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.
Please be advised that the Cabot Trail is currently closed at the Gold Brook Bridge until further notice. There is a detour set up at West Side Middle River Rd. Please reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wind your way along our coast, on one of the world’s most famous drives. Carved by waves and coloured in colours. Vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges bring breathtaking scenery to life. Plan a week or more to enjoy every moment.
Tammy Aucoin and Chris van den Berg are both local hiking and adventure ambassadors and nature lovers who reside in Cheticamp, Cape Breton Island. @capebretonhiker & @keepexploringcapebreton
I’m Chuck Wrathall, a woodsman & photographer. I’m normally found hiking, camping, and practicing wilderness skills in the Cape Breton Highlands. Coffee in one hand, camera in the other. @chuckwrathall
Come explore the Celtic Shore Coastal Trail with us! Plus learn about some true hidden gems here on Canada's Musical Coast.
Before they were committed to memory and passed down and around through the ages, the traditional songs of today were once brand new.
The Gaels celebrated their culture not in huge buildings or sculptures but in their songs. Their songs told the stories of the people, the land, good times and bad, love's lost and yearned for.