The Perfect Stops For Your Cabot Trail Road Trip Itinerary (Cape Breton Island)
After spending two incredible weeks RVing and exploring all around Cape Breton Island as part of our grand tour of the Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland, we can confidently say this is one of North America’s most spectacular road trip destinations.
The legendary Cabot Trail winds through highland plateaus, hugs dramatic coastal cliffs, and connects charming fishing villages with breathtaking ocean vistas.
What makes Cape Breton truly special is how it blends natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. The island’s unique mix of Acadian, Scottish (Gaelic), and Mi’kmaq influences (as well as some English and Irish) creates a vibrant tapestry of music, cuisine, and traditions that you’ll encounter throughout your journey.
We were fortunate to have two weeks to explore this special area of Nova Scotia and below we’re sharing our must-visit stops for your itinerary so that you too can experience all that this magical island has to offer.
Getting to Cape Breton Island
There are several ways to reach Cape Breton, depending on where you’re starting your journey:
If visiting after returning from Newfoundland (Our Route): We took the Marine Atlantic ferry from Newfoundland to North Sydney and then drove from there to the eastern side of Cape Breton Island.
From mainland Nova Scotia: If you’re driving from Halifax or other parts of mainland Nova Scotia, you’ll cross the Canso Causeway onto Cape Breton Island. From Halifax, expect approximately a 4-hour drive to reach the official start of the Cabot Trail in Baddeck.
From New Brunswick/Maine: Driving through New Brunswick and entering Nova Scotia will also bring you to the Canso Causeway. From the Maine/New Brunswick border, plan for approximately 6 hours of driving to reach Cape Breton.
By Air: The largest airport for flights will be Halifax Stanfield International Airport. You can then rent a car or rent an RV to drive to the island.
CAT Ferry from Maine: If you don’t want to drive all the way up through New Brunswick, you also have the option to take the CAT Ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. From there, it’s about a 6-7 hour drive to Cape Breton. This would allow you to explore more of southern Nova Scotia.
When to Visit Cape Breton
The best time to visit Cape Breton depends on what you want to experience:
Summer (June-August): Peak season offers warm weather, ideal conditions for hiking, beach activities, and water sports. All attractions and services are open, though popular spots can get crowded.
Fall (September-October): What many consider the most magical time on Cape Breton, when the highlands explode with vibrant fall colors. Temperatures are cooler but still pleasant for hiking.
Spring (March-April): Fewer crowds, though some attractions may have limited hours or be closed (with some businesses not reopening until May or June). Weather can be unpredictable with more rain, but the landscapes are lush and green.
About The Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail is the main attraction of Cape Breton Island and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful road trips in North America.
This scenic 185-mile drive winds its way along beautiful cliffs and highlands with stunning ocean vistas and through charming towns with plenty to see and do all along the way.
Although it is full of gentle winds and curves, the entire drive is well-paved and full of great pull-offs and lookouts. While some people may find the road a bit stressful if towing large RVs, for most people the Cabot Trail will feel very safe and enjoyable.
The Best Stops For Your Cape Breton Itinerary
This map includes the best stops, sights, restaurants and more on Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail!
Note: If your itinerary follows a clockwise direction around the Cabot Trail (Baddeck to Cheticamp and over to Ingonish), it keeps your vehicle on the inside lane on the steepest coastal sections. If you travel counter-clockwise (Baddeck to Ingonish and over to Cheticamp and Ivernbess), you will find yourself on the outside lane with the best views, but it can be a bit nerve-wracking for some people.
Baddeck
Baddeck is considered the beginning and end of the Cabot Trail, making it a must-hit spot for your Cape Breton adventure.
