The Cabot Trail is one of Canada's Ultimate Scenic Highways. Located on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island.
It is a rite of passage for many Canadians hoping to explore the best scenic stops in the country.
We set off from Halifax early one morning to spend five days exploring the famed coastal route and here are the top stops we encountered on our counter clockwise road trip.
The best places to stop on the Cabot Trail
Cabot Trail Stops You Cannot Miss
Sun sets over the trail
Our trip started in the town of Baddeck where we continued in a counter clockwise direction around the entire loop through the Northern half of Cape Breton Island.
It takes 3-5 days to drive the Cabot Trail.
Make sure to give plenty of time to see all the sights. There's lots to see and do including some spectacular hikes.
#1 Baddeck
Baddeck Nova Scotia. Home to Alexander Graham Bell.
Baddeck was the summer home to Alexander Graham Bell and there is an excellent museum built on the site of his cottage named “Beinn Bhreagh”, Gaelic for “Beautiful Mountain.”
It's an excellent history lesson of not only the invention of the telephone, but other achievements by Bell.
He was an avid inventor working on everything including the first aircraft to fly in the Commonwealth (it also flew farther than the Wright Brothers).
He also developed many medical machines including the iron lung to help polio patients breathe and he developed techniques for the hearing impaired, becoming good friends with Helen Keller.
Alexander Graham Bell also founded the National Geographic Society.
#2 The Uisge Ban
Uisge Ban Waterfall Hike
Just outside of Baddeck is one of the most pleasant hikes we took during our drive.
The Uisge Ban (pronounced Ishkaban) hike is an easy 1 1/2 km stroll to a beautiful waterfall. It goes through a mossy forest meandering along a running stream.
Roots stick out of the ground twisting around fallen tree trunks and rocks create small rapids in the running water.
The waterfall itself is beautiful. Its size surprised us.
Uisge Ban Falls
We were expecting a much smaller set of waterfalls, but it's a tall three tiered cascade where you can swim or soak in the bottom pools.
Many trees have grown over, blocking sight of the top and keeping it from being the ultimate photo stop, but for a day in nature, it's wonderful.
Planning a Road Trip? Check out our list of the Best Songs to Get You Through the long Drive
#3 North River Kayaking
North River Kayak Tours is an excellent stop for all levels of kayaking. Located on the North River, your excursion starts in easy flowing water out to the bay where you'll witness the Cape Breton Coast from a different view.
Expect to see several bald eagles flying overhead. We even saw a nest with babies sticking their heads out, waiting for mom to arrive.
North River Kayaking
Fresh tea and baked goods are served during a tea break on a picturesque beach where paddlers can take a short hike to another pretty waterfall.
When traveling around the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, you must get out on the water.
We suggest packing water shoes for your Cape Breton trip, the shores can be rocky, but water shoes let you hop in and out of kayaks, wade in the shallow waters and take short hikes in land.
Dave and I love kayaking, but I must say, this was one of the most pleasant kayaking excursions we've ever had.
It was a relaxed, easy going half day excursion that offered beautiful views and great conversation.
We saw lots of Bald Eagles.
Enjoy our other Kayaking trip of Nova Scotia's South Shore.
Lunch stop:
Continuing North from North River Kayaking, we stopped at a bakery for some delicious coffee and pastries.
There aren't a lot of lunch stops along this route, so be sure to bring some snacks and plenty of water, but make sure to stop and enjoy the few cafés along the way.
Lunch stop
The people of Nova Scotia remind us a lot of the people of Ireland. They are so friendly and open, you'll end up having conversations with everyone you meet.
#4 Ingonish Beach
The excitement begins once you reach Ingonish Beach, located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
We booked two nights in an Otentik that was absolutely perfect. If you don't have camping gear, the Otentik is the way to go.
Ingonish Beach
These glamping style camps sleep up to eight people and are built on solid foundations offering room to walk around and even play cards at the wooden table inside.
All cooking and cleaning materials are supplied including a small camp stove, or you can use the barbecue out front.
