I will say that it would be much tougher (although not impossible) to do the trail in one day with small kids. Here youll have to get a day pass from the visitor centre unless you have the Parks Canada Pass. This quaint fishing village is actually off the Cabot Trail and just outside of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, but its still worth a stop. Last year, 2 buddies of mine and I drove across the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. The Wreck Cove General Store also acts as, well, a general type store. 888/437-6565 or 902/437-7300), which opened to great fanfare in 1997. This lovely waterfall is not to be missed. You can actually drive the few kilometers down to a second parking lot, which is just a 1-2 minute, easy walk from the falls. Day 3: Cheticamp to Baddeck Hike the Skyline Trail and then spend some extra time in Cheticamp. The journey through the Kilkenny takes at least two days. which is where this trail starts was only about 30 minutes away, and being that were had the whole day to travel, before heading back to the states, we decided to drive through this whole location, and we did not regret it! When you arrive at Cabot Trail Adventures, you have your choice of award-winning hiking, biking or sea kayaking. The route is within the county municipalities of Victoria and Inverness. Both routes offer an eagles view of the Cabot Trail below and stunning views of the coast. Other areas near the Cabot Trail to explore: Want to know of other scenic drives like the Cabot Trail? Most scenic areas are on the western end, so save your stops and gas for those areas. If you're traveling from Newfoundland on the ferry via North Sydney, start your Cabot Trail road trip in Baddeck, as it's just a 40-minute drive from the ferry. However, the word "scenic" is a bit misleading. The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. During the warm months there's a food truck on site and we had a great meal from the truck along with our tasting flights, sitting at a picnic table overlooking the view. Can Americans drive their car on Canada roads, or will I need a special driver license? A twenty minute drive from the crossing will land you in Baddeck. We drove the Cabot Trail in a counter clockwise direction starting in Baddeck and ending in Cheticamp. Take a dip in the ocean, have a picnic lunch or walk along the beach. Happy Planning! The Cabot Trail Among my favourites are the vistas between Margaree and the National Park entry just past Champ, with a few lookouts to the right, especially the one overlooking Pleasant Bay. Just before reaching Cheticamp, youll want to stop at the Skyline Trail. Located on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail is a 298 km (185 miles) scenic drive through Cape Breton Highland's National Park and the Atlantic Coast. Required fields are marked *. The museum is on the smaller size but filled with interesting exhibits on the life and career of Bell, as well as a good amount of information about his wife, Mabel. Our GoBistro stays open year round! We couldn't help but have dessert - since we heard so many good things about their baked goods. With jaw-dropping scenery along the drives to Cape Breton Islands most famous locations and communities, your 7 day itinerary will make memories that will last a lifetime. 5 Activities to Enjoy (safely) this June. Its also a great place to spot some whales if you didnt get a chance to see any in Pleasant Bay. For the road on Cape Sable Island, see, Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cabot_Trail&oldid=1087334934, This page was last edited on 11 May 2022, at 20:54. And keep an eye out for wildlife, as we spotted a moose on the side of the road in this area. The service was super friendly and the prices were reasonable, considering that it's directly in a popular location for tourism. If you're a fan of hiking and beautiful natural scenery, don't miss the fairly easy hike to the old gypsum mine a few minutes outside Cheticamp. Speaking of the Visitor's Center, this is where you will need to purchase your Cabot Trail Park Pass. Discover. Cape Breton Highlands National Park. About ten minutes past Wreck Cove is a tiny little restaurant/bakery that I've heard amazing things about: the Clucking Hen. approximately five hours. It is a scenic road, for sure, but much of it is not on the coast, many of the "Look-offs" are blocked by trees, and it is really the walking trails which make it more interesting. And some people do end up driving the entire trail in one day, finishing the full 185 mile-loop (298 km). Cabot Trail common questions and answers: Is the Cabot Trail worth seeing and driving through? We only had 1 day to do all the stuff we did, so we had to only go with a select few