Cabot Trail: Cape Breton's Breathtaking Coastal Adventure

Experience the natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands as you drive the world famous Cabot Trail. Coined one of the World’s Most Beautiful Drives, 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.

Looking for more ways to explore? Hike and camp within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, play a round of golf at Highlands Links or Cabot Cliffs, peruse artisan shops along the trail, or book your spot on a sea kayaking, cycling, or whale watching tour. In the winter months, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, snowmobiling and more will continue to bring you back to experience adventures around the Cabot Trail.

Don't Miss Activities around the Cabot Trail

Franey Trail

Hike the Highlands

With 26 trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging hikes, the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must for outdoor enthusiasts.
Popular trails include the Franey Trail near Ingonish and the Skyline Trail near Pleasant Bay which is known for its spectacular sunsets. Don’t miss the Parks Canada guide-led Skyline Sunset Hike.
Hikers can register to participate in the annual Hike the Highlands Festival, a seven day hiking festival offering guided hikes, activities, and more.

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Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

Discover the many creations that famed inventor, Alexander Graham Bell developed while spending his summers in Baddeck, the start and end point of the Cabot Trail.
While the telephone may be what many know him for, you can learn about and see many of his inventions.
Looking for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look? Discover – and even touch – inventions, photos, and more on The White Glove Tour.

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Two people dine by a fireplace at Inverary Resort in Baddeck, Nova Scotia

Where to Eat & Drink

From dining at Keltic Lodge at the Highlands, Silver Dart Lodge and Inverary Resort to a farm-to-table, multi-course dining experience at Table Doucet to the Chanterelle Inn & Restaurant which features ingredients obtained within 100kms, you will discover local, fresh, and delicious dining experiences all around the Cabot Trail.
From chowder and lobster to traditional oat cakes and porridge bread and even a craft brewery, you’ll find plenty of eateries along your Cabot Trail journey.

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Celtic Culture

For hands-on cultural immersion, kick up your heels at a local ceilidh or square dance, take part in kilt making or a milling frolic at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s or learn about Acadian history while trying your hand at rug hooking at Les Trois Pignons in Chéticamp.
Catch a performance during Celtic Colours International Festival. Held each October and featuring local, national and international Celtic musicians, events are held in venues around the Cabot Trail and throughout Cape Breton Island.

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Winter Activities

With tons of snow and a panoramic view from the top, go downhill skiing at Cape Smokey in Ingonish
Venture out on 10 km of groomed trails at North Highlands Nordic Cross-Country Ski Facility in Cape North
Snowmobilers will love exploring the over 1,000 kms of snowy Cape Breton Highlands trailways that stretch from Cheticamp to Wreck Cove to Whycocomagh.

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