300 km of coast, mountain and forest through Cape Breton Highlands — the Skyline Trail, Meat Cove, Acadian fishing villages, and a céilidh at night.
The Cabot Trail is one of the great drives of North America — 300 km of coast, mountain, and forest looping through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where the Atlantic crashes into the cliffs and moose stand in the road. It's the heart of a Cape Breton trip. Here's the perfect long weekend.
Day 1 — Baddeck to Ingonish Start in Baddeck, the gateway, on the shore of the Bras d'Or Lakes. Drive the eastern leg into Cape Breton Highlands National Park — the Skyline Trailhead, the coastal viewpoints, and Ingonish Beach. Hike the Skyline Trail at sunset for the iconic clifftop boardwalk over the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Day 2 — The top of the island Drive the northern coast — the most dramatic stretch — through Pleasant Bay (whale watching) and Meat Cove, the road's end at the top of Cape Breton. The French-language Acadian fishing villages (Chéticamp) on the west side are the cultural highlight. Hike the Franey or Coastal trails for the highland views.
Day 3 — The western leg and the céilidh Continue down the western coast to Margaree Harbour, then back to Baddeck. The Margaree River is a world-famous Atlantic salmon river. In the evening, catch a céilidh (a Celtic music gathering) — Cape Breton's Scottish culture is alive, and the fiddle music is the soul of the island.
Where to stay Ingonish or Chéticamp to split the loop; Baddeck as a base. Cabot Links resort in Inverness for splurge (Canada's top golf course). Book ahead in summer and fall.
Good to know Allow 3–5 days for the full loop without rushing. Drive clockwise (east first) to be on the ocean side of the road. And check for moose at dusk — they're everywhere and they're huge.
Ready to explore Canada's most popular destination?
Turquoise lakes, soaring peaks, and the Rockies' most iconic sights await in Banff, Alberta — our most-read destination guide.
Explore the Banff Destination Guide
