This 298 km (186 mi) highway weaves through The Cape Breton Highlands National Park, rewarding travellers with spectacular valley and coastal views all along the way. Make sure to ask the hikers you passalong the trail if they sawBullwinkleon their route and how far back, so you can catch one before they retreat into the dense brush. Consider a Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf. Theyve built a new business in their new home of Canada. Honestly, it doesnt matter. The cheapest way to get from New York to Cabot Trail costs only $385, and the quickest way takes just 10 hours. Its a small but very pretty town. It is a 66-mile scenic road that rims the Gulf of St. Lawrence, starting at Port Hastings and ending at Margaree Forks, which is a southern point on the Cabot Trail. But I disagree with the author, driving counter clockwise is the only way to go. The coastal view at the end was wonderful despite the dampness in the air and you could also see the Cabot Trail as it wound though a steep, wooded valley heading to the coast. Its one of the best places to see fall colours in Canada! 5 hours (or multiple days)Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, seasonal restaurants, and moreAccommodation: Campgrounds, lodges, hotels, hostels, and moreHighlights: Trails, campgrounds, artisan shops, look-offs, and more. You can take your tent and go, or book hotels, hostels, lodges, Airbnbs, cottages, and more. Nova Scotia is a province located along the Eastern portion of Canada, and is mostly bordered by coastline. They not only tailored my itinerary to include activities I liked, but also made my car and hotel reservations, making it no-fuss for me. or are they all close in september ? Now with all that housekeeping out of the way, lets pick some fun activities to do while driving the Cabot Trail! ), Driving The Cabot Trail Counter-Clockwise. I so want to come back for Mi-Carme! I exclaimed to the staff. Aucoin Bakery is a huge source of local pride for Chticamp! And on top of that, it had a quality Im having trouble defining. At 185 miles, the Cabot Trail is longer than most people think. (Thanks to my Dad for the golf info hes the golf expert in the family). Read more about other things to do in Nova Scotia in the Fall. Check out her list of best things to do in Nova Scotia here. I think you can travel the Cabot Trail in a minimum of three days but I would recommend stretching to four days if you can. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Rates from $149 CAD ($112 USD). Generally, give them their space. Views from the trail look down over the ocean and rugged coastline of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and are truly breathtaking. Oh, and Floras gift shop is a must before finishing the journey. Ive heard that fewer vehicles travel counter-clockwise, but I drove counter-clockwise and loved it.Q. October is an amazing time to visit Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail! For a hotel with a little more extravagance, book a room at the, Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at, . In the park, the guided Skyline Trail sunset hike is $14.70 CAD ($11 USD) per participant. On this day, everything changes. Cape Breton Island is an outdoor lovers paradise! The rocks make a great texture, too. I sampled both and they were terrific! Breweries are popping up all over Nova Scotia, and Big Spruce is a nice one to visit if youre in Baddeck. Q. Long Weekend On The Cabot Trail. You'll witness breathtaking coastal views, historic woods, glacier-carved rock, and the Cape Breton Highlands. You can buy a virtual coffee to help others get outdoors! This beach is rocky until you get to the shoreline, where its filled with soft sand. We were lucky enough to do this with friends, and I highly recommend this as a group trip. Labels: 2007, Canada, hiking, Nova Scotia, road trip, summer . Hit the Cabot Trail Road and make your way toward Ingonish. Find deals on Baddeck hotels here and see all Baddeck Airbnbs here. But you still need to book your accommodations in advance, as this is a very popular time of year, places book up quickly! It was 100% worth it, but be prepared for cold nights when tenting in October. But for me and Cailin, our favorite portrait was of a white Persian cat. Technically it is outside of the National Park. While we enjoyed the drive of the entire loop, our first sightseeing stop on the Cabot Trail didnt come until we were just outside of Ingonish (almost halfway through the drive!) Spend a day exploring the Cabot Trail loop, sampling classic Cape Breton hospitality along the way. The Rusty Anchor |23197 Cabot Trail Road, Pleasant Bay | Map. I couldve easily spent a few more days on the Cabot Trail, but I had a decent amount of time to visit a few campgrounds, hike some trails, and enjoy several artisan shops, cafes, and galleries. At night, its much cooler, and youll be ready to bundle underneath the covers. Sign up with your email address and never miss out on a new blog post! before making my way over to Sydney for the festival. Find deals on hotels in Chticamp here and see all Chticamp Airbnbs here. Does it matter which way you drive round? Overall, MacIntosh Brook was a very pleasant spot to spend the night (even though the bathroom could have been cleaner). I recommend removing the seeds or asking for no seeds on top they taste too much like soap to me. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. The Cabot Trail is well-marked, easy to drive, and filled with tons of attractions. When I finished in the area, I detoured to Inverness Beach (lot of sea glass!) Or leave your exploring to the next morning, if youd like. If youre like me, youll love the artisan shops with locally-made products. Hike and camp within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, play a round of golf at Highlands . I hope youre planning your trip to Cape Breton right now! We also brought hats and gloves too because the wind can be quite chilly, even in the sun. If you are not renting a car but would love to explore Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail, consider joining a multi-day group tour that includes pick-ups and drop-offs, such as this Multi-Day Cape Breton Island Tour from Halifax. Day 2: Broad Cove Campground to MacIntosh Brook CampgroundThe drive from Broad Cove to MacIntosh Brook is less than an hour, so theres more than enough time to visit White Point and Meat Cove (Nova Scotias northern tip!). Many artists call this part of Nova Scotia home and countless galleries and cultural experiences . Rates at Inverary Resortin Baddeck start at $159 CAD ($120 USD). Some of my favourites include the Icefields Parkway in Alberta, the Lake Superior route in Ontario, and (you guessed it) The World Famous Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. Heres what I did:Day 1: Canso Causway to Broad Cove CampgroundDrive across the Canso Causeway and follow the Trans Canada to the beginning of the Cabot Trail. We defiantly stopped at every spot we could to stretch our legs and check out cool rocks and shells. Dancing Goat |6289 Cabot Trail,North East Margaree | Map. $40 CAD ($30 USD) per adult and $20 CAD ($15 USD) per child under 10. I'm not a financial advisor. The Keltic Lodge is home to some of the most high-end accommodation in the region and the best golf course in Cape Breton. We were joined by a family of six from Alberta who had never eaten whole lobster before and were delighted. It gave me the opportunity to explore the province and drive the Cabot Trail at my own pace, getting into the nooks and crannies of this breathtaking Canadian region. This was very much true on my flexible self-driving tour of Nova Scotia (including Cape Breton Island!) If you, like me previous to our trip, have never been to Cape Breton, you must look into it. A light hooded rain jacket. Plus, because it was a loose itinerary it left plenty of room to explore on my own, finding my own unique experiences and sleeping in when I wanted! If you have time, you can drive all the way to hilariously named Meat Cove, near the northern tip of Cape Breton. Hiking is a very popular activity in the Fall, and the. Visitors to Cape Breton can explore the trail in a number of ways, with the two most popular options being by car and by foot (hiking). Its about a 45-minute drive each way. Halifax and the surrounding area. Cape Breton is the large island in the northeast of Nova Scotia, home to 18% of the province's land and 14% of the population. Get breakfast at Danenas Bakery and Bistro. With its jaunty fisherman waving you in with a lobster, the Rusty Anchor is a quintessential road trip stop! The moose ears in Englishtown. You can buy all kinds of bath and skincare products here, and they operate a petting zoo when the weather is nicer. Leave a comment below. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this site. This is a great activity for people who are lobster aficionados like me and especially Cailin, but its extra special for people who live inland or have no idea how to eat a whole lobster. The restaurant features classic Canadian and American dishes nothing too culturally significant, but a nice solid option. Signal is good in the larger towns but often drops out in more rural areas. But one of the biggest highlights of Atlantic Canada has been driving the Cabot Trail and discovering the Cape Breton region of Nova Scotia. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If you have the time, take a break from the Cabot Trail to explore this unique part of Nova Scotia. Especially if you are visiting over Celtic Colors, or (Canadian) Thanksgiving weekend. I bought a bunch of chocolate, thanked them in Arabic, and they were delighted and insisted on giving me even more chocolate. Sydney is the largest city in Cape Breton and it has a small airport and several car rental locations. The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Aucoin Bakery is small there is almost no seating. The Cabot Trail itself absolutely can be driven in a day. Day 3: MacIntosh Brook Campground to Fishing Cove Backcountry CampgroundFishing Cove, the only backcountry campground in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, is just minutes away from MacIntosh Brook. Ok. Lets talk about the top reason I was interested in the Cape Breton Highlands the Skyline Trail. This is an easy, even hike with a gorgeous view at the end, even better at sunset. I would recommend bringing a jacket if conditions are similar. The staff moved us to another room, but if you want to stay here, I would request a room not on the floor with the pool and sauna. There is a boardwalk that leads to the beach through high