The Cabot Trail loops through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, climbing from sea level to the highland plateau and dropping back to fishing villages on both coasts. Expect moose on the road, whales offshore and Acadian, Scottish and Mi'kmaq culture in every harbour. Drive it counter-clockwise so the ocean is on your side.
Flying in? This route starts in Halifax — pick up wheels at the airport.
Rent a Car in HalifaxBest Time to Drive
June–October; peak colour is early October.
How Many Days
2–3 days minimum to drive it slowly.
Where to Stay
Baddeck, Ingonish or Chéticamp to break the loop.
Drive this route
A rental car, stops to sleep and roadside cover.
The route, stop by stop
- 1
Baddeck
StartBegin on the shore of the Bras d'Or Lakes in Baddeck — a sailing-mad village and home of the Alexander Graham Bell museum. Pick up park passes, fuel up and grab a coffee before the climb.
Pick up park passes and fuel here — services thin out on the highland plateau.
- 2
Cape Smokey
35 kmThe road switchbacks up Cape Smokey for the route's first big ocean panorama — whale-watching boats depart below at Ingonish, and a new gondola climbs to clifftop views.
- 3
Cape Breton Highlands & Skyline Trail
90 kmThe highland plateau opens up — moose graze in roadside bogs and the Skyline Trail drops to a headland cliff above the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This is the route's signature hike.
The signature hike — go at dusk for moose and sunset.
- 4
Ingonish Beach
120 kmA sweeping sand crescent inside the national park with tidal pools and warm-ish swimming.
The Keltic Lodge perches above the beach — the classic east-coast overnight.
- 5
Chéticamp
200 kmAcadian fishing harbour and the park's western entrance — hooked-rug galleries, fresh lobster and French spoken in the cafés. The western coast is flatter and farmier.
- 6
Margaree Harbour
260 kmSalmon rivers, Celtic music halls and the Margaree Valley on the gentle run back toward the Canso Causeway. Stop for a fiddle session if one's on.