In Baddeck you can:
- Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to learn about the famous inventor who made Baddeck his summer home (he invented many things including the telephone and iron lung)
- Check out Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park and enjoy an easy 1.5 km hike to a stunning waterfall
- Kayak or sail on Bras d’Or Lake (Canada’s largest inland saltwater sea)
- Visit Kidston Island Lighthouse
- Play golf at Bell Bay or Baddeck Forks Golf Clubs
- Stop at St. Ann’s Lookout for panoramic views of St. Ann’s Bay
- Visit the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s to learn about Cape Breton’s Scottish heritage
Eastern Cape Breton and Ingonish
Heading north from Baddeck you get right into the action and beauty of the Cabot Trail, with steep cliffs, ocean vistas and beautiful beaches awaiting you.
On this section of the Cabot Trail you can:
- Camp at Broad Cove Campground (National Park Campground) and walk over to Broad Cove Beach
- Visit Ingonish Beach, one of Cape Breton’s most beautiful beaches
- Visit the Keltic Lodge, a historic resort perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic
- Hitch a ride on the Cape Smokey Gondola ride
- Visit Cape Smokey Provincial Park
- Stop off at Neil’s Harbour to see the colorful fishing boats
- Try some fresh seafood (Nova Scotia is known for its lobster and scallops!)
- Head out for a scenic hike on White Point
- Attend a local ceilidh or kitchen party (traditional social gathering with music)
Cape Breton Highlands National Park Top Hikes & Sights
Stretching across Cape Breton Island from Ingonish all the way over to Cheticamp is Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
This park is full of amazing hikes and sights worth allotting at least a few days to your itinerary to check out including:
- Franey Trail, a challenging 7.5 km loop that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Clyburn Valley and Atlantic coastline
- Broad Cove Mountain
- Visit Mary Ann Falls, a spectacular waterfall accessible via a short walk from the parking area
- Hike the stunning (and VERY popular) Skyline Trail (early or later in the day will be best to avoid crowds)
- Hike the Middle Head Trail (3.8 km) for stunning coastal views
- Camp at one of the 8 National Park Campgrounds located around the island
- Stop at scenic viewpoints including La Bloc, Cap Rouge, Veterans Monument, Fishing Cove and Mackenzie Mountain lookouts, and Lakie’s Head
- Golf at the Highlands Links Course
Explore off the beaten path on the northern section of the island
If you want to see the rugged coastline on the more remote section of Cape Breton Island, head north before moving to the western or eastern sections of the island.
Here you can:
- Take a trip out to Meat Cove and hike out to the point for spectacular views (note of caution: these are some of the roughest roads we have been on)
- Check out Money Point
Cheticamp & Western Cape Breton
As you head over toward the western side of Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail you can experience more of the Acadian influence and enjoy more of the island’s iconic vistas.
On the western side of the island, you can:
- Camp at the Cheticamp Campground
- Hike the Gypsum Mine Lake Trail to the stunning blue-green quarry lake
- Check out the local Acadian Fishing Village
- Visit Aucoin Bakey for some fresh baked goods
- Visit Les Trois Pignons Cultural Centre to learn about Acadian culture and view famous hooked rugs
- Take a whale-watching tour with Captain Zodiac (if weather permits)
- Day trip to Pleasant Bay (30 minutes north of Chéticamp)
- Visit the Whale Interpretive Centre
- Photo stop at the Whale Tale sculpture
Inverness and Margaree
- Stop at Egypt Falls near Margaree (requires a short hike with rope assistance)
- Visit the Glenora Inn & Distillery, home to rare single-malt whiskey
- Explore Inverness Beach
- Play world-class golf at Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Cape Breton
Other Nearby Attractions
- Fundy National Park
- Newfoundland
- Prince Edward Island
- Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
- Halifax
READ MORE: Plan The Perfect East Coast Canada Road Trip
Example Itineraries
Below are a 7 day and day Cape Breton and Cabot Trail itineraries that will help you make the most of your time and capture the essence of the island:
7-Day Cape Breton Cabot Trail Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Baddeck, explore the town and Alexander Graham Bell Museum
Days 2-3: Camp in Ingonish, explore eastern Cape Breton highlights
Days 4-6: Camp in Chéticamp, explore western Cape Breton highlights
Day 7: Return to Baddeck and depart
3-Day Cabot Trail Express Itinerary
Day 1: Baddeck to Ingonish, overnight in Ingonish
Day 2: Ingonish to Chéticamp via the Cabot Trail, overnight in Chéticamp
Day 3: Chéticamp to Baddeck, complete the Cabot Trail loop
Essential Experiences on Cape Breton Island
Don’t miss these quintessential Cape Breton Island experiences:
Hiking the Skyline Trail – The most famous hike in Cape Breton, offering spectacular coastal views. For the best experience, time your hike for sunset.
