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Cabot Trail

298 km loop through Cape Breton Highlands National Park — the most famous scenic drive in Canada.

298.00 km loop

The Cabot Trail is a 298 km loop that climbs and descends through Cape Breton Highlands National Park at the northern end of the island. It is, by most rankings, one of the great scenic drives in the world.

Most travellers do the loop counter-clockwise from Baddeck — east through St. Ann's and Englishtown to Ingonish, north over Cape Smokey to Cape North and Pleasant Bay, then back south through Chéticamp and Margaree. Either direction takes a full day at minimum; two or three days lets you stop properly.

Highlights along the route: the Skyline Trail at French Mountain, Highlands Links golf course at Ingonish, the Cape Smokey gondola, whale-watching from Pleasant Bay, the Acadian harbour at Chéticamp, and the Alexander Graham Bell museum in Baddeck.

Open year-round but heavy snow can close mountain sections in winter. Plan for fuel: there are long stretches between gas stations.

Communities along the route

What to see along the way

Tenerife Mountain

Tenerife Mountain

trail

Englishtown Ferry & Park

Englishtown Ferry & Park

park

Two-minute cable ferry crossing St. Anns Harbour, a Cabot Trail shortcut and photo stop.

Neil's Harbour Lighthouse

Neil's Harbour Lighthouse

lighthouse

Picturesque red-and-white lighthouse and ice-cream stand above a working fishing village.

Enragée Point Lighthouse

Enragée Point Lighthouse

lighthouse

Octagonal lighthouse on Cheticamp Island guarding the entrance to Cheticamp harbour.

Bay St. Lawrence Drive

Bay St. Lawrence Drive

scenic drive · 40.00 km

Side trip off the Cabot Trail to the northernmost villages of Cape Breton.

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

museum

Museum in Baddeck dedicated to the inventor's decades of work at his Bras d'Or Lake estate.

Chéticamp Campground (Cape Breton Highlands National Park)

Chéticamp Campground (Cape Breton Highlands National Park)

park

Parks Canada front-country campground at the Cabot Trail's western gateway.

Ingonish Beach Campground

Ingonish Beach Campground

park

Parks Canada campground a short walk from Ingonish Beach.

Hideaway Campground & Oyster Market

Hideaway Campground & Oyster Market

park

Halfway around the Cabot Trail with on-site oyster market.

Bras d'Or Lakes Campground

Bras d'Or Lakes Campground

park

The only lakefront campground in Baddeck.

Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground

Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground

park

Full-service campground at the gateway to the Cabot Trail.

Adventures East Campground & Cottages

Adventures East Campground & Cottages

park

Family-run campground and cottages just outside Baddeck.

Waves End RV & Campground

Waves End RV & Campground

park

Oceanfront RV and tent campground beside the Cabot Trail in Chéticamp.

Bell Bay Golf Club RV Village

Bell Bay Golf Club RV Village

park

On-course RV sites at one of Canada's top public golf clubs.

Franey Trail

Franey Trail

traildifficult · 7.40 km

Steep climb to a granite summit with the best view of the Clyburn Valley and Atlantic coast.

Acadian Trail

Acadian Trail

traildifficult · 8.40 km

Steep climb above Cheticamp to a panoramic overlook of the Acadian coast.

Aspy Trail

Aspy Trail

traileasy · 9.60 km

Gentle forest hike to a lookout over the broad Aspy Fault valley.

Baddeck Nordic Club

Baddeck Nordic Club

trail

Cape Smokey Provincial Park Trail

Cape Smokey Provincial Park Trail

trailmoderate · 11.00 km

Cliff-edge trail along a 366-metre headland with a gondola, suspension bridge, and viewing tower.

Uisge Ban Falls Trail

Uisge Ban Falls Trail

traileasy · 3.00 km

Easy forest walk to a 15-metre waterfall tucked in a steep mossy gorge.

Polletts Cove Trail

Polletts Cove Trail

traildifficult · 16.00 km

Demanding 16-km wilderness hike to a roadless meadow-and-beach valley north of the national park.

Jigging Cove Lake Trail

Jigging Cove Lake Trail

traileasy · 2.50 km

Quiet flat loop around a small forest lake near Neil's Harbour.

Lone Shieling Trail

Lone Shieling Trail

traileasy · 0.80 km

Tiny loop through 350-year-old maples to a replica Scottish crofter's hut.

Broad Cove Mountain Trail

Broad Cove Mountain Trail

trailmoderate · 1.90 km

Short steep climb to a panoramic ridge over Ingonish and the Atlantic.

MacIntosh Brook Trail

MacIntosh Brook Trail

traileasy · 1.70 km

Flat streamside walk through tall hardwoods to a small waterfall.

Black Brook Beach

Black Brook Beach

beach

Sheltered cove with a small waterfall spilling onto pink granite sand.

St. Paul Island Museum & Lighthouse

St. Paul Island Museum & Lighthouse

museum

Where to eat & stay

Baddeck Lobster Suppers

Baddeck Lobster Suppers

restaurant

All-you-can-eat mussels, chowder, and a whole lobster on the lake.

