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7 Day Itinerary on the Cabot Trail

Are you ready to drive one of the best road trips in the world?  The view just above your dashboard will now be a window to North America’s #1 Island.  With jaw-dropping scenery along the drives to Cape Breton Island’s most famous locations and communities, your 7 day itinerary will make memories that will last a lifetime.

Gondolas ascend Cape Smokey in Ingonish.

Day 1

Sydney to Baddeck – 91 km

Start your road trip with a quick drive from Sydney to Baddeck. Baddeck is home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, amazing restaurants, and Uisge Ban Provincial Park. Be sure to get outside and enjoy this easy 2 km hike to one of Cape Breton’s beautiful waterfalls.  Then make your way back to the village of Baddeck for a lobster dinner and live music!

3 Day Fall Leaf Chaser Itinerary 3

Day 2

Baddeck to Margaree – 63 km

Your second day of this epic road trip begins with a drive along the Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.  Take the exit at the Red Barn and start your journey to Margaree. This magical valley is home to the Margaree River, a designated National Heritage River, and a slower pace of life where you can savour the views as much as the local food.

An angler fishes for salmon at the Ross Bridge along the Margaree River in the fall.

Day 3

Margaree to Chéticamp – 84 km

Drive along the west coast of Cape Breton Island and marvel at coastal views as you make your way to Chéticamp. This coast is home to a thriving Acadian Culture that invites you to explore and revel in their culture. When you arrive at the Mi-Carême Interpretive Centre in Grand Ètang, you’ll learn of the centuries-old story of the Acadian Culture.

Centre de la Mi-Carême

Day 4

Chéticamp to Pleasant Bay – 42km

Your fourth day sees you head farther north into the Cape Breton Highlands where the panoramic sights will give you pause for thought. Take your time and drink in the divine beauty that is on the west coast of Cape Breton. You will arrive in Pleasant Bay and change vehicles from car to boat. Here you will be sent from your car to a whale watching adventure that you have only seen on TV, after which you can satisfy a ‘whale’ of an appetite at the Rusty Anchor Restaurant on the Cabot Trail.

A family watches two whales from a boat

Day 5

Pleasant Bay to Dingwall – 33 km

How could a day that starts in “Pleasant Bay” get any better?  Easy— jump and your car and drive across the northern edge of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park along North Mountain.  As you make your way to Meat Cove, the scenery and views will justify why Cape Breton has the reputation that it does.  When you arrive at Cabot Trail Adventures, you have your choice of award-winning hiking, biking or sea kayaking.

An aerial view of the Aspy Valley in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Day 6

Dingwall to Ingonish – 45 km

Your penultimate day of driving will find you heading south from Dingwall to one of the most beautiful beach locations on the Island.  The drive will once again provide you with another set of world-renowned vistas along the Atlantic Ocean.  Upon arrival at Cape Smokey, you will be treated to a ride – and a view— that is the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada.  Destination Cape Smokey is the home to the only Gondola ride east of Quebec!

Day 7

Ingonish to North River – 56 km

Your last day on the Cabot Trail will see you go from one of the most iconic views on the Island to the stunning tranquillity of St Ann’s Bay, located at the base of the trail. Be sure to stop in enjoy some of the local artisans that call this part of the Cabot Trail home.

7 Day Itinerary on the Cabot Trail 1

To help you find that PERFECT place to stay on your journey around the Cabot Trail, click here to find all the accommodations available to you. There are also many delicious options for Places To Eat around the Cabot Trail. Happy Planning!

Businesses and Activities on your Itinerary

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Baddeck Lobster Suppers

Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake

Community: Baddeck & Area

Baddeck Lobster Suppers is family owned and operated,  with over 100 years tradition of working in the fishing industry.  Offering...


46.0973 -60.7571

Inverary Resort

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 854 Reviews

Regions: Bras d’Or Lake, Cabot Trail

Community: Baddeck & Area

We at Inverary Resort are very proud to call Baddeck our home. Located in the heart of beautiful Cape Breton Island and is the beginning and...


46.0968 -60.7573

North River Kayak Tours

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 224 Reviews

Region: Cabot Trail

Community: St. Ann’s Bay & North Shore

For over 30 years, we have been providing award-winning kayaking experiences around Cape Breton Island. Located on the Cabot Trail, we offer...


46.2811 -60.6078

True North Destinations

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 20 Reviews

Region: Cabot Trail

Community: Pleasant Bay

Ten geodesic domes, each with luxurious queen-sized bed, 3-piece bath, fully equipped kitchenette, dining/living room area, bay windows and ...


46.8247 -60.8167

Acadian Trail

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 91 Reviews

Regions: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cabot Trail

Community: Chéticamp & Area

Climb 365 metres above the Chéticamp River for panoramic views of the Acadian coastline, the Chéticamp river valley and the park’s h...


46.6469 -60.9502

Auberge Baywind Suites

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 94 Reviews

Region: Cabot Trail

Community: Chéticamp & Area

4 luxury waterfront suites (Q,sofa-bed), ensuite 3-pc bath (1 with roll-in shower, 3 with double airjet tub), A/C, SaTV, DVD, phone, Wi-Fi, ...


46.632 -61.0107

Benjie’s Lake Trail

Region: Cabot Trail

On the plateau at the top of French Mountain, this trail crosses wet barrens and evergreen forests typical of the highlands, ending at a sma...


46.7473 -60.8215
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