Ive got to make my way up to Canada one of these days. Stop at Laurences General store in Margaree Harbour, where beverages may share the same aisle as a hammer, and take a walk through this small Cape Breton Island village or along the pristine beach. With its jaunty fisherman waving you in with a lobster, the Rusty Anchor is a quintessential road trip stop! Cape Breton is approximately 12 driving hours from Boston, 14 from Hartford and 16 from New York City. Safe to say that Cape Breton is a golf destination! The choice is really up to you. Halifax is a fun city and worth a full day in its right. Photo Credit: David Li. This fun, friendly, and casual restaurant featured the best deal of our trip. The Halifax area and its surroundings reminded me so much of Massachusetts but once you get into Cape Breton, everything spreads out and countrifies. It might be a little too cold to swim in Cape Breton or not! The Cabot Trail itself absolutely can be driven in a day. If you only have one or two days, I recommend staying in the Chticamp area rather than trying to do the whole trail. What a sense of wonder! Get a Canadian SIM card. We were joined by a family of six from Alberta who had never eaten whole lobster before and were delighted. Just off the trail in Iona is a village that re-creates life among Gaelic settlers in Cape Breton from centuries ago, complete with costumes, set beautifully on Bras dOr lake. There are emergency phones on the side of the road in places throughout the northern part of the trail. In the 1960s, she did portraits of all the Apollo astronauts as well as JFK, Jackie Kennedy and Pope John Paul II! If you hike with poles, bring them. Hiking gear. To be honest, I rolled my eyes at her exultations but then I tried it and WOW. I recommend calling places in advance to make sure they are open before you visit. Hit the Cabot Trail Road and make your way toward Ingonish. Louisburg is home to a historic village in the south of Cape Breton. I usually hike in workout clothes; if you prefer something more specialized like zip-off pants, pack them. While this is one of the best known road trips in Canada, I hadnt heard of it until recently and I was stunned at just how special it was. We ended up driving the bulk of the trail clockwise and we felt happy with it. There are some things I wish I knew before I went, and thats what Im going to tell you about today! You will be in parts of Cape Breton where moose, bears, coyotes, and other wild animals live. Getting Around: Renting a car in Cape Breton Island is the best to really experience the area andRentalCars.com has some great deals. Meat Cove is the northernmost settlement in Nova Scotia, at the tip of Cape Breton Island. I grew up in Massachusetts and camped in New Hampshire every summer, so Brake for Moose has been driven into my head since birth. Brake for moose. When should I go? You could luck out and have a perfectly sunny Cabot Trail road trip or you could get a lot of rain. Yes! If you blink youre going to miss the turnoff for this Cabot Trail stop which close to Margaree Harbour. Their products are made from goat milk, which makes them a good option for sensitive skin. Nova Scotia is a province located along the Eastern portion of Canada, and is mostly bordered by coastline. Its absolutely worth spending an extra night in Chticamp to get the most out of this part of Cape Breton. Cape Breton was the second stop of our road trip through the Maritimes and what a wonderful surprise that was! MacIntosh Brook Campground is part of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and has 10 unserviced campsites (first-come, first-serve). The best known activity on the Cabot Trail is the Skyline Trail, a hike in the park best done at sunset. Spend a day exploring the Cabot Trail loop, sampling classic Cape Breton hospitality along the way. We are planning to bring our family to my birthplace in summer of 2023. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Consider driving the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. This page shows the location of Cabot Trail, Pleasant Bay, NS B0E 2P0, Canada on a detailed road map. The fall colors look incredible! Admission to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is $7.80 CAD ($6 USD) per adult and $6.80 ($5 CAD) per senior per day, and free for kids. The artist who worried about the impact of Airbnb on young Cape Bretoners being unable to afford homes. Today is the first day that you'll really start to experience the gorgeous scenery and landscape of Cape Breton's coastline. Need I say more? Drive around and explore the local area. The freshest, most succulent, most delicious lobster. Looking for a map of the Cabot Trail? The drive to Chticamp is lovely, especially once you hit the water. I did love that going counterclockwise allowed us to end our day in Cape Breton Highlands National Park when leaving from Chticamp, but perhaps you are itching to get there at the start of your day. My thought was that, being in the outer edge of the road, stops would be