The Parks Canada Otentik in Cape Breton National Park
A corner store is located about 10 km away where you can buy all the fixings for a steak dinner, or you can bring your own food and cook it up at the Otentnik.
We love this style of camping. It's a great introduction for those who aren't keen on sleeping in a tent, but who want to try something rugged and new.
There are a few different campsites for the Otentik, we stayed in the Ingonish Beach camp which was a great location, but we had to drive to the official campsite of the park for showers.
Hopefully next year they'll have showers and proper sanitation for cleaning near the tents.
Pick up a copy of The Lonely Planet Nova Scotia to help you plan your trip.
#5 Lantern Walk
When staying near Ingonish Beach, be sure to go on the Lantern Walk.
We were surprised just how much we enjoyed it! Starting at dusk, the tour is run by Parks Canada and they put on a great show.
The Lantern Walk at Ingonish Beach
It begins with your guide lighting lanterns for everyone that will direct your way as you walk through the forest.
There is a lot of history in these parts, and our guide told us of all the tales of the early settlers.
There are plenty of ghost stories too. The mood is set with people chanting in the forest and shadows walking through the path.
We found this thoroughly entertaining and informative.
It's one of the most unique things you'll ever do in a National Park!
#6 Hike The Middle Head Trail
If you drive through the Keltic Lodge (which we highly recommend staying at if you want to splurge or have it in your budget) you'll find the entrance to the Middle Head Trail.
Hike the Middle Head Trail
The 3.8 km route takes you through forests and fields leading out to high cliffs for beautiful views of Ingonish Beach to the right and the Cabot Trail winding north to the left along the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The walk takes about two hours and is well maintained.
Looking for Nova Scotia Adventures? Enjoy our time Tidal Bore Rafting on the World's Highest Tides.
#7 Zodiac Tours at the Pier
As you continue farther north you must take a turn onto Wharf Road of the Cabot Triail.
Take a zodiac tour from a charming fishing village.
This takes you out of the National Park for a little bit, but it is a charming fishing village giving you a chance to view Cape Breton fishing boats, walk along the beach, or if you are up for some excitement, you can take a zodiac tour to do some whale watching.
We didn't have the chance to do this tour, but we've done zodiac tours in the past to spy on whales and it's a great way to get up close and personal with the giants of the sea.
See our zodiac tour of Antarctica
#8 White Point
Our next stop on the Cabot Trail took us to White Point, located outside the National Park.
Hike to White Point
It may not be on the trail, but it was one of our favourite scenic stops!
There are excellent hiking trails taking you out to overlook the high sea cliffs offering beautiful panoramic views.
Out on the point there is a cemetery where you'll encounter the grave of the unknown sailor paying tribute to fisherman lost at sea. Being outside the park, we could fly our drone and show off the beautiful landscape.
If you haven't seen it yet, check out the scenes of Nova Scotia featuring White Point in the video below to really get a sense of its beauty.
#9 Waterfalls and Scenic Views
The Cabot Tail has some of the best scenic stops in Canada.
Scenic Viewpoints
If you have the time, pay attention to road signs and stop at all the lookout points.
There are easy hikes into waterfalls and even easier hikes out to lookout points.
There are so many stops along the Cabot Trail, you could easily take a week to explore them all.
We popped in at many of the turn offs to take in the panoramic views.
#10 Pleasant Bay
Another stop off the Cabot Trail is the fishing village of Pleasant Bay.
It was here that we met many friendly local fishermen who chatted with us as we took photographs and flew our drone over the spectacular coast.
Discover Pleasant Bay
There's a great spot at the top of a hill located beside the parking lot where the fishermen hang out.
You can sit on Muskoka Chairs (Adirondack chairs if you prefer) to take in the view.
Don't forget to stop at the Pumpkin Patch for a coffee.
We had some of the best coffee on our entire trip at the Pumpkin Patch in town. Everything in the store is organic and the coffee is delicious, but the homemade fudge is to die for.
