Cabot Trail

A 298 km coastal loop around the northern part of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia that crosses Cape Breton Highlands National Park, famous for its sea cliffs, whale watching and Celtic music.

The Cabot Trail is named after the explorer John Cabot, who reached North America in 1497. It was completed in 1932. It loops around the northern part of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, starts and ends in Baddeck, and is about 298 km long. About one-third of it runs through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It is best driven counterclockwise, which makes the ocean-side views easier to enjoy. Highlights: Baddeck's Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site; the Margaree Valley (the Salmon River and Celtic cottages); and the French-speaking Acadian fishing village of Chéticamp. After entering the national park, the road winds up the western coastal cliffs. Stops include the Skyline Trail, where at sunset you can look down over the Gulf of St. Lawrence (moose and pilot whales are often seen); whale watching at Pleasant Bay; and the Lone Shieling in an old maple forest. A side trip leads to the far north at St. Lawrence and Meat Cove. On the east coast, pass Neils Harbour Lighthouse, Ingonish Beach and the Keltic Lodge, then cross Cape Smokey and return to Baddeck via St. Ann's Gaelic College. Driving straight through takes about 5 hours. Plan 2 to 3 days. A pass is required to enter the national park. Some mountain sections have grades of up to 13% and many sharp curves. Accommodation is tight during the October foliage season and the Celtic Colours festival, and many facilities close after November.

Cabot Trail

Along the route