You can often see seals in the water along the coast, and possibly even whales as well.
- Phone charger or power bank: If your phone is anything like mine, the battery runs down quicker when you have maps or GPS running, and taking so many photos doesn’t help either. This power bank is great for charging on the go, and it recharges in the sun while you’re sitting at the beach.
FAQ: Cabot Trail Itineraries
Where is the Cabot Trail?
The Cabot Trail is located in northern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. It loops around the island’s northern tip, offering stunning coastal and mountain views.
How long does it take to drive?
It typically takes about 5-7 hours to drive the Cabot Trail without stopping, but most visitors spend 2-3 days to fully enjoy the sights and activities along the route.
Why is it famous?
The Cabot Trail is famous for its breathtaking scenery, including rugged coastlines, lush forests, and panoramic ocean views. It’s also known for its hiking trails, cultural experiences, and opportunities to spot wildlife like moose and whales.
Is it worth the drive?
Absolutely! The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s most scenic drives, offering incredible views and unique experiences that make it well worth the trip.
Can you do the Cabot Trail in one day?
While it’s possible to drive the Cabot Trail in one day, doing so would mean missing out on many of the beautiful stops and activities. It’s better to plan for at least 2-3 days to fully appreciate the experience.
Are there bathrooms along the way?
Yes, there are bathrooms along the Cabot Trail at various parks, visitor centers, restaurants, and gas stations. However, in more remote areas, facilities may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Cabot Trail Itinerary
This Cabot Trail itinerary is filled with stunning landscapes, from rolling hills and dense forests to rugged coastlines and charming fishing villages. Each day offers a new experience, whether it’s exploring historic sites, enjoying fresh seafood or soaking in the breathtaking views. Take your time and enjoy the journey; it’s easy to see why this is one of Canada’s most famous road trips. So pack your bags, download this itinerary and get ready to create unforgettable memories along this iconic drive.
More Inspiration for Your Nova Scotia Bucket List
10 Incredible Waterfalls in Cape Breton
The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton
11 Prettiest Small Towns in Nova Scotia
25 Awesome Things to Do in Nova Scotia in the Summer
Where to See Puffins in Nova Scotia: 3 Best Places to See Them
11 Things to Do in Nova Scotia in the Fall