Whale Watching – Join a tour from either Chéticamp or Pleasant Bay (peak season is typically June through September)
Beach Exploration – Don’t miss Ingonish Beach on the east coast and Inverness Beach on the west coast.
Cultural Immersion – Experience the island’s rich heritage through ceilidhs (traditional music gatherings), visits to cultural centers, and local cuisine. Don’t forget to get some fresh local lobster!
Waterfall Hunting – Cape Breton is home to numerous accessible waterfalls!
Scenic Drive: The star of the show… you of course can’t miss driving the entire Cabot Trail Loop!
Popular excursions on Cape Breton Island include:
Practical Tips for Your Cape Breton Adventure
Driving the Cabot Trail: We recommend taking your time so that you can have plenty of opportunities for hiking, pull-offs, beaches, and restaurants. Just because you could drive it in a day, doesn’t mean you should.
Cell Service: Coverage is spotty throughout Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Download offline maps, make accommodation reservations in advance when possible, and consider selecting spots where Starlink would best provide connectivity if needed.
Weather Preparedness: Cape Breton’s weather can change rapidly. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of when you visit.
Parks Canada Pass: If you’ll be visiting Cape Breton Highlands National Park for multiple days (which we recommend), consider purchasing a Discovery Pass for unlimited entry to all national parks for a year.
Fuel Planning: Gas stations are limited within the park. Fill up in larger towns like Baddeck, Chéticamp, and Ingonish.
Reservations: During peak season (July-August), make campground reservations well in advance. We recommend booking the day the Canada Parks reservation system opens for the campgrounds you plan to visit. Private parks may have a bit more flexibility but are also likely to fill up.
RV Considerations: If traveling with a larger RV or fifth wheel, note that larger spots may be limited in National Park campgrounds. Depending on your comfort level, you may also want to choose Cheticamp or Igonish as a “base camp” to explore the Cabot Trail from without having to tow or drive your RV the entire route (while entirely possible, it may not be enjoyable for some).
Watch for wildlife and drive carefully: (moose, cyclists, and motorcycles can all sneak up on you around the bends of the Cabot Trail)
READ MORE: Crossing The Border & RVing To Canada
Where to Stay on Cape Breton Island
With so much natural beauty to experience, we highly recommend camping your way around Cape Breton Island and the Cabot Trail.
Campgrounds
Cape Breton Highlands National Park has 8 campgrounds that offer RV and tent sites as well as a variety of cabins or luxury tent options.
There are also private RV parks and glamping options dotted around the island as well!
You can read our entire guide to camping on Cape Breton Island here!
If you would prefer a few more comforts and conveniences, there are also some great accommodations along the Cabot Trail as well:
Hotels and B&Bs
Ingonish Area:
- Keltic Lodge – Historic resort with stunning ocean views
- Knotty Pines Cottages
Chéticamp Area:
Baddeck Area:
Inverness Area:
- Cabot Links Golf Resort – Luxury accommodations at one of the world’s top golf destinations
While the Cabot Trail can technically be driven in a day, spending two weeks allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in this magical place. From dramatic coastal hikes and pristine beaches to cultural experiences and wildlife encounters, Cape Breton offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Have you visited Cape Breton Island? We’d love to hear about your experiences and favorite spots in the comments below!
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