easier. We startedat9:15 in the morning and went clock-wise, a decision that was made mostly because I wanted to make a special breakfast stop and that was the direction it was in. The Learn to Lobster Boil is $58.70 CAD ($44) per person, $22 CAD ($17) for people who dont want to eat lobster. Halifax and the surrounding area. And sharing it with an interesting group of travelers and Parks Canada guides made it even better. Check out Ingonish Beach. The loose and adventurous itinerary that they created led me far to the Northeast, to Cape Breton Islandfor a driveunlike no other. Posts: 3,454. Q. Cape Breton is the large island in the northeast of Nova Scotia, home to 18% of the provinces land and 14% of the population. Whale watching - I would highly recommend whale watching in Pleasant Bay or Chticamp. Entry to theMi-Carme Interpretive Centreis $5 CAD ($4 USD) per adult and $4 CAD ($3 USD) per senior or student. I'm not a financial advisor. Keep an eye on their website for further announcements. Pro Tip: Save the longer activities for the following day! Also, be sure your breaks are in good conditionyou dont want to get caught on a steep hill without breaks. (Even some guys at my theater camp were in a band called Brake for Moose.) We have one week already covered in. Gas up before you start driving. Canada may not have scorching hot summers or street food meals for a dollar, but Canada is beautiful and entertaining and safe and full of surprises. We had a comfortable sleep and a nice hot breakfast the next morning. Cailin and I chose masks and began painting. Hitting a moose will likely kill you, as they are tall, weigh a ton, and will fall onto your windshield and crush you. (Thanks to my Dad for the golf info hes the golf expert in the family). Where to stay: We stayed in a stunning, modern Airbnb in Chticamp called Bayview Chalets. This was SO MUCH FUN! If youre like us, you could have a mix of sunshine and rain. Just for laughs! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Last but not least, the fall colours of bright yellows, oranges, and reds will delight your eyes. Its the kind of place landscape photographers dream about. Many artists call this part of Nova Scotia home and countless galleries and cultural experiences . In the evening, hike the Skyline Trail, the most famous hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. ), Driving The Cabot Trail Counter-Clockwise. A. We also brought hats and gloves too because the wind can be quite chilly, even in the sun. Summer brings in a lot of visitors to the island and it never hurts to be overprepared for your vacation! I will mention it again shortly. Get travel insurance. The white cottages perched atop the red-brown cliffs are spectacular, whether its sunny or rainy. You can either finish the loop or return the way you came. Some of the areas get buggy, and youll be glad to have the protection. The key to being comfortable is packing layers. But I loved learning about Mikmaq culture and I especially loved learning from so many Mikmaq folks directly. Start your day with breakfast, then plan to hit up a lot of sights. Check out this 164.7-mile point-to-point trail near Nyanza, Nova Scotia. Maybe it was a fluke when we visited, but we noticed most activities (with limited space) and restaurants encouraged reservations. Cape Smokey is an excellent spot to stop for a picnic lunch, or just simply to stretch your legs and take in the view. As a girl who has spent a lot of time in nature, I would advise that wildlife is typically easier to see in the mornings and evenings when there is less foot traffic by people and animals are more active. We were not lucky enough to see any wildlife on our walk, but we did go midday. Before you hit the road, know that today will be the most rural part of your Cabot Trail road trip. And you must try the infamous donair a Halifax invention, similar to a doner kebab with a sweet white sauce. Heres your chance! Sometimes driving is the best way to experience a destination. This is usually done on the beach, but it was a rainy night, so they moved our group to an indoor/outdoor shelter. After that we actually put on costumes that matched our masks and took some photos! Explore the shops, cafes, and sights along the Cabot Trail. Get the best light by going at sunset. I wore my Merrill Siren Edge Q2 Waterproof Trail Runners, which are a great hybrid between sneakers and hiking boots. We finally checked an item off my bucket list and drove Cape Bretons Cabot Trail to see the Fall colours! A reusable water bottle. It gave me the opportunity to explore the province and drive the Cabot Trail at my own pace, getting into the nooks and crannies of this breathtaking Canadian region. Make sure to ask the hikers you passalong the trail if they sawBullwinkleon their route and how far back, so you can catch one before they retreat into the dense brush. If youre looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to. Im used to Maine lobster, but Nova Scotia lobster is on another level. We checked into our