spots we found on our GPS and then go through them. How is the best way to get to the Cabot Trail? By car and ferry Most travelers reach Nova Scotia overland from New Brunswick by car. I have always wanted to stand on the edge and take photos. (In fact, this is the main part of their business and the farm is just a happy extra.). December 28, 2022 in America, Canada, Hiking 0 0 VIEWS Cabot Trail is one of the best trails and a must-visit place in Canada. Facilities. It looks like something straight out of the wild west or an Alaskan frontier town, which is kinda cool to see in the middle of Cape Breton island! It's gorgeous. Its one of Cape Bretons most popular beaches and well worth a stop. Baddeck is a beautiful little town, set on the Bras d'or Lake. WanderlustwithKids is a participant in the Amazon Service LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Blogging Resources (to start a Travel Blog). Continue across the top part of the park until you pop out at Cape North/Dingwall. If you're interested in science or history, you'll probably want to make a stop at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck as well. Thanks! Read more. Cabot Trail Are you interested in? It's been featured on The Food Network's show, "You Gotta Eat Here!" Your journey begins in Toronto, Canada. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 46 min to complete. Id recommend at least spending 2 days driving the Cabot Trail, but to be honest, you could easily spend 3 to 5 five days exploring the trail and all it has to offer. It gives you a spectacular panoramic view of Pleasant Bay and the surrounding ocean, as well as a large display with information about the local whales (pods of which which can sometimes be visible from up above). 7 Alternatives to Antelope Canyon That Are All Nearby, Glass Beach California 5 Things to Know Before You go. For my road trip, we began the Cabot Trail in Indian Brook (east side of Nova Scotia) and ended in Margaree Harbor (west side of Nova Scotia). Its very close to the Clucking Hen cafe I mentioned earlier. Because most of the pull-offs and look-offs in Cape Breton Highlands National Park will be on the right side of the road if you travel in this direction, you will also have easy access to these locations. There are pros and cons to travelling in either direction, but to be honest, you really can't go wrong either way. Other seafood dishes that were highly recommended were the fish cakes and the lobster roll. And this will also put you in Cheticamp near sunset so you can catch the most incredible views of the sun setting over the water. Tip: I had asked around before hand and the Rusty Anchor's lobster poutine was highly recommended. 2) Gros Morne National Park. We drove the Cabot Trail in a counter clockwise direction starting in Baddeck and ending in Cheticamp. This is where youll find mountains on the coast, the highest altitudes on the road, the most beautiful beaches and the most winding up and down roads (the ones which are most advertised for the Cabot Trail itself). If youre looking for a quick snack or some delicious baked treats, Aucoin Bakery is the place to stop. Its best to book ahead, as its a popular spot to stay when driving the Cabot Trail. Although there arent any coastal views for the next while, its still a scenic drive. Don't miss this easy stop! [3] Construction of the initial route was completed in 1932. Like I said, Cabot Trail is a road that goes around the National Park of, For the most part, the whales that do swim in this area do so in the. TIPS My best friend and I chose to drive the Cabot Trail COUNTER-CLOCKWISE so that we could be closer to the ocean and pull off to the lookouts easily. How far is Salt Lake City from Utah from Salmon Idaho. There are plenty of shops to explore, as well as several restaurants where you can try some traditional Acadian food. After the Skyline, the Fishing Cove lookoff makes a nice, breezy stop before you continue a bit of a drive to Pleasant Bay. This is because in our opinions, the eastern side of this drive was boring, whereas the western side was where we saw most of the beautiful spots Ill be showing. They are all lovely little towns worth a stop and a wander around. After Black Brook Cove Beach, youll reach the town of Neils Harbour. 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. Other hikes within the park would require you get off the road and head more inland to reach. I opted to take a recent trip around the Cabot Trail in a clockwise direction, mainly because I was travelling by myself and am incredibly afraid of heights. We list some collections of Trails, National Parks, Galleries, Campgrounds, Markets, Cafes, Lodge & restaurants, resorts & Spa, Gift Shops, and so on. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Then travel on, enjoying the windswept views as you make your way toward Cheticamp, an Acadian fishing village just outside the Western entrance to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Find full details here. 3) If youre visiting from the states, then I recommend reading up on my eastern United States road trip for ideas on what to see across the north eastern states of the U.S. 4) And finally, there is the Eastern Canada road trip post which shows all of the areas my buddies and I saw in Canada, including the Cabot Trail. Plenty of people, including foodies whose opinions I trust, have recommended this place to me. It is named after the explorer John Cabot who landed in Atlantic Canada in 1497, although modern historians agree his landfall likely took place in Newfoundland and not Cape Breton Island. The Rusty Anchor has a large dining room to accommodate everyone with the same idea. Destination Cape Smokey is the home to the only Gondola ride east of Quebec! We drove the Cabot Trail in a counter clockwise direction starting in Baddeck and ending in Cheticamp. The trail is really well cared for and we saw people of all ages on it when we visited. Here on this site we share kid-friendly destinations and itineraries, tips for making travel with kids easier and lots of our family adventures. You can easily rent a car from the airport there - it's about a two-hour drive to Cape Breton. I was recently informed that the Cabot trail now has a gondola ride in the Cape Smokey area. I thought this was a lovely stop and it stood out to me for several reasons: it's VERY accessible from the road - just a few minutes' walk through a gentle wooded area full of beautiful sugar maple trees takes you to a replica of a Scottish crofter's hut (built in 1942). Since theres so much to see and do, to make the most of this Cabot Trail itinerary in 2 days, were assuming youre already arrived in Cape Breton and ready to start driving the Cabot Trail in the morning. Six Steps to Start a Blog An Easy Checklist, An Eastern Canada Road Trip: Toronto to Halifax, Nova Scotia, The Best Road Trip Activities for Young Kids, Healthy and Easy Road Trip Snacks for Kids, Why You Should Use Packing Cubes for Travel, An Eastern Canada Road Trip: The Drive from Toronto to Halifax. Really, there are a ton of things to do, see and eat in every tiny little village and hamlet along the trail - beautiful views, famous Cape Breton friendliness, super fresh seafood, interesting cultural activities and excellent excursions into nature. 14 H co For over 30 years, we have been providing award-winning kayaking experiences around Cape Breton Island. After breakfast, begin your second day of driving Cabot Trail and head towards Cheticamp. Some people like the feeling that they are hugging the mountains because it makes them feel safer, but I like the Cabot Trails scenery more when I drive it in a clockwise direction. Table of Contents: show Firstly, our trip to this location was very impromptu. Good starting points would be either Baddeck, or Cheticamp (having come up the beautiful Route 19 from the Canso Causeway). One of the boats under his command, the Matthew, sighted land and probably landed on, Cabot Trail. Its very different than the Cabot Trail because of the landscape, but it is stunning to explore and places like Olympic National Park and Cape Flattery are prime examples of this. Which Cabot Trail route is best? Specifically, its in the north eastern region of this province. Hike or walk the Skyline Trail (easy and stroller and wheelchair accessible) in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Ceilidh Trail in Margaree is a great place to begin your journey to the Cabot Trail. Climb 365 metres above the Chticamp River for panoramic views of the Acadian coastline, the Chticamp river valley and the parks h Be inspired by the fascinating life and work of Alexander Graham Bell inventor, scientist, teacher, and devoted family man. The Cabot Trail is one of Canadas ultimate scenic highways. If you're like most travelers, though, you have limited time and your best bet is driving the Cabot Trail. Back on the Cabot Trail, and not even a 5 minute drive, youll find the MacIntosh Brook Trail. From there you can choose to take a leisurely stroll through this serene wooded area, past the brook that runs through it in several locations, and back to the parking lot. As soon as you enter the park the scenery starts to change dramatically. The kids LOVED feeding the goats and it was super cute. It is a loop that goes around the northern tip of the island, covering a distance of 298 kilometers (185 miles) and passing through the Cape Breton Highlands and also the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Be