The sights along the Cabot Trail are amazing. In October the fall leaves are so beautiful that we found ourselves stopping to take pictures every few miles. If you go, be sure to leave lots of time to enjoy the drive.
Title says it all... It truly is One of the worlds best drives.. so much to see and do. We hiked a few places and drove through one of the most beautiful places in the world. You have to do this
The Cabot Trail is a wonderful scenic drive offering some of the best views in Nova Scotia. If you have lots of time, stop at the lookoffs, take in the beauty, hike the hikes and see the waterfalls. If time is limited, drive the trail and enjoy the scenery as time permits. The national parks offers so many possibilities, you could spend a week alone there if you're a lover of the outdoors.
I do an annual golf pilgrimage every year to CB. One of the highlights is the drive to Ingonish and Highland Links just because of the scenery on the way there. The Cabot Trail is long and slow but it's one of the best drives in Canada. I always consider this drive one of the highlights of the golf trip.
Our half day kayaking and full day hiking with Jennifer from Cabot Trail Adventures were the highlights of our “bucket list” adventure. She provided expert instruction and guidance along with being very knowledgeable about the local history and environment. She was very easy to talk to, had a good sense of humor, and provided everything needed… we just had to show up!Due to windy conditions our kayaking was limited to the inland bay, through the coastal marsh, and up to the Atlantic Ocean beach. We paddled by schools of jellyfish, oysters farms, animal skeletons, and bald eagles. On the sandy beach she shared her delicious oak cakes and tea along with spinning some local sea tales. Our full day wilderness hike started with a scenic drive along the northern tip of Cape Breton Island with colorful autumn leaves starting to turn and stunning coastal views up to the trailhead at Meat Cove. We were outfitted with fluorescent hats and vests due to the local moose hunting season underway and hiked past a remote pond and up over the ridge and down to the Cape St. Lawrence lighthouse site where we stopped for a picnic lunch. Jennifer shared a surprising amount of information about the diverse, local vegetation and telltale signs of animal activity along the long, rocky trail.She also provided additional ideas for the rest of our vacation including easy hiking trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park at White Point, Jack Pine, Lone Shieling, and MacIntosh Brook and good food at the Chowder House and Rusty Anchor restaurants. We stopped by the quaint St. Paul Island Museum and Lighthouse and gained a greater appreciation for the life of a lighthouse keeper in the earlier years.Our lodging in a basic log room at the Markland Beach Cottages was truly unique and a refreshing change from the chain hotels we usually frequent. Along with the breathtaking views right outside your door they also had an excellent restaurant that served an ample continental breakfast and delicious farm-to-table dinners each night including local salad greens, mussels, trout, halibut, steak, and chicken.On our way back to Halifax we took the Guaranteed Whale watching tour at Pleasant Bay and were joined by an active school of pilot whales chasing large schools of mackerel along with seeing several bald eagles and seals enjoying the rugged but beautiful western Cape Breton Island coastline… definitely a memorable ending to our wonderful, remote getaway!
My husband and I took a week to drive the trail. We spent several days at each of the hotels we chose. It was an adventure filled with whale watching, puffin tours, seafood overload, history, romance and more. I would highly recommend it!
Did this drive in September of 2014. We had unexpected amazing weather. So many businesses to stop at along the way and I'll never forget the kindness of the people of Cape Breton.
If you are planning a visit make sure you allow plenty of time that is at least 3days. There are so many wonderful places to visit along the way. Most of them were scenic but the rug museum which you might miss on the Western side was just fabulous and that is from people who had no previous information of them. Have a great time.
We rode the Trail clockwise from Cheticamp to Ingonish. Loved the moose, the scenery and the clean air. Did not enjoy the terrifying winds on Cape Smokey. Keltic Lodge was awesome.
This is a very scenic drive! So many places to stop and visit! We saw an awesome bald eagle perched in the tree right along the guard rail. What a sight! We hiked many trails in Pleasant Bay. A great place to enjoy the outdoors.