accommodation at the Blue Bayou (see more on that below) and had lots of time to explore. Find the travel option that best suits you. I think you can travel the Cabot Trail in a minimum of three days but I would recommend stretching to four days if you can. Is there cell service?A. Earlier this year, I met representatives from Visit Nova Scotia and we decided to do a campaign together. The Rusty Anchor |23197 Cabot Trail Road, Pleasant Bay | Map. Rates at Inverary Resortin Baddeck start at $159 CAD ($120 USD). Day 4: Fishing Cove to Chticamp CampgroundChticamp Campground is beautiful and is the end of the Cabot Trail. Long Weekend On The Cabot Trail. I recommend removing the seeds or asking for no seeds on top they taste too much like soap to me. If youre from Atlantic Canada, then you know how difficult it is to dress (and pack) for our Fall days. Veterans Monument for my favourite view of the highway cutting through the mountain cliffs, just as you return to Chticamp area. Now with all that housekeeping out of the way, lets pick some fun activities to do while driving the Cabot Trail! The Cabot Trail makes the perfect 5-7 day road trip, and you can easily campground-hop with a motorhome or tent. It would matter if you only drove in one direction and never backtracked whatsoever. The drive was so smooth and exhilarating in the Mazda CX-50. Driving through Cape Breton Highlands National Park is like driving in a cartoon. It is outside of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and off the Cabot Trail, but only by minutes. Explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Having a phone signal will make your Cape Breton road trip much easier, especially when youre navigating with Google Maps. With over 5,800 kilometres from Vancouver and Halifax, there are plenty of road trip options. There are many beaches along the way as well. Green Cove to walk out onto the rocks and look for sealife. So much of the Cabot Trail is beautiful there are hundreds if not thousands of places where you can take beautiful shots. It also peaks at different places at different times. As for the Cabot Trail, we had a bit of a slow start, but the coastal scenes of Cape Breton Island didn't disappoint! It basically has to be like cooking the lobster in the ocean. There is a boardwalk that leads to the beach through high piles of rocks. This might be better for those who dont enjoy driving along cliffs. You can get them from another angle (albeit from a distance) at Ingonish Beach. From MacIntosh Brook Campground to Fishing Cove, Cape Split Trail: One of the Best Hikes in Nova Scotia, Fishing Cove Backcountry is One of the Best Cape Breton Campgrounds, 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike. If you are not renting a car but would love to explore Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail, consider joining a multi-day group tour that includes pick-ups and drop-offs, such as this, Its always a good idea to travel fully insured so you are protected in case of trip cancellations or medical emergencies. It is a nice side trip to see the pond. Thank you so much for the tip about the cemetery at Whale Cove!!! We went here for sunset, but it would be an equally wonderful place to spend the day, sun tanning and playing in the sand and water. Its hard to know when peak colours will be on the Cabot Trail as it depends on the weather. Mini-Cabot Trail. driving on that highway will be great experience and its have so good stops. Be it road tripping or jet setting, you can find the best routes here. Q. Clockwise or Counter-clockwise? The Cape Breton accent is one of my favourites in the world because it reminds me so much of kindness. I know we will be just scratching the surface but would love feeedback. Hover over the image to add to Pinterest! At 298 kilometers (185 miles), its ideal for a four-day road trip. Our Canada trip started when we crossed over the border from Maine, continuing on to Saint John, New Brunswick where we stopped at the market to get some Canadian loonies and lunch before heading on to Fundy National Park. They were booked up and we had to wait about an hour, but it was worth it to have YET ANOTHER DELICIOUS WHOLE LOBSTER and some lovely strawberry rhubarb pie. And I mean that. These two establishments are located side by side in Chticamp. Lol from Antonio Banderas, Canada is really nice and the people are pretty cool ;). In the morning, stop at Aucoin Bakery. Cailin and I loved Labri so much that we went multiple times! Its a cozy setting and they have board games. Find deals on Dingwall hotels here and see all Dingwall Airbnbs here. Do I have to do the whole thing?A. From the airport to the Cabot Trail, pick up your rental car and head towards the Trans-Canada Highway/NS-105 West. and they come in a variety of weights that work for Cape Breton. The Acadian ladies who invited us to come back and stay in their homes for the Mi-Carme celebration in winter. ft. single-family home is a 4 bed, 2.0 bath property. If youre like me, youll love the artisan shops