Nova Scotia Cabot Trail: Three-Day Itinerary
A 300 km scenic loop through Cape Breton Highlands National Park — verified driving distances, stops in Baddeck, Cheticamp and Ingonish, a day-by-day itinerary and where to stay.
The Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic drives in North America — a 300 km loop through Cape Breton Highlands National Park on the north coast of Nova Scotia. The road climbs from sea level through the highlands to ocean cliffs, with stops in the Acadian village of Cheticamp, the highland trails of the national park, the Atlantic-side village of Ingonish, and the start point at Baddeck on the Bras d'Or Lake. This three-day itinerary covers the full loop with verified driving distances, where to stay and budget alternatives.
Flying in? This route starts in Halifax — pick up wheels at the airport.
Rent a Car in HalifaxBest Time to Drive
June–October for the best weather and all facilities open. Late September to mid-October for fall colours. The highlands can see snow into May and from October — check road conditions outside summer.
How Many Days
3 days (2–3 nights)
Where to Stay
Baddeck has lakeside inns and B&Bs at the start and end of the loop. Cheticamp has Acadian inns and motels on the west coast. Ingonish has resort lodges and cabins on the Atlantic side. Cape Breton Highlands National Park has front-country campgrounds. Book well ahead in summer — accommodation is limited.
Drive this route
A rental car, stops to sleep and roadside cover.
Pick up a rental at Halifax and drive the full route at your own pace.
The route, stop by stop
- 1
Baddeck
StartThe start and end point of the Cabot Trail loop, on the shore of the Bras d'Or Lake. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, walk the waterfront, and stock up on supplies before the loop.
Stay here the night before and after the loop.
- 2
Cheticamp
140 kmAn Acadian fishing village at the western entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Visit the Acadian Museum, buy a park pass, and try Acadian cuisine. The drive from Baddeck follows the coast with ocean views.
Acadian inns and motels — book ahead in summer.
- 3
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
170 kmThe highland section of the Cabot Trail climbs through the national park to elevations over 450 m, with ocean views on both sides. Stop at the Skyline Trail (7 km loop, 2–3 hours) for the most famous panoramic view in the park. The park has campgrounds, picnic areas and lookouts.
Buy a Parks Canada day pass or Discovery Pass.
- 4
Ingonish
230 kmAn Atlantic-side village at the eastern entrance to the national park, with beaches, the Keltic Lodge resort, and the Middle Head Trail (3.8 km loop, 1.5 hours) along a narrow peninsula with ocean views on both sides.
Keltic Lodge is the iconic stay — book well ahead.
- 5
Baddeck (return)
300 kmDrive south from Ingonish back to Baddeck along the east coast of Cape Breton, completing the loop. Stop at the Gaelic College in St. Ann's for Celtic culture and crafts. Arrive in Baddeck by late afternoon.
End the loop where you started, on the Bras d'Or Lake.
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