★★★★★ (807)
The Rusty Anchor

The Rusty Anchor

restaurant

Lobster rolls, ocean view, and the perfect mid-Cabot-Trail lunch stop.

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

attraction

Explore Alexander Graham Bell's inventions, from the Silver Dart airplane to the telephone, at this inspiring national historic site in Baddeck with interacti

★★★★★ (2488)
Rusty Anchor Restaurant

Rusty Anchor Restaurant

restaurant

Enjoy fresh lobster rolls and fish n chips at Rusty Anchor, a scenic Cabot Trail restaurant in Pleasant Bay with stunning views.

★★★★ (1452)
Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge

Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge

restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood and Acadian cuisine at Le Gabriel on the Cabot Trail in Cheticamp, featuring homemade desserts and traditional dishes.

★★★★ (1238)
Coastal Restaurant & Pub

Coastal Restaurant & Pub

restaurant

Casual Cabot Trail pub with creative comfort food and Cape Breton beers on tap.

★★★★★ (1164)
Tom’s Pizza Restaurant

Tom’s Pizza Restaurant

restaurant

Enjoy fresh pizzas and live music at Tom's Pizza in downtown Baddeck, Cape Breton, a family-owned spot serving quality pies since 1985.

★★★★★ (1095)
Highwheeler Cafe & Bakery

Highwheeler Cafe & Bakery

service

From-scratch bakery and coffee roastery in central Baddeck — reliable Wi-Fi remote-work spot.

★★★★★ (913)
L’abri Café, Restaurant and Bar

L’abri Café, Restaurant and Bar

restaurant

Stop at L'abri Café in Chéticamp for homemade food, fresh baked goods, specialty coffee, and local brews along the scenic Cabot Trail.

★★★★★ (895)
Salty Rose’s & The Periwinkle Café

Salty Rose’s & The Periwinkle Café

restaurant

Dine at this cozy Cabot Trail café in Ingonish featuring locally sourced coffee, handmade teas, and live music with garden views.

★★★★★ (805)
Englishtown Ferry (Jersey Cove)

Englishtown Ferry (Jersey Cove)

service

Tiny provincial cable ferry shaving 25 km off the Cabot Trail loop.

★★★★★ (801)
The Doryman Pub & Grill

The Doryman Pub & Grill

restaurant

Saturday-afternoon ceilidh that's been packing them in for decades.

★★★★ (779)
Doryman Pub & Grill

Doryman Pub & Grill

restaurant

Chéticamp's social hub for live Acadian fiddle and a hearty lobster roll.

★★★★ (779)
Cape Smokey Holding Ltd. (Ski & Gondola)

Cape Smokey Holding Ltd. (Ski & Gondola)

service

Cape Breton's only ski hill, with a year-round gondola for big Atlantic views.

★★★★ (736)
Cape Smokey Gondola & Adventure Park

Cape Smokey Gondola & Adventure Park

tour

Year-round gondola, zipline and mountain bike park

★★★★ (736)
Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay

Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay

accommodation

Stay at this year-round lakeside resort on Bras d'Or Lake in Baddeck, offering waterfront cottages, an indoor pool, spa, and direct access to the Cabot Trail.

★★★★ (735)
Aucoin Bakery

Aucoin Bakery

restaurant

Three-generation Acadian bakery famous for meat pies and crusty bread.

★★★★★ (680)
The Chowder House

The Chowder House

restaurant

Dine on fresh local seafood at this clifftop restaurant overlooking the ocean on Cape Breton's Cabot Trail in Neil's Harbour.

★★★★ (645)
Wabo’s Pizza, Sub & Donair

Wabo’s Pizza, Sub & Donair

restaurant

Order pizza, subs, and donairs at Wabo's in Chéticamp, a year-round pizza shop on the Cabot Trail with dine-in and takeout options.

★★★★ (589)
Trailsman Lodge & Restaurant

Trailsman Lodge & Restaurant

accommodation

Stay at Trailsman Lodge in Baddeck overlooking Bras d'Or Lakes with waterfront grounds, outdoor pool, and easy access to hiking trails and attractions.

★★★★ (588)
Chéticamp Visitor Centre (Cape Breton Highlands National Park)

Chéticamp Visitor Centre (Cape Breton Highlands National Park)

service

West-side gateway to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with park passes and exhibits.

★★★★★ (534)
Seagull Restaurant

Seagull Restaurant

restaurant

Book a table at Seagull Restaurant on the Cabot Trail in Ingonish for homemade seafood, pasta, and ocean views from the deck.

★★★★ (510)
Lobster Galley Restaurant

Lobster Galley Restaurant

restaurant

Dine on fresh lobster overlooking St Ann's Bay at this waterfront Baddeck restaurant with an on-site pound and homemade baked goods.

★★★★ (500)
Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground

Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground

accommodation

Camp near Baddeck on the Cabot Trail with 120 RV sites, cabins, tiny homes, heated pool, and canoe rentals on Cape Breton Island.

★★★★★ (498)
Andrew’s Pizzeria

Andrew’s Pizzeria

restaurant

Order pizza, subs, wings, and donairs at Andrew's Pizzeria in Ingonish Beach on the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton.