with locally-made products. We arrived in Chticamp around suppertime after a long drive from Southern New Brunswick. Heres one below. On most of our hikes we wore thin long sleeve shirts with thicker sweaters that we could take off, and that was just right! If you, like me previous to our trip, have never been to Cape Breton, you must look into it. Come prepared for frosty nights if you plan to sleep in your tent.After Broad Cove, I meandered my way to MacIntosh Brook Campground at the top of the Cabot Trail. Please read the cautions posted on signs at the entrance to, and throughout the trails and be safe. Generally you should carry a stick while hiking, and bear spray if possible. Its a two-hour flight from either city! The Blue Bayou Resort is a campground near Dingwall on the eastern shore of Cape Breton, right on the ocean. Then I quickly realized that they give you so many mussels that you probably wont want to order a second serving! But if youre looking for the VERY best spots for Instagram photos, here are my recommendations: 1. Keltic Lodge in Ingonish. at Cape Smokey Provincial Park. 2021 is still virtual! Make sure to bring a GPS and a map so that you arent relying on your phone GPS. I am going to shamelessly admit that this was my favorite stopwho can pass up a cute, furry 4-legged animal? However you choose to explore Cape Breton, there will always be more waiting for you. The best part is that you are welcome to walk to the back barn to pet the goats. Gas stations are few and far between on the Cabot Trail. Views from the trail look down over the ocean and rugged coastline of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and are truly breathtaking. Lets start by clarifying a couple of points. A little bonus tip as you head south and leave Cape Breton Island is to drive the 'Mini-Cabot Trail'. The best answer depends upon how comfortable you are driving on sometimes curvy two lane roads, and whether you are good at controlling speed on downhill sections. Hiking is a very popular activity in the Fall, and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park has 26 hiking trails to choose from! No worries! 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. It is a relatively easy hike, totalling 9.2 km in length and takes approximately 3 hours to completely and fully enjoy. The views of the point and along the coast are unlike anything I have ever seen. Theres no better introduction to eating lobster than cooking your own on the beach and being instructed by an expert! Theres a worthwhile hike up Meat Cove Mountain for spectacular views of the wilderness and the Atlantic. , which also has the option to choose cheapest month as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination. Flights, cars, car ferries and cars are the easiest way to get from Pennsylvania Station (New York City) to Cabot Trail and depart hourly. Want to save this for later? How much time should I take? So tempting. You can choose between whole lobster (obviously), Atlantic salmon, Cape Breton snow crab, or strip loin steak, and you get that, plus unlimited mussels, plus unlimited seafood chowder, plus a dessert, plus a nonalcoholic beverage, plus tea or coffee, for $50 CAD ($38 USD). If youre doing the Skyline Trail, which is pretty level, you can get away with sneakers or athletic sandals; if youre doing anything more intense, youll want hiking boots. National Geographic Traveler named their lobster roll the best on the trail, though their fish cakes were no joke either. Q. Find deals on Baddeck hotels hereandsee all Baddeck Airbnbs here. Experience the natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands as you drive the famous Cabot Trail. Theyve built a new business in their new home of Canada. . Here are some of my favorites: The most beautiful winding roads. Day 2: Drive to Ingonish in the morning and hike the Franey Trail, have lunch in Ingonish or wait to drive to Neil's Harbour to check out Chowder House. The trail is named for John Cabot, an explorer who landed in Atlantic Canada in 1497 (although he most likely landed in Newfoundland, not Cape Breton). Though this restaurant is technically not on the trail, but still on Cape Breton Island, youre gonna be hungry after all that driving and theres no better place to load up on lobster (or crab) with all-you-can-eat mussels. If you want to get photos like I did, have the person in the passenger seat turn their camera to a super-fast shutter speed and shoot as you drive along. Its a place where small town charm runs thick. If you choose October, take in the Celtic Colours International Festival in Sydney (its incredible!). Theres so much deeply rooted tradition, and thriving local business to support along the trail. Its best to rent your car in either Sydney or Halifax and drive to the trail. While I should have been tired from a day on the road, I was far too in awe of the mountains in the distance to think about sleep. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the one national park on the island of Cape Breton, and the Cabot Trail drives right through it. The Cabot Trailisa 185-mile loop located on Cape Breton Island in the Northeastern part of Nova Scotia. All rights reserved. You may have heard of Peace by Chocolate its a chocolate shop run by Syrian refugees who were chocolatiers before they were forced to flee their home country. While you see a lot of folk art on the Cabot Trail, the selection here is more refined and modern. Would you like to do this road trip? It was definitely more beautiful than I ever thought! Thomas Coldwell is a Canadian outdoor enthusiast and creator of Out and Across. What I really liked was the sound the water made as it ran over the rocks such a gentle whisper. There are so many interesting shots you can get at the end of the trail, overlooking the mountains. When in doubt, pack as many layers as you can (and a raincoat!). The Cabot Trail is a scenic driving route on the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Cape Breton is known for being a slow-paced and beautiful corner of Nova Scotia. Have you explored the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island? In the morning, I packed up and hiked back to my car after a breakfast of oatmeal in Fishing Cove, one of the early Scottish settlements. *This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may make a referral fee if you purchase a product or service through my link. and its definitely worth a stop if you love history. I planned multiple stops before spending 5 days on the Cabot Trail (which, to be honest, wasnt enough time for me.). Next, drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Youll know youve reached the Skyline Trailhead by the dozens of cars that line the entrance. Dont pull over unless its in a designated parking area where you can pull over safely. I know we will be just scratching the surface but would love feeedback. When we return, we will book with them again. But for me and Cailin, our favorite portrait was of a white Persian cat. As we continued north on the Cabot Trail, the views were stunning. We started our ten-hour journey atRed Barn Restaurant, a popular restaurant and gift shop in Baddeck. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate for us, but we will return to do this some day! Tons of muffins, bread from nearby Aucoin Bakery, cereals, fruit, drawers filled with peanut butter and all kinds of jellies and jams, even a designated gluten-free zone. I loved Nova Scotia because of its beauty, because of its friendliness, because of how relaxed it was. I know we will be just scratching the surface but would love feeedback. The Skyline trail has two options. The Cabot Trail is a 298KM (186 mile) driving route around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and along the coastline. Get breakfast at Danenas Bakery and Bistro. The Englishtown Ferry Chticamp, NS to Mira River, NS, 165 miles 8 hrs 28 min. Salty Roses is a beautiful shop featuring work by Nova Scotia artists. I couldve easily spent a few more days on the Cabot Trail, but I had a decent amount of time to visit a few campgrounds, hike some trails, and enjoy several artisan shops, cafes, and galleries. I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Canada. We grabbed some cinnamon buns and oatcakes both delicious. Cape Breton is absolutely dripping with natural beauty. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This is the best lobster I have ever had. The Cabot Trail is mainly a scenic drive. Thomas can often be found hiking, paddling, biking, and camping. A short dramatic driving along the entire length of the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. The Trailsman Lodge & Restaurant (moderate) is a great choice in Baddeck. Its a nice break for your brain. We have one week already covered in. Thanks again!! Leave a comment below. You can buy all kinds of bath and skincare products here, and they operate a petting zoo when the weather is nicer. It is a loop, so it doesn't have a technical beginning and end, but most people start either in Baddeck or Margaree/Cheticamp. This itinerary gives you an extra day in what I think is the nicest part Chticamp but gives you enough time to enjoy some of the other lovely places, like Ingonish, Baddeck, and of course Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Looking for more ways to explore? If you must work, I recommend bringing a wifi extender. The hooked rugs were so interesting. Cabot Trail. I needed exactly ZERO nice pieces of clothing. Silver Linings Inn uses Aucoin Bakery bread for their breakfast. The smart, thoughtful guides at Parks Canada who were bubbling over with their love for the outdoors. We chose instead to visit White Point Hiking Trail as it was known to be a little less popular. You can check out pricing at, Nova Scotia Bucket List: 40 Fun Things to Do, Tidal Bore Rafting Nova Scotias Bay of Fundy Tides, Canada: Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Manitoba, 35 of Mauis Best Road to Hana Stops for a Fun Driving Tour, Jamaica Bucket List: 30+ Fun Things to