The best time of year for cyclists is in the fall, when there are less cars on the road and the trees have changed color. We had some of the best coffee on our entire trip at the Pumpkin Patch in town. Many of the turnoffs into Cape Breton Highlands National Park are right turns if you are traveling clockwise. One thing to note is that this cafe is closed after October. This leaves the most spectacular views for the big finish. The Cabot Trail is a coastal highway and one of the most spectacular drives in North America. The Uisge Ban (pronounced Ishkaban) hike is an easy 1 1/2 km stroll to a beautiful waterfall. There is a lot of history in these parts, and our guidetold us of all the tales of the early settlers. We've compiled their suggestions below to help you plan your trip around the Cabot Trail. Just outside of Baddeck is one of the most pleasant hikes we took during our drive. So we were considering doing a whale tour and you will find PLENTY of signs for these opportunities on the road (lots of tours are done around there). 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. The Cabot Trail, a scenic roadway that takes you around the greater part of Nova Scotia Cape Breton, is one of the most famous drives in Canada. Also, we will be coming in October, do you know if the crowds will be less that time of year? The Island Sun Resort is a great place to stay at the mouth of the Margaree River. The route takes its name from John Cabot who, in 1497, was the first European to explore the island. Located on the NorthEasternmost edge of Nova Scotia, it is a 185-mile loop around Cape Breton, frequented by tourists in campers, cars, motorcycles, or, on occasion, bikes. Its very close to the Clucking Hen cafe I mentioned earlier. The Cabot Trail one of the world's most beautiful bicycle rides is named after the famous explorer John Cabot, also known as Giovanni Caboto, an Italian who sailed under the English flag. 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. Its 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. 2) There are plenty of hikes on the coast and within the park itself: For the most part, the whales that do swim in this area do so in the. The Trail includes all of Trunk 30 and parts of Highway 105. Hope to see you again! It's a major draw of Cape Breton Island and a postcard destination for Nova Scotia tourism. Theres the Periwinkle cafe, the lighthouse ice cream parlour and whale tours leave here by zodiac. Trina. The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Check out this 164.7-mile point-to-point trail near Nyanza, Nova Scotia. There are so many things to see and do, youll really be missing out. But nature is like in the fairytale, I cant believe my own eyes, coz these photos are stunning, meanwhile video about Nova Scotia is inimitable, Ive even watched again the video, so like its very beautiful panorama. Simply beautiful!! But the real views happen when you get out of the car. 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. We were expecting a much smaller set of waterfalls, but its a tall three-tiered cascadewhere you can swim or soak in the bottom pools. Firstly, our trip to this location was very impromptu. The village of Mabou has a population of around 1,200, . Don't be scared - driving the Cabot Trail is a very relaxing and easy drive! 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). From the parking lot, the waterfall itself is about a 100 feet away. I added a section of road (the Trans-Canadian Hwy (105)) that makes it a full loop. It was a pleasure to have you at the Pumpkin Patch Organic Shop! Check out our list of the Best Songs to Get You Through the long Drive. If you havent 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. Lets go! Cabot Trail Discovery Tour. Hi Elizabeth, the original article date was years ago (it updates to whatever date when I make changes to the article) and I never went on the gondola and to be honest never heard about it until you mentioned it. Thanks for this great post! The ownereven sells organic beauty products that you can buy online. After the nearly four-hour drive north from Halifax, our Cabot Trail road trip started in the town of Baddeck where we continued in a counter-clockwise direction. A corner store is located about 10 km away from Igonish Beach where you can stock up on supplies. Named after John Cabot, who first explored the area back in 1497, Cabot Trail is now a 186-mile (300 km) picturesque . Its a beautiful spot with hiking opportunities on the actual coast. Alexander Graham Bell also founded the National Geographic Society. Click on the Interactive map for all the stops on the Cabot Trail that we mention. I have been to CApe Breton 4 times in the last 10 years. They may have erroneously listed the odd tidbit but nothing to encourage your first statement so inaccurate you couldnt finish the article. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park lies along the Cabot Trail, providing world class hiking. We were surprised just how much we enjoyed it! woman walking, hiking, skyline, cabot trail, cape breton, nova scotia - cabot trail nova scotia stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. Plus, there are excursions, boat tours, and kayak rentals. Visitors to Cape Breton can explore the trail in a number of ways, with the two most popular options being by car and by foot (hiking). The Cabot Trail has been on my bucket list for some time now. Out on the point, there is a cemetery where youll encounter the grave of the unknown sailor paying tribute to the fisherman lost at sea. All cooking and cleaning materials are supplied including a small camp stove, or you can use the barbecue out front. Our trip around the Cabot Trail was in partnership withNova Scotia Tourism who we went on assignment with to capture adventures and photography around Nova Scotia. But because its recently opened up and is so accessible, I highly recommend you go here if you are planning to visit the Cabot Trail as its another awesome way to explore this area. Let me share all the details of our trip and 10 things youll want to see and do if you go there. I listed a few places we visited, but within the road itself, like I said, you will find DOZENS of other things you can check out and if you have time, do it. Here youll see that classic Canadian East Coast view of Cape Breton fishing boats lining the pier. Its a great introduction for those who arent keen on sleeping in a tent, but who want to try something rugged and new. The Cabot Trail can be driven in a day but we recommend four days to really explore everything there is to see and do. Best Songs to Get You Through the long Drive, Why Nova Scotia Should Be Your First Stop on the East Coast, Discover an Unexpected Gem on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Welcome to The Skyline Trail -The Most Scenic Hike on an Epic Drive, The Sourtoe Cocktail Dawson Citys Dead Toe Cocktail, Arunachal Pradesh, India 5 Experiences You Will Love, Want to explore more of Nova Scotia? Most scenic areas are on the western end, so save your stops and gas for those areas. . I especially love the photo of the coast and the mountain trails, its mesmerizing me alot. It is named for explorer John Cabot, and early explorer in 1497shortly after Columbus chose the Caribbean . For Canadians, the drive through Quebec is beautiful and there are lots of great stops on the way. This loop at the top of Cape Breton Island takes you along beaches at sea level, through mountain ranges where eagles soar overhead and along pristine rivers and forests. And that my friends is a tour of Cape Breton Islands Cabot Trail. It begins with your guide lighting lanterns for everyone that will directyour way as you walk through the forest. Loved it and your videos and pictures brought it all back for me. The elevation changes and scenic views are so grand, that just driving through them is an experience itself. Was silly hot, July 2018. You can sit on Muskoka Chairs (Adirondack chairs if you prefer) to take in the view. Check out. The road winds through the Highland Plateau surrounded by green rolling hills. Its basically a walking trail across that takes you atop of mountains that are on the coast and has some of the most scenic views from there. Cape Breton/Cabot Trail One Week Itinerary. One of the most beautiful places I have been on earth. Enjoy camping by Indian Brook river, with the relaxing sounds of the water and crackling fire. The annual Cabot Trail Relay Race is a 185 mile/276.33 km, 17 stage relay race through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world beginning in Baddeck, Cape Breton, over steep mountains in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, through many small communities around the famous Cabot Trail, to the gently rolling Margaree Valley. I love that visitors like yourself open up new adventures for me to explore in my own backyard. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 67 h 49 min to complete. 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. 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). Beinn Bhreagh, Alexander Bells home, is still in the possession of the Bell ancestors who live there at times throughout the year. It goes through a mossy forest meandering along a running stream. Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly. Be the first to add a review to the Cabot Trail. To get there, check out the location Ill embed for it into your GPS, and when you get there (there is a parking lot), there is a pretty steep hike down to the falls, which you should be careful of, but its literally right off the road. $4.00 + $1.50 shipping. Many bikers take a couple of days to ride the entire Cabot Trail. Yes the first time I drove on the Cabot Trail, it took my friends and I about 10 hours to go through it entirely. Well done. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park lies along the Cabot Trail, providing world class hiking. This trail is part of the proposed multi-day backcountry SeaWall Trail system. Theres a great spot at the top of a hill located beside the parking lot where the fishermen hang out. When staying near Ingonish Beach, be sure to go on the Lantern Walk. 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. Highly recommend! Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field. It was the best trip ever and the people we met were all friendly and helpful. The Cabot Trail is 300 km (185 miles) long and makes a loop around Cape Breton Island, covering top and bottom of the island including east and west coastlines. FT, heated washrooms . Tours occur daily to see how the whisky is made and there are tastings as well. Another popular view along the way is Cap Rouge exhibit. Ive always wanted to see it. There arent a lot of lunch stops along this route of the Cabot Trail, so be sure to bring some snacks and plenty of water. Tall tales, trip guides, & the world's weird & wonderful. Lets get into each: This is an awesome breakfast spot we stopped at on the eastern side of the drive to get some breakfast before embarking to finish the whole thing. It takes 5-6 HOURS to drive around the trail, not 3-5 days, but if you have 3-5 days youll enjoy it more. 22 Incredible Stops on the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Best Things to do in Nova Scotia The Ultimate Travel Guide. Hoping for next year to do some hiking there !! There are excellent hiking trails taking you out to overlook the high sea cliffs offering beautiful panoramic views. 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. Can Americans drive their car on Canada roads, or will I need a special driver license? We are 35 minutes from 2 of the 'Fabulous Foursome' golf courses Its one of the most unique things youll ever do in a National Park! If you are in Nova Scotia, yes absolutely. The Cabot Trail is a 298KM (186 mile) driving route around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and along the coastline. As you continue farther north you must take a turn onto Wharf Road of the Cabot Trail. As I said before, you wont miss it since these are right off the road. View of ocean from campground was stellar. Because: Bike touring the Cabot Trail has been on my bucket list for years. But half the fun for us was hopping over the rocks in search of that perfect tourist shot. Simply map your route and stop to hike, eat, shop, see the attractions and so much more. Make sure to give plenty of time to see all the sights. Firstly, our trip to this location was very impromptu. Jun. Remember, that these trails are in a protected wilderness environment. Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO. The Skyline trail has two options. The Cabot Trail is a scenic driving route on the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. If you didnt have time to do any whale watching while touring the Cabot Trail, you can take you time to keep an eye out for minke whales and pilot whales migrating through here. Enjoy our time Tidal Bore Rafting on the Worlds Highest Tides. Its one of the top scenic drives in North America in my personal opinion! The western and eastern sections follow the rugged coastline, with views of the ocean. Thanks for all the info! 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. Day 2: Explore Inverness in the morning, Depart for Cheticamp in the afternoon (1 hr drive), stay overnight. 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 . 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 dOr Lakes, beautiful beaches, accommodations, museums,walking trails, hiking, music, etc.. Thank you so much Dave and Deb for the beautiful pics and comments about our beautiful home Cape Breton! Hike and camp within the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, play a round of golf at Highlands . This will be our jumping-off point to the Cabot Trail where we'll meet the group and our tour leader before checking out the harbor and exploring this quaint town. Tidal Bore Rafting on the Worlds Highest Tides. If you have the time, pay attention to road signs and stop at all the lookout points. Cabot Trail: Nova . Great article, just a couple things for those who intend to do themselves a favour, and come here themeselves: 1. From the rugged coastlines and majestic mountains to the charming small fishing villages, this tour provides breathtaking viewpoints, endless photo opportunities, and local culinary experiences. 105 HIGHWAY K/M MARKER # 77 Why Choose Us? There are endless places to see on our bikes, and it is pretty damn cool that you're coming here. The road winds through the Cape Breton Highlands and the Cape Breton Island. And we said, we continued from there in a counter clockwise direction. 