The owner even sells organic beauty products that you can buy online.
Don't miss stopping here to get a coffee to go (and to stock up on sweet treats).
#11 Skyline Trail
It's the moment you've all been waiting for.
The Skyline Trail is the most famous stop on the Cabot Trail and with good reason.
Sunset Hike – The Skyline Trail
This 7.5 km loop is one of the longer hikes on the trail, but it is very easy and the scenes are worth every minute.
We hiked at sunset which is highly recommended.
The views from the Skyline Trail are epic.
The sun sets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the crowds are much lighter at this time of day.
We saw about 10 other people on the boardwalk during our time on the Skyline Trail, but it is so spread out, we barely noticed them at all.
There are several tiers for watching the sunset and if you really want some privacy, you can hike down further off the boardwalk to view the scenery from the tip of the trailhead on a narrow dirt trail.
To see more about the Skyline Trail, check out our post about our experience there.
Beaches of the Cabot Trail
There are beautiful secluded beaches on the Cabot Trail.
We stopped at one on our way to Cheticamp just after the Skyline Walk that makes for a gorgeous stroll and a perfect vantage point of the iconic winding road view of the Cabot Trail.
Visit rugged beaches
Stopping at the beaches along the Cabot Trail lets you see the scale of the massive sea cliffs and rolling hills. It's rare to find beaches that are so pristine in this world.
Few people stop to take a look so you will often have them all to yourself.
Or perhaps, it will be just you and an artist capturing the scene before their eyes.
Road slicing through wilderness.
If you love taking road trips, you'll love exploring the Cabot Trail of Cape Breton Island.
Map of the Cabot Trail, Canada
Accommodation along the Cabot Trail:
- Inverary Resort for the start of the route on the West side of the Cabot Trail.
- Island Sun Resort (for the Eastern side of the Cabot Trail.
- Camping or Otentiks in the National Park for the Northern portion of the route.
Our trip around the Cabot Trail was in partnership with Nova Scotia Tourism who we went on assignment with to capture adventures and photography around Nova Scotia.
Find out more about traveling around Nova Scotia at VisitNovaScotia.com. All opinions are our own.
Read Next:
Why Nova Scotia Should Be Your First Stop on the East Coast
Discover an Unexpected Gem on the South Shore of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Accommodations – Where to Stay on the South Shore
Welcome to The Skyline Trail -The Most Scenic Hike on an Epic Drive
By Frances mackinnon March 2, 2017 - 3:43 pm
The Cabot Trail is breathtaking. Everyone should take an extra few minutes to visit the villages off the trail. Neil’s Harbour, Dingall, Bay St. Lawrence, Meat cove, to name a few. All.places have wharves where fresh seafood is available, whale tours, accommodations, and eating establishments.
By Sara March 1, 2017 - 1:32 pm
OMG did you guys hike Pollet’s Cove? It doesn’t look like it but next time you’re in NS you MUST – it’s the most amazing hike! It’s challenging yes but so worth it… with horses and (sometimes) cattle along the trail to distract you from the brutal climbs 😉
By Isobel Gardiner March 1, 2017 - 3:40 am
I have been to CApe Breton 4 times in the last 10 years. I live in Scotland with family in Prince Edward Island. Cape Breton – well the only way I can explain it is there is a surprise round every corner. It is the most beautiful place to visit and the people of Cape Breton are so friendly. I have been over for the Celtic Colours festival 3 times and this was a lifetime experience from watching concerts in Fire Service halls in the north to watching concerts in very large Community halls. Of course had to visit the GlenOra distillery which looks very Scottish.Ever time we have stayed there we were in The Silver DArt Lodge in Baddeck and this was so central for everywhere we went and we went on the boat trip from Baddeck Pier which was an amazing afternoon and were lucky enough to see the Bald EAgles.
I loved to see all the small harbours on our journey through CB and it is well worth a visit and they saying is so true, if you visit there you will leave a bit of your heart there.
