Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, 185 miles or 298 km long. The trail passes through many charming communities, each with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable hospitality. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park lies along the Cabot Trail, providing world class hiking. 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. Many visitors to Cape Breton set aside an entire day – or two, three or four days – to see the sights along the Cabot Trail. Because there are so many scenic overlooks, cultural heritage sites, whale watching hiking trails and guided tours on the Cabot Trail, spending some time planning your excursion and accommodations will make your road trip much more enjoyable.  The Cabot Trail makes a loop around Cape Breton Island, cutting across the top of the island and closely following the western and eastern coastlines. If you travel in a clockwise direction, you'll be on the "inside" lane as you drive along both coasts. 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. Many of the turnoffs into Cape Breton Highlands National Park are right turns if you are traveling clockwise. Driving counter-clockwise may give you a better view of some of the more spectacular ocean vistas along the way. While this direction is less popular (it's billed as the direction for the brave driver), it may be easier to handle if you dislike slow traffic, as fewer people travel counter-clockwise. 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.