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. Sure you can drive anything in a few hours, but to actually see it, you should take 3-5 days. We hiked at sunset which ishighly recommended. Find out more about traveling around Nova Scotia at VisitNovaScotia.com. This park is called Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We love this style of camping. 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. I cannot wait for our tour de Canada (sadly it will be only next summer) and we must put Cabot Trail on the list! 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. Breathtaking does not even come close to the experience. Cape Breton highlands is great and the different cultures along way is interesting. Must go for nature lovers. We drove the Cabot Trail in a counter clockwise direction starting in Baddeck and ending in Cheticamp. Nova Scotia has some features that make it a great place to ride a bike, and I'm g It's awesome that you are considering the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia for your motorcycle miles. Welcome to Cabot. Experience the natural beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands as you drive the famous Cabot Trail. Just do the drive itself (its an amazing scenic road). Neils Harbour, Dingall, Bay St. Lawrence, Meat cove, to name a few. loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, 185 miles or 298 km long. 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. 2022. When driving in a counterclockwise direction, it is located between Red River and the Skyline Trail. Travel east coast Canada with Caravan Tours and your trip includes a tour of world-famous Cabot Trail Nova Scotia, located on Cape Breton Island and part of our Maritime Provinces tour. Planning a Road Trip? 5 2) There are plenty of hikes on the coast and within the park itself: 6 3) Whale sightings: 7 4) Visit Black Brook Cove Beach. We celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary this year and chose the Cabot Trail. But make sure to stop and enjoy the few cafs along the way, the best part of the Cabot Trail drive is meeting the people. 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. Stop in as many viewing areas as possible. 5 Things to Know About The Cathedral Rock Hike in Sedona, How to Hike The Robbers Roost Trail in Sedona Correctly, Fay Canyon Trail in Sedona Why You Need to Hike Here. On two wheels and at your pace that's the very best way to get to know Nova Scotia.This Atlantic province is big on trails and dramatic landscapes. The Cabot Trail is one of Canadas ultimate scenic highways. Nova Scotia Here are six recommended trails in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park that can be found along the Cabot Trail: Skyline trail, Franey trail, Acadian trail, Fishing Cove trail, Aspy trail and Middle Head trail. Cabot Trail is Nova Scotia [Latin for New Scotland]/Cape Breton Island's scenic highway. 4) Washington Coast. Specifically, its in the north eastern region of this province. Surprisingly, there are not a lot of places to stop for food along the Cabot Trail. Mabou is a good choice if you want to add on an extra night to the trip because it's a hotbed for music. Or perhaps, it will be just you and an artist capturing the scene before their eyes. The Cabot Trail: A Nova Scotia Bicycle Tour Weeklong From USD$3,495 Detail What's Included Itinerary Reviews 7 Days 2022 Dates TBC Difficulty Level Moderate/Advanced - My Bike Has A Name A 7-day Nova Scotia cycling trip with Summer Feet The Cabot Trail bicycle tour is the quintessential Nova Scotia cycling loop. I highly recommend this road trip for anyone looking to explore Canada and admire the Atlantic ocean. [1] It is a 298km (185mi) loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Lots of great trails suitable for all levels of experience. A visit to the Cabot Trail is a multi-day (3-5 days) experience. An Acadian ancestry got me interested close to 30 years ago. Its in Nova Scotia, Canada. Jun 2022. Book Your Campsite Now 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. You did say Baddeck was not part of the trail after all so you know we all make mistakes. It passes through Cape Brenton Highlands and Highlands National Park. Did you know: If you use the Roadtrippers mobile app, your trips will instantly auto-sync over Ready for navigation and good times! Will have to add the Cabot Trail to my ever-growing list! This location is actually the spot which most advertisements show off for the Cabot Trail as a whole. 