Do, Colorados Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch, 25 Cute Winter Jackets: Best Coats for Women Travelers, Irish Castles Bucket List: 40 Best Ones in Ireland, Mesa Verde Colorado Bucket List: 20 Best Things to Do, Alaska Bucket List: 50 Best Things to Do & See. If we were to do clockwise . Check out my Cabot Trail long weekend itinerary. You will now be entering the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Skyline Trail is a hike through some wooded areas, but predominantly through bogs, that is unique in its high elevation, dramatic, oceanside cliff views, and abundance of East Coast wildlife. The Cabot Trail refers not to a hiking trail but a route: the road that winds around Cape Breton's very scenic highlands. Cape Breton Highlands National Park takes up most of the interior of this loop and several unique communities border the park. You might also want to check out the Fortress of Louisbourg on your trip. Each dome has electricity, hot water, and a private bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower. Have now completed it 3 years in a row, I grew up in Cape Breton but now live in San Diego. Cape Breton Island is an outdoor lovers paradise! Thanks! Its a sensational park. By Bryan Hollenbaugh . You've asked. I only make recommendations when I truly LOVE something, and it wont cost you a LOONIE more. Groovy Goat is a goat farm and soap company. 4 thoughts on "Driving The Cabot Trail" Cathy says: October 2, 2018 at 9:51 AM Gorgeous views. It is a white, soft rock that is easily crumbled. Overall, MacIntosh Brook was a very pleasant spot to spend the night (even though the bathroom could have been cleaner). We have read several articles about the challenges of driving the Cabot Trail; switch backs . And on top of that, it had a quality Im having trouble defining. 2. There is a hiking trail here too. Are the Vk Baths Icelands Best Geothermal Spa. We are a scenic half hour drive from Cabot Cliffs. Choose from several map styles. It feels more like New Hampshire or Maine! 41 Arbor Trail Dr , Cabot, AR 72023 is currently not for sale. There is no obligation on your part to purchase any product via this site. Read more about other things to do in Nova Scotia in the Fall. Everyone raves about it. You can also drive from mainland Nova Scotia via the Canso Causeway, or take a Marine Atlantic ferry from Newfoundland. So many memories from Cape Breton are tied up in the wonderful people we met. Learn to Lobster Boil uses Aucoin Bakery rolls for their dinners. A lot of people ask whether you should drive the Cabot Trail clockwise or counterclockwise. It is a bit field trip-y you can tell that groups of students are their bread and butter. While we enjoyed the drive of the entire loop, our first sightseeing stop on the Cabot Trail didnt come until we were just outside of Ingonish (almost halfway through the drive!) My favorite, not surprisingly, was the Silver Tart, the sour raspberry wheat beer. Enragee Point |Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, Canada |Map. The staff moved us to another room, but if you want to stay here, I would request a room not on the floor with the pool and sauna. wow that highway is looking so beautiful and it is full natural beauty. While we didnt have time to do this due to a late start, this is absolutely worth the beautiful setting alone. They are known for their lobster rolls and fish cakes we had both. When I finished in the area, I detoured to Inverness Beach (lot of sea glass!) For example: Our day spent driving the Cabot Trail took 9.5 hours, including stopping at most viewpoints in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, having two very nice sit down meals, and two short hikes! We had a room with two queens for our final night. Looking for one of the most beautiful road trips in the world? Continue to Ingonish where you can purchase a national park pass (and backcountry pass for Fishing Cove). Rates from $159 CAD ($120 USD). I highly recommend. I recommend spending a day doing a loop around the Halifax area. I OFFICIALLY LOVE CAPE BRETON. The Bog Trail is a fairly popular stop for a quick boardwalk hike along an open bog. The, is a great choice in Baddeck. It's Longer Than You Think. The experiences and opinions expressed here are strictly my own, and should not be treated as professional advice. The full trail took us about 2 1/2 hours, but if you are strapped for time when you get to the the fork in the trail head left to get totheboardwalk view and then turn around and come back the same way you came instead of completing the loop which can add up to a half hour. All I had to do was enjoy! When: Summer is peak tourist season, Fall for magnificent colours in the Highlands. Q. Other species endemic to this area are Eastern coyotes and black bears. Canada is a big and beautiful country. However, having read a couple of posts there is a suggestion that clockwise is better? Signal is good in the larger towns but often drops out in more rural areas. They actually had lavender lattes and lavender London Fogs on the menu! And I had great company my frequent travel buddy Cailin, who herself is from Nova Scotia! Especially if you are visiting over Celtic Colors, or (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend. Consider a Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf. Keep in mind the hike starts two hours before sunset, but you also have to pick up your park pass at the entrance and the start of the hike is about a 20-minute drive from the entrance. Its great on a beautiful day, but a moody day will get you some ethereal photos! For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at the McIntyres Cottages. 