sure to get outside and enjoy this easy 2 km hike to one of Cape Bretons beautiful waterfalls. Ingonish Beach and Freshwater Lake. It is also called Skyline Trail. Where does the Cabot Trail start and end? If youre up for a hike, there are great hiking trails in the area. Often seen as both the start and end of the Cabot Trail, you've made it! If you are driving, like the vast majority, you will either arrive by ferry or drive onto the island via the large Confederation Bridge (tel. Share. Its the closest coastline to the Cabot Trail and in my opinion better as well, especially around the Acadia National Park area (Bar Harbor). Be sure to stop in enjoy some of the local artisans that call this part of the Cabot Trail home. The Cabot Trail can be driven in a day but we recommend four days to really explore everything there is to see and do. The western and eastern sections follow the rugged coastline, with views of the ocean. We preferred to stick to the road and trust me, youll find PLENTY of scenic spots to stop at which you wont be able to miss. Within that province, there is an island called Cape Breton and the trail itself is on it. This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something through a link, I may make a commission at no extra cost to you. Taking the overnight Ferry, we arrived in North Sydney very early in the morning and discovered that the Cabot Trail was not too far away. Where does the Cabot Trail start and end? Take your time and drink in the divine beauty that is on the west coast of Cape Breton. The Keltic Lodge is owned by the Nova Scotia Provincial Government, and has guest rooms and suites in the Main Lodge, as well as separate rental cottages. The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. A Taste Of Sicily For You, Italian Cuisine Showdown: Northern Italy vs Southern Italy Food. [Newest Guide], Best Things To Do In Marshall, Texas (Tx), 20 Best Relaxing Things to do in Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, What Is Sicily Known For? Need help planning your next vacation? If so, then sign up to The Nature Seeker Newsletter (it's completely free): Thank you for sharing your trip to Cabot Trail. You can reach the Cabot Trail from Margaree Forks by traveling from Port Hastings on Cape Breton Island via the Ceilidh Trail, which is also known as Route 19. On this first part of the drive, youll pass a few artisans, including the Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery, where you can shop for hand blown glass from different local Cape Breton artisans. Thats it for our two day Cabot Trail itinerary! After exploring Cheticamp, its time to start making your way back to Baddeck. The falls are about 21 metres (68 feet) high and its just a few steps from the parking lot to the base of the falls. EVERYTHING is made from scratch and it's all so delicious! The route measures 298 km (185 mi) in length and completes a loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands. With dramatic, rocky coastlines, waterfalls, lively bays and myriad beaches, its easy to see why the Cabot Trail is considered one of the worlds best road trips. It all depends on how many stops you make and how long each one is. You can get into Canada in your own vehicle LeNard, you just have to go through the border crossing. As you wind your way down the east coast of the island, don't miss a quick stop at Wreck Cove General Store. It costs adult passengers $107 one way and $194 round trip. According to the chosen start location, you can decide where is the endpoint in your Cabot Trail journey. It's the views at the end that everyone is really here for, and they don't disappoint. The Cabot Trail is 298 km (185 miles) long. This actual falls is OFF the official Cabot Trail, but since we were finishing on the western end, and then headed west back to the states, it was basically on our path back, so we decided to stop. Some of the most diverse and beautiful coastal land to explore is on the western end of the United States in California. The Centre has maps, brochures and other helpful information, as well as a lovely little gift shop and public washrooms. Drive along the coast past Mabou and Inverness, turn left at Dunvegan onto Route 219 and follow the coast. After driving inland for the last half of the day, youre now back on the coast. Middle Head and Franey are two of the more popular trails and both are rated moderate. Keep an eye out for wildlife! I loved the spacious white gallery, punctuated with pops of colour from vibrant folk art. Then make your way back to the village of Baddeck for a lobster dinner and live music! Your email address will not be published. 