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. And one way to think of the Cabot trail is 2 ways: Now you can do this scenic drive in the direction of the arrows I put up (Start on the eastern end, and finish up on the western end) and I would recommend that approach. Many visitors to Cape Breton set aside an entire day or two, three or four days to see the sights along the Cabot Trail. There are many places along the trail to stop and eat from small mom & pop convenience stores to bistros to restaurants (seasonal). Nova Scotia's roads are, for the most part, well-maintained. The Cabot Trail is the most popular place to visit in Nova Scotia and with good reason. It passes through Cape Brenton Highlands and Highlands National Park. The Cabot Trail is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Atlantic Canada, with around . It is a 298 km (185 mi) loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.. It doesnt look like it but next time youre in NS you MUST its the most amazing hike! 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, its wonderful. Dave and I love kayaking, but I must say, this was one of the most pleasant kayaking excursions weve ever had.It was a relaxed, easy-going half-day excursion that offered beautiful views and great conversation. Within that province, there is an island called Cape Breton and the trail itself is on it. We are heading to that area this fall and we would have missed planning it into our trip if I hadnt read your article. Beautiful pictures of Cabot Trail! 36972 CABOT TRAIL, Ingonish, Nova Scotia, B0C 1K0 is currently for sale for the price of $549,900 CAD. 9584 Trans Canada Hwy. The trail winds through glorious valleys and along an expansive coast as it traverses the Highlands. There are easy hikes into waterfalls and even easier hikes out to lookout points. Walk along the beach and if you are up for some excitement, you can take a zodiac tour to do some whale watching. The Cabot Trail is a 298 km scenic highway in Nova Scotia, Canada. 7) Like I said earlier, the western side of the Cabot Trail is where its more beautiful: 9) Just enjoy the drive on the Cabot Trail itself: While theres plenty of places to stop along this drive, the truth is that the drive itself is so scenic. Having ancestors who lived in Margaree,I know I have to do it. A quirky bakery along the Cabot Trail between North River Kayaking and Ingonish Beach is the Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery. I appreciate you linking to Cape Brendon Island too because we are planning to take a trip there in thearea this Summer/Fall. 8 km (5 mi) west of Baddeck. On Cape Breton Island, it lies in the northern part of Victoria County and Inverness County. Will sure chec out the trail when in Canada. 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 isbe a responsible steward of the environment when hiking in order to preserve this beauty for future generations. There are plenty of ghost stories too. The Cabot Trail is very famous because it offers so much to see and do, including an iconic scenic drive, many overlooks, whale watching, hikes, waterfalls and so much more. Because the road goes up and down steep grades and curves, the clockwise direction is better for drivers (and passengers) who dislike driving next to steep drops. Think hiking, gondolas, vistas, stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, bald eagles, and the chance to spot minke or pilot whales! The race takes place over 24 hours in 17 stages and features up to 70 teams and 1,200 runners. Thats exactly how we found it when we went. But I looked this up and will be adding it as an extra thing to see. Most of the Cabot Trail lies within the beautiful Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which means you will need a parks Canada pass. It is named for explorer John Cabot, and early explorer in 1497shortly after Columbus chose the . The walk takes about two hours and is well maintained. Some of them go up 1,000 feet in altitude. Hiking the Cabot Trail is a must-do-adventure if you like to hike and see the amazing scenery and wildlife. [1] Following are some stops along the route, travelling clockwise from the south: The Cabot Trail viewed from the Skyline Trail, Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}462913N 604446W / 46.48694N 60.74611W / 46.48694; -60.74611 (Cabot Trail), Scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, "Nova Scotia Trunk 30" redirects here. Drove from Ontario to Newfoundland. Nova Scotia, just a 15 minutes' drive from a beach. An incredible route that makes for a beautiful drive or cycling trip. It was breathtaking. The most specific scenic drive in California that looks similar to the Cabot Trail is Big Sur. Whilst on the trail take the time to go whale watching, visit the museums and galleries and sample some of the finest sea food dinning in the world. What is your favourite road trip in the world? Unfortunately, sighting whales is also seasonal so call before you schedule a tour. Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road! The Cabot Trail is a treat for the senses. One of the most beautiful hiking trails on the Cabot Trail is the White Point Hiking Trail at Neils Harbour.