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. Check out her list of best things to do in Nova Scotia here. But if youre eager to see whales, Ingonish is one of the best spots for whale watching in Nova Scotia. 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. Between the rocks at Ingonish Beach. How long does it take to drive the Cabot Trail? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. She painted a full Nova Scotia seascape with a lighthouse and a lobster. Even so, few compare to driving the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Islandwith astounding natural beauty, and many unique stops along the way. There are so many reasons to travel the Cabot Trail. Sydney is close to the Cabot Trail at Englishtown, but I had wanted to explore indigenous culture in Nova Scotia, so we headed south and started slightly off the trail in Eskasoni. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 67 h 49 min to complete. Whale watching is also possible. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Where to Stay in Cape Breton Island: There are several lodging options when traveling to Cape Breton Island. Take a peek to the left to get abeautiful view of the blue waters belowand a chance of spotting a whale!! One of the guides, Steve, even offered to smudge my passport to give me protection on my travels. #1 rated course Cabot Cliffs and #5 rated course Cabot Links are both in Inverness, not technically ON the Cabot Trail, but very close by. Mi-Carme is a traditional French celebration that brings joy to a dark time the name means middle of Lent and its a leap of fun in the midst of a month of austerity. This is a great spot to stop for a coffee and a browse. Pjilasi. For something on the less expensive side, try the Aberdeen Motel located in Whycocomagh, or the Inn on the Intervale located in Judique. Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com. If you take the dirt road to the right on Chticamp Island it will lead you to Enragee Point where the reward is a picturesque red-capped lighthouse. SCENIC STOPS & DRIVING MAZDA CX-50. The Ultimate Nova Scotia South Shore Road Trip, © 2022 Will Save For Travel | Site Design by. The rolling hills and ocean views over looking. We enjoyed a hearty Canadian breakfast here, perfect on a rainy day. 5. How: The Cabot Trail can be driven by car, or if you are much more ambitious than myself, biked! The Cabot Trail is well-marked, easy to drive, and filled with tons of attractions. Its a small but very pretty town. To get here, you can book flights from Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax, You can easily check for the best fare deals at. Read more: Fishing Cove Backcountry is One of the Best Cape Breton Campgrounds. Honestly, you cant go wrong in either direction. Autumn is a very popular time to visit the Cabot Trail because of the leaves changing colours! It is a loop, so it doesnt have a technical beginning and end, but most people start either in Baddeck or Margaree/Cheticamp. Ive heard that fewer vehicles travel counter-clockwise, but I drove counter-clockwise and loved it.Q. I think its the best Instagram spot on the Cabot Trail. Stop at Keltic Lodge for lunch. Our plan at the moment is to do it anti-clockwise from Baddeck (stay 2 nights) then 2 nights in Chticamp. Keep an eye out for wildlife constantly, and if you see a moose, hit the breaks. Which is why you'll be plotting your return trip on the drive back to Halifax. Have dinner at Baddeck Lobster Suppers. We chose to go counterclockwise because our breakfast stop was in that direction. Wow, such a beautiful countryside. Driving the Cabot Trail. Cailin and I ended up driving back and forth several times in the most photogenic part of the national park because the weather kept changing and we wanted better photos! Each contains two queen beds or a king bed. Day 2: Broad Cove Campground to MacIntosh Brook CampgroundThe drive from Broad Cove to MacIntosh Brook is less than an hour, so theres more than enough time to visit White Point and Meat Cove (Nova Scotias northern tip!). If youre looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to Airbnb that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range. The Cabot Trail is a very popular spot for motorcyclists especially (and from what I noticed, French-speaking motorcyclists). Answered: I have been reading trip reviewsI for ides and this is where I am. I dont think Ive ever seen such beautiful roads as I did in Cape Breton! It really hits you when you walk into the visitors center at the national park and it reads, Welcome. Trains, buses and taxies also run and you can find schedules and compare options here. Go whale watching with Ingonish Whale Tours. A portable safe. The whole time we painted and chatted with resident artist Diane Bourgeois about Cape Breton and how its changed over the last several years. Thats why I originally went off to Southeast Asia for six months and why I spent years racking up far-flung destinations. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas is now based in St. George, New Brunswick. The guesthouse also has the best continental breakfast Ive ever seen anywhere. Big Spruce Brewing) or sample single malt whisky at Glenora Distillery. If youd like to stay awhile, theres also a private campground overlooking the ocean in this remote area. Do not approach them. Driving straight to the campground would have only taken an hour, so I stopped at White Point trail after a delicious lunch at Chowder House in Neils Harbour. I cannot wait to return! You'll witness breathtaking coastal views, historic woods, glacier-carved rock, and the Cape Breton Highlands. These cookies do not store any personal information. Ingonish Whale Watching has fishing boat tours from $40 CAD ($30 USD) per person and zodiac tours from $45 CAD ($34 USD) per person. before making my way over to Sydney for the festival. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Dont despair if rain is in the forecast! Its a debatable dilemma. If you've got a week to explore, here's a sample Halifax to Cape Breton road trip itinerary: Day 1: Leave Halifax for Inverness, stay overnight in Inverness. The waterfront is an EXCELLENT place to hang out with a beer and some poutine. After the hike we said goodbye to the Cabot Trail and headed for the Southeast corner of Cape Breton Island taking the ferry at Englishtown and camping south of Sydney, NS at Mira River Provincal Park. There are so many hiking trails and beaches to explore. Some of my favourites include the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, the Lake Superior route in Ontario, and (you guessed it) The World Famous Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. If you choose to visit, you will meet some of the kindest, most helpful people working local tourist stops; including restaurants, golf courses, tour companies and so much more. The California equivalent is the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles, which is far more driven in that direction to enjoy the sights. Youll find many restaurants with delicious seafood cuisine as welllobster or clam chowder, anyone? Travel from United States to Canada is: Partially open. . Hiking shoes. It was definitely my favorite indoor activity, too! We're travelling to Cape Breton from Nova Scotia mainly to drive the Cabot Trail. Domes from $180 CAD ($135 USD). Hike and camp within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, play a round of golf at Highlands . Distance: 297 kilometresTime: Approx. In the front of the Groovy Goat Farm & Soap Companyis a charming shop filled with fragrant soaps made from the farms goats milk. We stopped at a lot of lookouts on the side of the road, but this one was one of the best. From the airport to the Cabot Trail, pick up your rental car and head towards the Trans-Canada Highway/NS-105 West. An island connected to the mainland by just a short causeway. Try some beers at Big Spruce Brewing. Or leave your exploring to the next morning, if youd like. Its about a 45-minute drive from the Cabot Trail and you enter at Englishtown, near Baddeck. Ok. We saw a lot of opinions posted online about this one, but honestly, I don't think you are going to see a huge difference going clockwise versus counterclockwise. Nearly every local we met recommended that we stop here. If I had been in a souvenir-buying mood (or house-furnishing mood), I would have bought everything from here. Scenic lookout at Lakies Head north of Ingonish Lakies Head boardwalk trail On the rocks at Lakies Head lookout Near Neil's Harbour on the East side of the island Town of Neil's Harbour The town lighthouse built in 1899. Why Youll Fall in Love with Newfoundland, Quebecs Best Islands: Iles-de-la-Madeleine, My Favorite Experiences Cruising Atlantic Canada. Considered one of the top drives in North America, it should be considered more a . Id suggest 2-3 days, though its possible to drive around in a day (with few stops). And the perfect ending to the perfect day was dinner at Baddeck Lobster Suppers. Nova Scotia Bucket List: 40 Fun Things to Do Tidal Bore Rafting Nova Scotias Bay of Fundy Tides Canada: Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Manitoba, You like Canada eh? Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this site. We were lucky enough to do this with friends, and I highly recommend this as a group trip. 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