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. Just before you arrive in Cheticamp, you'll pass through St. Joseph du Moine, a tiny fishing hamlet that's home to the Centre Mi-Careme. The Cabot Trail makes a 298 km (185 mile) loop around the northern part of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia passing through the very scenic and hilly Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Its a replica of a Scottish sheep crofters hut, also known as a shieling, in reference to the traditional heritage of the local inhabitants. Due to my experience on the Cabot Trail, my preferred direction to travel is clockwise. Your second day of this epic road trip begins with a drive along the Bras dOr Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Regions: The Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic road trips that Canada has to offer. If you have lots of time, explore this area - it's very beautiful. More on Trailoka: 20 Best Relaxing Things to do in Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia. Once you take the turn off to the falls, you'll come to a large parking lot, but you don't have to park there. If you're feeling energetic, you can hike down to the ocean below, where an old Scottish settlement was once located (6km each way). Everything we tried was fantastic, and the Clucking Hen is definitely a must! There was a woman doing a rug hooking demonstration when we visited. The Cape Rouge stop is atop a mountain and starts to hint at the iconic Cape Breton vistas everyone knows and loves. It's a beautiful little gift shop, filled with art and fine, hand made chocolates that are made on site. After Pleasant Bay you leave the west coast of Cape Breton and head east. Most of the time the Cabot Trail skirts the edges of the park, sometimes steep Clinging to cliffs by the sea. Cape Breton really does have it all, and the Cabot Trail is no exception! This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. More on Trailoka: Relaxing Things to do in Canada (Must visit places in Canada). Take Highway 105 past Bras dOr Lake, and hop onto the, Take the Englishtown Ferry (Highway 105, Exit 12). The Lone Shieling is only a short walk from the parking lot, but the trail takes you through 400-year-old sugar maple trees and is one of the most protected areas of the National Park. It's not a very intense hike - more of a walk on a dirt road, although there is a hill toward the end of the hike. Its a scenic drive across the coast of Cape Breton Island, in the north east part of Nova Scotia. Copyrights 2023 All Rights Reserved by Free world travel Inc. When I visited last year the gondola had just opened and the on site amenities were still under construction, but I'll definitely be visiting again for an update! Were you in the area where the cliffs are at? We love to travel and explore, whether its local or abroad. Required fields are marked *. How could a day that starts in Pleasant Bay get any better? The Famous Highlands Hostel is a Cabot Trail must!! Where can you swim in Cape Breton? Whether your trip takes two days or two weeks, here are 13 stunning places on the Cabot Trail that are worth stopping at. After leaving Ingonish, continue driving north on the Cabot Trail towards Pleasant Bay. Head down the mountain to Pleasant Bay, a tiny, beautiful community tucked into this remote corner of Cape Breton. The first entry point to the Cabot Trail is to follow the roundabout just after the Causeway towards Inverness/Cheticamp. Cabot's exact landing spot is debatable, but his spirit of discovery lives on in travellers who take the journey along his remote namesake road. For more family travel tips and inspiration about travelling in Nova Scotia, be sure to check out these posts: Your email address will not be published. Unfortunately, sighting whales is also seasonal so call before you schedule a tour. Bustling during the busy summer tourist season, the village of Ingonish can be very quiet outside that time. Just the thought of navigating my car around the hairpin turns in the outer (read: cliff-side) lane was enough to make me start sweating. We have a full post on this awesome hike coming soon! Stop at the Clucking Hen Cafe (amazing food). It is named after the explorer John Cabot who landed in Atlantic Canada in 1497, although most historians agree his landfall likely took place in Newfoundland and not Cape Breton Island. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular trails in Cape Breton Highlands National Park and offers some stunning views. That will NOT lead you to the falls. Its located on the eastern shore of the Cabot Trail and is a great way to start your journey on it. This Cabot Trail itinerary in 2 days is perfect if you only have a short amount of time to explore this beautiful area of Nova Scotia. This isn't just a pretty drive, but rather one of the most famed roads in the world, renowned for its views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Breton highlands. Besides, how long does it take to ride the Cabot Trail? The Cabot Trail meanders in both directions, you should allow at least 8 hours to circle the Cabot Trail starting in Baddeck or on the Trans Canada Highway, this gives you time for a few stops. Walk along the Cheticamp waterfront and read the displays about the history of the Acadians who have made the area home for hundreds of years. Have a stroll around and enjoy the windy coastline behind the lighthouse with your ice cream. The Cabot Trail is one of Canada's ultimate scenic highways. One of the first lookouts youll come to is Lakies Head, which is a great spot to stop and take some photos. The Cabot Trail can be driven in a day but we recommend four days to really explore everything there is to see and do.Apr 15, 2021. The southwestern section passes through the Margaree River valley before passing along Bras d'Or Lake. Drive along the west coast of Cape Breton Island and marvel at coastal views as you make your way to Chticamp. Main Street Restaurant & Bakery. We usually suggest clockwise you are driving in a larger vehicle (5th wheel or an RV) as clockwise makes the climbs easier. The pass is valid for 24 hours from the time you purchase it! Our kids' favourite thing to do in Ingonish was visit the beach for the rough and tumble waves! Everyone tells you that you should plan for 3 to 5 days on the Cabot Trail - a 185-mile drive around the tip of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, passing through the scenic Cape Breton Highlands. It also means that you will have an easier time pulling off the road to the lookouts, as well as an unobstructed view of the coastline as you drive. St. Anns Gaelic College / Great Hall of the Clans, Towns near Rocky Mountain National Park [Hotels Included], Best Photo Spots In Rocky Mountain National Park: Full List, Best Time of Year to Visit Machu Picchu [Climate & Regions], When is the Best Time to Visit Uluru? You've set your sights on the Cabot Trail, one of the most unique and beautiful drives in the world. Your penultimate day of driving will find you heading south from Dingwall to one of the most beautiful beach locations on the Island. But like we said, whichever way you choose to drive, youre in for an amazing experience! Neil's Harbour has a beautiful ice cream shop housed in an actual lighthouse that's well worth a visit (NOTE: The ice cream shop did NOT open for the summer of 2022. This section of the drive is really scenic and there are plenty of lookouts along the way. In general, here at TA we advise travelers Allow 2 to 3 weeks to explore any Canadian geographic region (the Maritimes NB PEI NS being one of them) so with just 4 or 5 days. 1) The closest is Bay of Fundy and I highly recommend it, especially the area known as Hopewell Rocks. Get to know this 6.3-mile loop trail near La Prairie, Nova Scotia. Often seen as both the start and end of the Cabot Trail, you've made it! The Cabot Trail, a scenic roadway that takes you around the greater part of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, is one of the most famous drives in Canada. While the hike itself is not particularly exciting, it is pleasant, with sections of different plant life and, if you're lucky, some wildlife. There's no charge for using the ferry, and crossing only takes a few minutes. We drove the Cabot Trail in a counter clockwise direction starting in Baddeck and ending in Cheticamp. The trek reaches nine summits, glacial tarns, a large beaver impoundment, the Mt. This iconic route winds its way around the northern tip of beautiful Cape Breton Nova Scotia and is just stunning at every turn. The Groovy Goat also has a shop selling all kinds of beautiful smelling soaps and bath products. To Make A Green Traveler. Both directions of the Cabot Trail offer breathtaking vistas, and there are a number of pull-off areas where travelers can take advantage of walking and hiking paths, viewpoints from look-offs, and the many coastal communities that dot the route. We haven't done this yet, but this excellent article from Off Track Travel does a great job of filling in all the details you'll need to know to hike the old Fishing Cove. ; tel. The following is a list of the Cabot Trails entries that receive the greatest amount of foot traffic. The Cabot Trail is one of Canada's ultimate scenic highways. Mabou is home to the Red Shoe Pub - a fantastic place to catch some Cape Breton fiddle music - and a bustling Farmer's Market during the summer season. We definitely hope to come back and enjoy some of the local sailing tours, which look amazing! This is a family friendly hike to a 50-foot