piles of rocks. And when the sun dipped behind the mountains, I was reminded of Colorado. I OFFICIALLY LOVE CAPE BRETON. The Acadian ladies who invited us to come back and stay in their homes for the Mi-Carme celebration in winter. Cape Breton is approximately 12 driving hours from Boston, 14 from Hartford and 16 from New York City. Thomas can often be found hiking, paddling, biking, and camping. I know we will be just scratching the surface but would love feeedback. Hubby and I are very active, healthy seniors. While we didnt have time to do this due to a late start, this is absolutely worth the beautiful setting alone. You can also get an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass to all the parks for $67.70 CAD ($51 USD) per adult, $57.90 CAD ($44 USD) per senior, and $136.40 CAD ($103 USD) per family. Tons of muffins, bread from nearby Aucoin Bakery, cereals, fruit, drawers filled with peanut butter and all kinds of jellies and jams, even a designated gluten-free zone. Find deals on Baddeck hotels hereandsee all Baddeck Airbnbs here. National Geographic Traveler named their lobster roll the best on the trail, though their fish cakes were no joke either. Get ready for the best meal of your trip youre going to Learn to Lobster Boil in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The California equivalent is the Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles, which is far more driven in that direction to enjoy the sights. Dont pull over unless its in a designated parking area where you can pull over safely. This might be better for those who dont enjoy driving along cliffs. wow that highway is looking so beautiful and it is full natural beauty. You will be in parts of Cape Breton where moose, bears, coyotes, and other wild animals live. This is a great way to lock up your valuables in your accommodation andI consider it the most important thing I pack. It feels more like New Hampshire or Maine! I drove down the nearby Skyline Trail in the morning, and then hiked 6 kilometres into Fishing Cove in the afternoon. The two-mile gravel road will give you incredible panoramic views of the harbour and the town of Chticamp, plus youll probably pass some cute cattle on way. The Cabot Trail is a 298KM (186 mile) driving route around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and along the coastline. Ever wanted to sleep in a dome? Its great on a beautiful day, but a moody day will get you some ethereal photos! Admission to the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site is $7.80 CAD ($6 USD) per adult, $6.55 CAD ($5 USD) per senior, and free for youths. Lets start by clarifying a couple of points. If I had been in a souvenir-buying mood (or house-furnishing mood), I would have bought everything from here. A short dramatic driving along the entire length of the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. When you live in a city (especially New York City), you notice how much slower it is in the country. He has lived in four provinces and has travelled to 13 different countries. driving on that highway will be great experience and its have so good stops. I loved waking up to the sound of raindrops the next day. thank ou, Great post.. can you please tell me where in St. Anns Bay youre referencing about the shops there. Cailin was sampling oatcakes, a Nova Scotian delicacy, throughout Cape Breton, and we found that Aucoin Bakery had the largest and softest oatcakes of all. All opinions, as always, are my own. Your jaw will drop - for real - at the sight of this sweeping cliff-and-forest-cloaked coastline. A simple windbreaker like this one is easy enough to stash in your backpack and throw on when you need it. Our final accommodation, the Inverary Resort, was beautiful to look at all dark wood with white trim and pops of color with Canadas symbolic red chairs out in the sitting areas. When: Summer is peak tourist season, Fall for magnificent colours in the Highlands. Where should I fuel up?A. Travel from United States to Canada is: Partially open. Earlier this year, I met representatives from Visit Nova Scotia and we decided to do a campaign together. But the view on top of the grass at Whale Cove was the highlight, just really special, spectacular view every direction you look, and we wouldnt have known to go up there. A spectacular drive. They do a great lobster roll. While you see a lot of folk art on the Cabot Trail, the selection here is more refined and modern. Next, drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Once you get into Cape Breton Highlands National Park (youll know by the pay booth at the entrance) pull over at the first outlet on theleft. All rights reserved. Its a debatable dilemma. If youre doing the Skyline Trail, which is pretty level, you can get away with sneakers or athletic sandals; if youre doing anything more intense, youll want hiking boots. Rates for domes at the Blue Bayou Resortin Dingwallstart at $180 CAD ($135 USD). You can travel the Cabot Trail for longer if youd like, having a more leisurely trip than we did, and traveling for longer gives you a bit of insurance in case you have some rainy days. Do I have to do the whole thing?A. At other times, driving through the lusher parts of the highlands, I almost felt like I was in Hawaii! Do not approach them. There are so many reasons to travel the