Nova Scotia (Cape Breton Island)
Cabot Trail
The Cape Breton Highlands loop: cliffs over the Gulf, Acadian Chéticamp, whales and Celtic fiddles.
- Approximate distance
- ≈ 186 mi
- Stops
- 8
- Suggested nights
- 8
- Best season
- June, July, August, September, October
Mid-June to mid-October; fall colors in early October (Celtic Colours festival).
Warnings for large vehicles
- Steep climbs and descents (French Mountain, MacKenzie, North Mountain, Cape Smokey): use a low gear going down to spare your brakes.
- Counterclockwise (Chéticamp first), you drive on the ocean side.
These routes were written from memory: double-check distances, seasons, rules and closures with official sources before you go.
Stops
- Baddeck Departure
- Margaree Harbour 1 night
- Chéticamp 2 nights
- Pleasant Bay 1 night
- Cape North 1 night
- Ingonish 2 nights
- Englishtown Arrival
- Baddeck 1 night
Simplified line: straight lines between stops. The planner works out the real road.
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