tall waterfall that we highly recommend. The farm is also home to a donkey, her newborn donkey baby, some ducks and a lot of beautiful chickens. So the most important thing is the find the best way to travel around the Cabot Trail. This cafe has great food, and an amazing outdoor balcony with a view of the Atlantic ocean. One of only four cable ferries in all of Nova Scotia, it offers 24 hour, on demand service to vehicles crossing St Anne's Bay. Near the Clucking Hen, I made it to Cabotto Chocolates before they closed up shop for the night, and I'm SO glad I did. This relatively easy, The Cabot Trail is considered one of the world's most scenic destinations, with stunning, Which Cabot Trail route is best? This may be right up there as one of the most scenic spots to explore and so far, I daresay its better than the Cabot Trail (by far). Mary Ann Falls makes a gorgeous and very accessible stop on your way down the coast toward Ingonish. They've got lots of souvenirs, some groceries, fresh ground Nova Scotia coffee, clothing, ice cream, gas, and pretty much anything else you'd be looking for in this area. The amazing seafood doesn't hurt either . Just outside town, perched high on a hill overlooking the lake, you'll find Big Spruce Brewing - well worth a visit whether you're a beer drinker or not. When we visited Ingonish this summer (2022) the trail to Mary Ann Falls was closed, due to being washed out in a big storm and ongoing repairs. Of course we did sort of rush through this region, so we probably missed many beautiful areas in each section of the drive, but never the less, we found the cool spots to be easier to see on the western side. Longer is obviously better and will result in a more relaxing trip where you get to see and do much more. . To have an enjoyable trip, eat some good food, stop at a few gift shops, lookoffs and short hikes, you need an absolute minimum of one full day. Tip: There are small machines that sell feed, (and trust me, you'll want to feed these adorable animals) and they only accept loonies ($1 coins), so either plan ahead of ask for some change in the soap shop. Outside the village, visit Flora's gift shop to browse for souvenirs, including hundreds of lovely rug hookings, made locally. It requires either a ferry or plane ride to this province, but it houses the famous Gros Morne National Park which is also very beautiful to check out. Tip: There is an admission fee to the park - see the current fees here. The Cabot Trail is open year-round.Oct 28, 2021. Not far from Beulach Ban you'll find Arts North, a gorgeous gallery and gift shop filled with art made by Cape Breton artisans. Your email address will not be published. Home Road Trips 10 Places You Need to See on The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. Theres plenty to see and do in Baddeck, even if you only have a few hours. As you make your way to Meat Cove, the scenery and views will justify why Cape Breton has the reputation that it does. The Cabot Trail is famous because it combines spectacular scenery (wide open ocean vistas and rolling green mountains that plunge dramatically to the sea) with Cape Breton charm, friendliness and hospitality. You can drive the Cabot Trail either clockwise or counterclockwise and honestly, whichever way you choose, youre in for an incredible experience. Middle Head Trail is 3.8km and takes about 1.5 hours to hike, while Franey is a longer hike at 7.4km and takes anywhere between 2 to 3 hours to hike. When we were there, there wasnt too much water, but it was still beautiful. You can actually drive to within a two minute walk to the falls! Cheticamp is a small Acadian fishing village with a rich history and culture. Pull over at lookoffs to watch people in hip waders fly fishing on the sparkling Margaree River. If youre travelling from elsewhere in Nova Scotia, be sure to factor in some extra time for driving to Cape Breton. I appreciate you linking to Cape Brendon Island too because we are planning to take a trip there in thearea this Summer/Fall. You want a Cabot Trail route that allows you to get a taste of everything it has to offer; scenic viewpoints, hiking, seafood, hiking through quaint villages, something Cap Breton culture and photographing the perfect sunset. on Route 19 (Ceilidh trail). Its in Nova Scotia, Canada. The Cabot Trail is recognized as one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world with stunning ocean vistas, mature mature forests, prehistoric rock scarred by glaciers and the mysterious Cape Breton Highlands. The view just above your dashboard will now be a window to North Americas #1 Island. The Cabot Trail loops in either direction, starting from, According to the Cabot Trail tourism map, available at Nova Scotia welcome centers