Cabot Trail. If you choose October, take in the Celtic Colours International Festival in Sydney (its incredible!). Would you like to do this road trip? Especially be cautious when going around those hairpin turns in the eastern part of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Canada. This is easy if you plan to drive the loop in one day, but becomes more difficult if you are spending a couple of days on the Trail. Wonderful and welcoming people. We went here for sunset, but it would be an equally wonderful place to spend the day, sun tanning and playing in the sand and water. Choose from several map styles. The drive was so smooth and exhilarating in the Mazda CX-50. One incredible national park. Continue to Ingonish where you can purchase a national park pass (and backcountry pass for Fishing Cove). Learning from actual indigenous people is all too rare these days, and it should be cherished. You will be charged admission as you enter, but the fee is small. After I posted this, the most popular question I got asked was Does it get hot? During the day, it gets quite warm inside and smells a bit of plastic but opening the screened-in windows makes a big difference. You can also drive from mainland Nova Scotia via the Canso Causeway, or take a Marine Atlantic ferry from Newfoundland. The Cabot Trail is considered one of the world's most scenic destinations, with stunning ocean vistas, old-growth forests, prehistoric rock scarred by glacie. Halifax is a fun city and worth a full day in its right. Big Spruce Brewing) or sample single malt whisky at Glenora Distillery. For an early dinner, I recommend Labri a relatively new, very queer-friendly restaurant that the locals cant stop raving about. I loved how the guides weaved in traditions and how they use them today, like medicinal plants that are used to treat cancer. Meat Cove is the northernmost settlement in Nova Scotia, at the tip of Cape Breton Island. Start your day with breakfast, then plan to hit up a lot of sights. When I saw paint traditional masks on my itinerary, I wasnt too excited but this ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Its about a 3.5-hour drive from the Cabot Trail and you enter at Hunters Point, also near Baddeck. Try some beers at Big Spruce Brewing. At times, like in White Point, I felt like I was in Normandy. We finished The Cabot Trailat 7:30 PM, over ten hours from when we started. Insect repellant. You can even eat amidst the piles of stuff for sale! Three interesting cultures in one place, shared proudly with visitors. We have one week already covered in. In the campground, youll find picnic tables, a lodge with a fireplace and sink, and a washroom on site. We skipped dining here, because I already had my heart set on our first stop. If youd enjoy a coastal island road trip, then driving the Cabot Trail is an absolute must. The Skyline trail has two options. If I'm understanding the maps, the actual trail circles from Baddeck to. There are many beaches along the way as well. Find the travel option that best suits you. 4. Shortly after leaving Cape Smokey, you will enter the town of Ingonish and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. These cookies do not store any personal information. You can check out pricing at, Nova Scotia Bucket List: 40 Fun Things to Do, Tidal Bore Rafting Nova Scotias Bay of Fundy Tides, Canada: Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Manitoba, 35 of Mauis Best Road to Hana Stops for a Fun Driving Tour, Jamaica Bucket List: 30+ Fun Things to Do, Colorados Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch, 25 Cute Winter Jackets: Best Coats for Women Travelers, Irish Castles Bucket List: 40 Best Ones in Ireland, Mesa Verde Colorado Bucket List: 20 Best Things to Do, Alaska Bucket List: 50 Best Things to Do & See. As a girl who has spent a lot of time in nature, I would advise that wildlife is typically easier to see in the mornings and evenings when there is less foot traffic by people and animals are more active. Then I quickly realized that they give you so many mussels that you probably wont want to order a second serving! From MacIntosh Brook Campground to Fishing Cove, Cape Split Trail: One of the Best Hikes in Nova Scotia, Fishing Cove Backcountry is One of the Best Cape Breton Campgrounds, 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike. I am going to shamelessly admit that this was my favorite stopwho can pass up a cute, furry 4-legged animal? 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. A bonus (as if baby goats werent enough) is that there is a pretty white steepled church right next door All along the Cabot Trail (and on Cape Breton Island) you will pass a small scattering of cute arts & crafts shops selling handmade pottery, iron, glassware, etc. Cabot Trail. I loved stopping in and getting to chat with the lovely women. When I was younger, I felt like the only destinations worth visiting were the most exotic ones. . Drive around and explore the local area. Get a Canadian SIM card. Accommodation options abound (but book early in the peak season).Q. Other species endemic to this area are Eastern coyotes and black bears. Learn about Acadian culture at Les Trois Pignons. Cape Breton Island makes up the northern part of Nova Scotia, it is connected to the mainland by the Canso Causeway, which is the only way on/off the island except for the ferry to Newfoundland. An island connected to the mainland by just a short causeway. Canada is a big and beautiful country. This annual festival starts the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend (early October) every year and goes on for about 8 days. The drive to Chticamp is lovely, especially once you hit the water. 