By Kathleen Boudreau February 28, 2017 - 3:35 pm
As a resident of Cape Breton Island, all around the Island is beautiful! Come visit us on the other side of the Cabot Trail, we have beautiful scenery, surfing, lovely restaurants, sailing and sailing curses on the Bras d’Or Lakes, beautiful beaches, accommodations, museums,walking trails, hiking, music, etc.. Check us out and come visit!!!
By trina timmons November 27, 2016 - 11:01 am
Thank you so much Dave and Deb for the beautiful pics and comments about our beautiful home Cape Breton!
It was a pleasure to have you at the Pumpkin Patch Organic Shop!
Hope to see you again!
Trina
By Rick November 27, 2016 - 8:59 am
Great article, just a couple things for those who intend to do themselves a favour, and come here themeselves:
1. Please do not leave the boardwalk on Skyline Trail – because of high winds this area is extremely prone to erosion, and going off the boardwalk destroys important vegetation that holds the little soil left where it is…be a responsible steward of the environment when hiking in order to preserve this beauty for future generations.
2. If you go to Pleasant Bay, continue following the road through Red River Valley, and you will come to Gampo Abbey, a Buddhist Monestary. There are a few short hikes here, and they actually open the gardens and temples of the Monestary for public tours a few times every year.
3. Pollett’s Cove – this is a very difficult hike, up and down two mountains before entering the beautiful Cove inhabited by a few horses and cows. It’s an incredible place to set up a tent on a grassy delta where 2 rivers converge, within earshot of the waves rolling into the shore. As a day hike, it may be rather difficult, as it takes 5-6 hours one way. This trail is part of the proposed multi-day backcountry SeaWall Trail system.
By Sedona Hikes October 4, 2016 - 6:53 am
Hiking the Cabot Trail is a feast for the senses regardless if it’s a newbie or veteran hiker on the trail. Breathtaking does not even come close to the experience.
By IrinaKler October 3, 2016 - 11:22 am
These places are awesome, they’ ve just cast a spell me. Everything is ideal. You’re the luckiest and happy couple, really appreciate you! But nature is like in the fairytale, I can’t believe my own eyes, coz these photos are stunning, meanwhile video about Nova Scotia is inimitable, I’ve even watched again the video, so like it’s very beautiful panorama.)
By Suhotra September 21, 2016 - 2:52 am
Wow! This looks so amazing, especially the spectacular views. Thanks for all the info! Will sure chec out the trail when in Canada. Happy travels you two 🙂
By John R Reillly September 18, 2016 - 9:11 pm
Having been to every part of Nova Scotia excepting Cape Breton,this place I have on my bucket list. Having ancestors who lived in Margaree,I know I have to do it. An Acadian ancestry got me interested close to 30 years ago. Hoping for next year to do some hiking there !!
By Mary September 18, 2016 - 4:01 am
We celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary this year and chose the Cabot Trail. I’ve always wanted to see it. We stayed at an inn in Baddeck and spent a good 4 days travelling right round the trail, including the south end of Inverness. Just loved the trip, all the good food – most every place has its own version of chowders, and we sampled them all. The scenery was beautiful and it really is not possible to really enjoy the trip in just 5 -6 hours. Every town and fishing village you come to you want to stop. Every turn and bend in the road you want to stop. It was the best trip ever and the people we met were all friendly and helpful. Loved it and your videos and pictures brought it all back for me. Well done.
By Mai Nomura September 16, 2016 - 2:38 am
Beautiful pictures of Cabot Trail! I would love to take as many photos of the place as possible if I were you. I especially love the photo of the coast and the mountain trails, its mesmerizing me alot.