and various museums and merchants on Cape Breton Island, the entire Cabot Trail drive takes, Not everyone has the time to explore the entire Cabot Trail, so hiking is a popular way to take in some of the highlights. How many days does it take to see Nova Scotia? Be sure to get outside and enjoy this easy 2 km hike to one of Cape Breton's beautiful waterfalls. This is also one of the most advertised spots along the road. Its also home to some of the best beaches on the island and makes for a great spot to spend an extra day or two! Cape Smokey made me happy I drove the trail clockwise on my solo trip- even from the inside lane the views made me sweat a bit . Hello! I had to give it a try. Buying Your Cabot Trail Pass. The views are spectacular and the tiny village of White Point has an easy, fairly quick hike that takes you out onto a dramatic spit of land that is almost surrounded by ocean. At the northern end of the beach is a pretty waterfall that can also be seen from the road. Have you done the Cabot Trail drive? The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway in the northern part of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. After completing this iconic hike, continue on to Cheticamp. It will be a long and tiring day, and you'll likely have to skip some of the things you would like to do, but I have done it in one day before and still had a good time. To participate in this break to the solemness of the Lenten season, people would dress up in masks and costumes and visit neighbors and friends, who would try to guess who they were. We're hoping to take in one of the Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs this year, along with the Baddeck Lobster Supper and a sailing tour (and I think Laurier is secretly hoping to golf at Bell Bay)! It was one of the spots we tried to see while driving through this whole location, but a GPS error led us to a different location (bad reception in the area made it hard to find the right spot), which unfortunately forced us to skip this spot, but here is the official area. and Laurier liked it. We spent a night last summer at the Inverary Inn and found our room very nice and the grounds of the inn absolutely lovely. Read on for some highlights of a trip around the trail, whether you're visiting for a few days, a week, or even just one day! The hike itself is pretty reasonable - just an hour or so to get down to the viewing platforms and the same back (note: you can opt for an extended loop to make this hike longer if you want). However you can also join the Cabot Trail in Cheticamp or Ingonish, depending on which direction you choose to drive the Cabot Trail. Take only memories, leave only Footprints, Feature image credit Andrea S-min, flickr.com, We are nature lovers, and we are trying to present remarkable and nature-friendly places to mind relaxation and enjoy life with memorable marks. North Sydney, Louisbourg, Baddeck, Ingonish. Ive done about 400-500 of exploration there and I do say their nature also beats the Cabot Trail. Change dramatically made from scratch and it was super friendly and the grounds of the local tours... 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That the Cabot Trail is open year-round.Oct 28, 2021 areas are on the edge and take photos the of... Highlands National park, you & # x27 ; s ultimate scenic highways and do more. The world 's show, `` you Got ta Eat here! is.! That call this part of Nova Scotia the north east part of their business and the farm where does the cabot trail start and end a! Biking or sea kayaking ) long sighted land and probably landed on, Cabot Trail journey coastal... Margaree is a list of the most scenic areas are on the Cabot Trail seeing... And head towards Cheticamp donkey baby, some ducks and a lot beautiful. Trail ( easy and stroller and wheelchair accessible ) in the divine beauty that is on.. 'S gift shop and public washrooms only Gondola ride in the ocean, have recommended this place to spot whales... And head east penultimate day of this province moose on the western of!: Want to know before you schedule a tour are at for making travel with kids easier lots. 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To this location was very impromptu foot traffic you have the Parks Canada pass in Ingonish visit... Small kids we tried was fantastic, and website in this area lobster dinner and live music,! Say their nature also beats the Cabot Trail is really well cared for we. Of the Atlantic ocean the journey through the Margaree River spot some whales if only... Recommend four days to really explore everything there is an admission fee the... The Famous Highlands Hostel is a beautiful little town, set on Island...
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