2021 is still virtual! Id suggest 2-3 days, though its possible to drive around in a day (with few stops). To be honest, I rolled my eyes at her exultations but then I tried it and WOW. You wont be disappointed! Artist William Roach has been carving and painting works of art for decades, and the gallery is now home to works by 15 Cape Breton folk artists. The freshest, most succulent, most delicious lobster. Thanks! Stay at Silver Linings Inn one more night. Mi-Carme was celebrated as early as the Middle Ages, but sadly it has died out everywhere but a few communities in French Canada. Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at Booking.com. I needed exactly ZERO nice pieces of clothing. We found them to be perfect for our party of two couples! We were the first guests to stay in a new suite above the main guesthouse: a loft with two incredibly comfortable queen beds, tons of excellent pillows, and an ensuite bathroom. Do note that this is not a luxury glamping experience its cool-looking, but simple. Hiking gear. Cape Breton Highlands National Park takes up most of the interior of this loop and several unique communities border the park. Theres so much deeply rooted tradition, and thriving local business to support along the trail. When we return, we will book with them again. There are so many interesting shots you can get at the end of the trail, overlooking the mountains. Canada boasts (humbly, of course) several scenic road tripsfrom coast to coast to coast. My pick for the absolute best Instagram spot on the Cabot Trail, if not Cape Breton. If you are in Chticamp, you are very close to the Skyline Trail, which takes 3 . A. Dont rush your trip. The views of the point and along the coast are unlike anything I have ever seen. And its available everywhere on the Cabot Trail. After that we actually put on costumes that matched our masks and took some photos! This is usually done on the beach, but it was a rainy night, so they moved our group to an indoor/outdoor shelter. When should I go? Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Photo Credit: David Li. InPleasant Bay, take a lunch break at The Rusty Anchor, the halfway point on The Cabot Trail. Its a beautiful spot, with much-needed showers. Dreamy doesnt even begin to describe Nova Scotias northernmost place. Looking for one of the most beautiful road trips in the world? Although October may be a bit chilly for a beach day, they are still nice to walk along. Aspy Fault for some awesome mountain views along a deep fault line. In short, the Cabot Trail is more diverse than you might think! Im obsessed with all things travel Airports make me happyI love a good spreadsheet & I want to show you that you can have your cake and eat it too, by paying off your debt and being financially free, youll have more money for the things you loveRead More, Join in on important conversations about money in Money Talks With Will Save For Travel on Facebook. Where to Stay in Cape Breton Island: There are several lodging options when traveling to Cape Breton Island. If youre working from the road, I recommend taking time off from work while youre in Cape Breton. http://www.cbisland.com/the-island/cabot-trailThe Cabot Trail is more than a magnificent world-renowned drive - it is an experienceOne to delight inone to . If you travel clockwise, youll be on the inside lane around the trail. We have one week already covered in. Cape Breton is known for being a slow-paced and beautiful corner of Nova Scotia. As an example: Day 1: arrive in Baddeck from mainland Nova Scotia in the afternoon, check out Alexander Graham Bell Museum and walk the main street. Next, if you have the time, visit the Highland Village. This fun, friendly, and casual restaurant featured the best deal of our trip. Read more: Cape Split Trail: One of the Best Hikes in Nova Scotia. There is plenty of hot water, and you can easily get privacy by pulling down the curtains. They are known for their lobster rolls and fish cakes we had both. Stop for coffee at the Frog Pond Cafe and check out folk art at Sunset Art Gallery. We arrived in Chticamp around suppertime after a long drive from Southern New Brunswick. With a population of just over 130,000 in the entirety of its landmass, Cape Breton Island is a peaceful place and an excellent spot to relax. Youll want the good stuff if youre doing challenging hikes. Before driving the Cabot Trail, Id recommend mapping out your stops to make the most of your trip. Scenic lookout at Lakies Head north of Ingonish Lakies Head boardwalk trail On the rocks at Lakies Head lookout Near Neil's Harbour on the East side of the island Town of Neil's Harbour The town lighthouse built in 1899. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. What I really liked was the sound the water made as it ran over the rocks such a gentle whisper. If youre like us, you could have a mix of sunshine and rain. It's Longer Than You Think. 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