By Donna September 15, 2016 - 9:38 pm
Dave and Deb – thank you so much for your beautiful article. I try to explore our island each and every year and learn something different. I have not yet done the Lantern Walk in Ingonish nor the Middle Head Trail so they have both been added to my bucket list. I love that visitors like yourself open up new adventures for me to explore in my own backyard. Learning through the eyes of others makes each and every trip a new one for me each time I travel this beautiful island. Beinn Bhreagh, Alexander Bell’s home, is still in the possession of the Bell ancestors who live there at times throughout the year. It has been recently announced that the family has decided to open the home to the public as a national museum. Should you come back to the island and it’s open to the public it is worth a visit. I tried to post a pic for you however the post does not allow pics in the comment section. Google the home, it’s spectacular. Cheers, D
By Donna September 15, 2016 - 9:07 pm
Actually Steve, Baddeck is part of the Cabot Trail and is often noted as both the start and finish of the trail and is included in all map routes. A little hostile there don’t you think….these people are guests to our island and have done a beautiful PERSONAL photo & video presentation of what they encountered on their trip and presented it well. They may have erroneously listed the odd tidbit but nothing to encourage your first statement “so inaccurate you couldn’t finish the article”. You did say Baddeck was not part of the trail after all – so – you know – we all make mistakes. On a lighter note we agree that you can do the trail in 5-6 hours depending on your start but you really need to get off the track and stop and explore. I try to take visitors to our island “around” the trail at least once or twice every year. What I often tell them is you need at least 3-5 days to do that area of the island justice and at least 10 days minimum for the island as a whole. If you haven’t finished the article have a second look and just enjoy…Cheers!
By Steve September 12, 2016 - 5:45 pm
So inaccurate I didn’t bother finishing the article. 1. Baddeck (and its Inverary Inn) is not on the Cabit Trail, although it is near. 2. It takes 5-6 HOURS to drive around the trail, not 3-5 days, but if you have 3-5 days you’ll enjoy it more. 3. There are many places along the trail to stop and eat from small mom & pop convenience stores to bistros to restaurants (seasonal). What they did get right is that the trails and scenery are fantastic, and I don’t know if it was mentioned but the Cabot Trail is one of the best if not the best motorcycle ride in North America.
By Dave and Deb September 12, 2016 - 7:03 pm
Hi Steve, We said we started in the town of Baddeck. It is a great starting point before heading off around the trail. And we said, we continued from there in a counter clockwise direction. Sure you can drive anything in a few hours, but to actually see it, you should take 3-5 days. When we travel, we like to meet the people and enjoy the beauty. If people are going out to Nova Scotia, I doubt many are going to rush around such a beautiful drive as the Cabot Trail in 5 hours. And of course, naturally if you are going to drive something in a car, chances are you can also drive it on a motorcycle. I don’t think motorcycle enthusiasts need to be told that they can do it on a motorcycle.
By Dave and Deb September 17, 2016 - 9:56 am
PS, it’s Cabot Trail, not Cabit.
By Deborah September 10, 2016 - 11:08 am
The Cabot Trail has been on my bucket list for some time now. Thanks for this great post!
By Dave Briggs September 8, 2016 - 11:13 am
Found a couple of places where me and my bike can certainly enjoy both the wonderful scenery and cycling. That waterfall shot is simply unreal, by the way!
By Gina September 7, 2016 - 9:39 pm
wow, This leaves me astounded. Your Cabot Trail itinerary is worth reading for. I like that skyline trail photo of yours, the sunset is grand.
By Audrey September 7, 2016 - 5:16 pm
Just came from there. Amazing!! Got see a moose up close on one of the trails.
By Beth September 7, 2016 - 4:39 pm
Perfect we will be there end of the month
By Katie @ the tea break project September 6, 2016 - 11:55 am
This looks stunning – beautiful photos! I’ve wanted to visit Canada for years, and I finally made it for just a few days on a recent road trip. I only travelled about 3 miles across the border from the US into British Columbia, so I’ve barely even scratched the surface, but it’s definitely given me a taste for the country and I can’t wait to go back to explore it some more. Will have to add the Cabot Trail to my ever-growing list! 🙂
By Nomadi September 6, 2016 - 10:35 am
Wow, great post and it looks absolutely amazing! I cannot wait for our tour de Canada (sadly it will be only next summer) and we must put Cabot Trail on the list!