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The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway that loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. It climbs over coastal highlands, drops into fishing villages and passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with the Gulf of St. Lawrence on one side and the Atlantic on the other. The route also crosses distinct cultural regions, from Gaelic-speaking Scottish communities to French Acadian villages.
Many drivers start in Baddeck on Bras d'Or Lake and travel the Margaree River valley, known for salmon fishing, before reaching Chéticamp, an Acadian town famed for hooked rugs. Beyond it the road climbs into the park, where the Skyline Trail leads to a boardwalk above the sea and moose often graze nearby. Pleasant Bay is a base for whale-watching trips. At the top of the island, side roads run to Cape North, Dingwall and remote Meat Cove. The eastern shore passes Ingonish and the steep grade over Cape Smokey, then the craft studios of St. Anns.
Driving the loop takes several days at a comfortable pace, with frequent stops for lookouts and hikes. Gampo Abbey, a Buddhist monastery near Red River, offers an unusual detour. The trail suits road-trippers, hikers and photographers. Fall foliage is spectacular, and many services close outside the main season.
WiserMap travel guideCabot Trail Nova Scotia Skyline Trail and Whale WatchingDrive the 298 km Cabot Trail loop on Cape Breton Island: Skyline Trail views, Acadian Chéticamp, Baddeck, Ingonish beaches and whale watching from Pleasant Bay.Read the guide
The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a loop of about 7 to 9 kilometres to a headland boardwalk high above the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Moose are often seen along the trail, and whales can sometimes be spotted below. Go early or at sunset to avoid crowds, and keep a safe distance from moose.
The Franey Trail near Ingonish is a steep climb of about 7 kilometres round trip to a lookout with wide views over the Clyburn Valley, Ingonish and the Atlantic coast. It is one of the most rewarding hikes on the eastern side of the trail. Allow about three hours, wear good boots and bring water, as there is little shade.
Cape Smokey Provincial Park sits on a high headland south of Ingonish, often wrapped in the fog that gives it its name. A trail of about 11 kilometres round trip follows the cliff edge to a lookout over the ocean, with picnic areas near the parking lot. The cliffs are sheer, so stay on the trail and keep children close.
Ingonish Beach is a long sandy beach on the Atlantic side of the Cabot Trail, separated by a barrier from a freshwater lake where the water is warmer. It has change rooms, lifeguards in summer and picnic areas. The sea is cold even in August, so many people swim in the lake side; it is near Keltic Lodge and Middle Head.
Black Brook Cove is a small, sheltered beach in Cape Breton Highlands National Park on the eastern part of the trail, with granite rocks and a waterfall where the brook meets the sea. It has picnic tables and a short coastal trail. It is a lovely lunch stop; the water is cold, and the rocks can be slippery when wet.
Meat Cove is the most northerly settlement in Nova Scotia, at the end of a narrow road off the Cabot Trail beyond Cape North. It has a small campground on cliffs above a beach and dramatic views of the sea, where whales are often seen. The last part of the road is gravel and steep, so drive slowly and check conditions.
Pleasant Bay, on the western side of the Cabot Trail, is one of the best bases for whale watching in Cape Breton, with pilot whales often seen close to shore in summer, plus minke and humpback whales. Zodiac and boat tours leave from the harbour. Book ahead in peak season and bring warm clothes for the boat.
The Margaree River valley is a wide green valley on the western side of Cape Breton, famous for its salmon pools, covered bridges and quiet farms. Side roads follow the river past fishing lodges and small villages. It is very pretty in fall colours; pick up a fishing licence if you want to try salmon fishing, and drive slowly on the narrow roads.
The Lone Shieling is a small stone hut built as a replica of a Scottish crofter's shelter, in honour of the Highland Scots who settled Cape Breton. It sits in an old growth sugar maple forest in the national park, reached by a short, easy loop trail. It is a calm stop on the drive near Pleasant Bay, especially in fall colours.
Cabot Landing Provincial Park near Cape North has a monument marking where John Cabot is said to have landed in 1497, along with a long sandy beach on Aspy Bay. It is a peaceful spot with views of the mountains. It makes a good side trip from the Cabot Trail; the water is cold but the beach is great for a walk.
Gampo Abbey is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a cliff above the Gulf of St. Lawrence at Red River, north of Pleasant Bay. Visitors can see the grounds and stupa and enjoy the quiet setting with ocean views. Tours are offered at set times in summer, so check ahead, and be respectful of the monastic community.
The Gaelic College, Colaisde na Gaidhlig, at St. Anns teaches Gaelic language, music, dance and crafts, and is the only institution of its kind in North America. Visitors can see exhibits on Gaelic culture and attend ceilidhs and concerts in summer. Check the schedule for performances and drop in for a short visit on your way around the trail.
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