Getting Here & Around
EV Charging Stations
Electric-vehicle travel to Cape Breton Island is easier than ever. A growing web of direct-current fast chargers lines the Trans-Canada Highway into the Island and dots its scenic routes, while Level 2 plugs wait at hotels, parks, and trailheads. Use the guide below to plan stress-free stops, then visit each network’s website for the latest charger status and pricing.
Fast-Charging Hubs on the Way to the Island
Highway 104 from Truro to the Canso Causeway now features multiple Nova Scotia Power 100 kW stations at On the Run and Irving plazas. Aulds Cove, just before the bridge, includes a Tesla Supercharger plus universal CCS/CHAdeMO heads, letting you top up before the climb into the Highlands.
Summer weekends can mean short queues at Aulds Cove; if the lot is busy, Port Hawkesbury’s downtown charger is ten minutes farther.
Nova Scotia Power EV Network
View the full fast-charging map, real-time availability, and connector details.
Tesla Supercharger Map
Filter by plug type and see idle-fee policies for Superchargers across Nova Scotia.
Island-Wide DC Fast Chargers (Highway 105 and Sydney)
Once across the causeway, Highway 105 offers DC stations in Whycocomagh, Baddeck (FLO 50 kW) and Sydney (100 kW dual-head) so you can circle the Bras d’Or or head straight to the Fortress of Louisbourg without range anxiety.
FLO and ChargePoint readers accept contactless credit cards; keep a backup RFID card for areas with weak cell reception.
FLO Charging Network
Create a free account, order an RFID card, and view charger uptime statistics.
Chargers in Parks and Along the Cabot Trail
Parks Canada has installed six dual-standard stations inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park, including Ingonish Beach and Chéticamp Visitor Centre. Additional Level 2 plugs sit at trailhead lots and look-offs, giving you a range top-up while you hike or photograph sunset.
Stations operate year-round but may be snow-banked after storms; carry a shovel in winter and check Park alerts before you go.
Parks Canada EV Stations
See station addresses, connector types, and seasonal road advisories inside the park.
Level 2 Overnight Chargers at Accommodations and Attractions
Many resorts, inns, and golf courses, such as Lynnwood Inn in Baddeck, offer 6–7 kW J-1772 outlets included with your stay. Museums in Louisbourg and Glace Bay host similar units so you can tour while you charge.
Always call ahead to confirm a spot; some properties grant charging on a first-come basis or reserve plugs for registered guests only.
Apps, Payment Options, and Connector Tips
- PlugShare crowdsources live status reports, photos, and user check-ins.
- ChargePoint and FLO apps unlock most non-Tesla DC units in Nova Scotia.
- Tesla drivers can use Superchargers or the new CCS adapter on universal posts.
Plugshare
Browse every public EV charger in Cape Breton and Atlantic Canada, filter by plug type and power level, and read real-time user check-ins.
Winter Driving and Range Planning
Cold Atlantic winds can trim battery range by forty percent. Plan shorter legs, pre-heat the cabin while still plugged in, and keep state-of-charge above twenty percent when climbing the Highlands. Studded winter tires are legal from October 15 to April 30; many rental companies can mount them on request.
Final Checklist
Check charger status the night before, pack an extension cord for Level 2 plugs in older lots, and keep a universal charging cable in the trunk. With maps downloaded and stops plotted, you can enjoy Cape Breton’s winding roads knowing a reliable charge is never far away.