★★★★★ (482)
Live Life In Tents

Live Life In Tents

accommodation

Book a unique glamping and adventure experience at Live Life In Tents in Margaree Forks, Cape Breton, with rental gear and tailored outdoor packages.

★★★★★ (455)
The Cameron House Cottage: Live Life In Tents

The Cameron House Cottage: Live Life In Tents

accommodation

Stay at this newly renovated riverside cottage on the Cabot Trail in Margaree, sleeping 6 guests with direct access to hiking trails and 4 local beaches.

★★★★★ (455)
Bell Buoy Restaurant & Supper House

Bell Buoy Restaurant & Supper House

restaurant

Dine on wild-caught seafood, hand-cut steaks, and house-made everything at this Baddeck restaurant overlooking Bras d'Or Lake, with gluten-free and nut-free o

★★★★ (446)
Whale Cruisers Chéticamp

Whale Cruisers Chéticamp

tour

Three-hour pilot whale tours with the family that started it all.

★★★★★ (439)
Captain Zodiac Whale Cruise

Captain Zodiac Whale Cruise

attraction

Spot finback, humpback, and pilot whales on guided zodiac tours from Chéticamp, May to October, with a whale sightings guarantee or full refund.

★★★★★ (439)
Morrison’s Restaurant

Morrison’s Restaurant

restaurant

Dine on seafood and burgers at Morrison's Restaurant, a family-owned eatery in a historic 100-year-old building at the top of the Cabot Trail in Cape North.

★★★★★ (415)
Cabot Trail Guaranteed Whale Adventures

Cabot Trail Guaranteed Whale Adventures

attraction

Book a whale watching tour on the Highland Dancer in Chéticamp with guaranteed sightings and 4 daily departures from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

★★★★★ (414)
Mr. Chicken

Mr. Chicken

restaurant

Dine at Mr. Chicken in Chéticamp, a specialty chicken restaurant on the Cabot Trail serving delicious, satisfying meals.

★★★★ (412)
Big Spruce Brewing – Organic Craft Beer and Rose’s Smash Burgers

Big Spruce Brewing – Organic Craft Beer and Rose’s Smash Burgers

restaurant

Visit Big Spruce Brewing in Baddeck for organic craft beer, burgers, and lakeside views of the Bras d'Or Lake at Atlantic Canada's only on-farm brewery.

★★★★★ (408)
Restaurant Evangeline

Restaurant Evangeline

restaurant

Start your Cabot Trail adventure with breakfast at this charming Chéticamp restaurant on the main street.

★★★★ (403)
Knotty Pine Cottages

Knotty Pine Cottages

accommodation

Cottages, cabin suites, and motel rooms over Ingonish Harbour

★★★★ (393)
Silver Dart Lodge

Silver Dart Lodge

accommodation

4-star · Baddeck

★★★★ (388)
MidTrail Motel

MidTrail Motel

accommodation

Stay at MidTrail Motel in Pleasant Bay with 20 oceanfront units, private beach, restaurant, and whale watching opportunities on 30 acres overlooking the harbo

★★★★ (361)
Mountainview Motel & Restaurant

Mountainview Motel & Restaurant

accommodation

Stay at Mountainview Motel & Restaurant in Pleasant Bay with motel units, cottages, and a licensed dining room open 7am–9pm on the Cabot Trail.

★★★★ (361)
Laurie’s Motel

Laurie’s Motel

accommodation

Stay at Laurie's Motel in Chéticamp with harbor views, 53 air-conditioned rooms, and easy access to Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Cabot Trail.

★★★★ (360)
Hide Away Campground & Oyster Market

Hide Away Campground & Oyster Market

accommodation

Camp overlooking Aspy Bay on the Cabot Trail with wooded and open sites, oyster eatery, playground, hiking trail, and cabin rentals near South Harbour.

★★★★ (342)
Glenghorm Resort

Glenghorm Resort

accommodation

Stay at Glenghorm Resort on 20 acres in Ingonish with private beach access, near Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the Cabot Trail.

★★★★ (340)
Auberge Gisele’s Inn

Auberge Gisele’s Inn

accommodation

Stay at this 4-star inn in Baddeck with garden and Bras d'Or Lakes views, fine dining, and easy access to the Cabot Trail and Alexander Graham Bell site.

★★★★ (330)
Cape Breton Highlands Links

Cape Breton Highlands Links

attraction

Play one of Canada's Top 10 golf courses at Cape Breton Highlands Links in Ingonish Beach, featuring 18 holes with ocean views and mountain scenery designed b

★★★★ (317)
Markland Coastal Beach Cottages

Markland Coastal Beach Cottages

accommodation

Pine-built oceanfront cottages on a private beach at the top of Cape Breton.

★★★★★ (316)
Bean There Cafe

Bean There Cafe

restaurant

Enjoy locally roasted Nova Coffee and fresh-baked treats at this cozy year-round café in Baddeck, with a seasonal dog-friendly patio.

★★★★★ (313)
Lynwood Inn & Restaurant

Lynwood Inn & Restaurant

restaurant

Stay at Lynwood Inn in Baddeck with lake views, whirlpool tubs, and dine at the onsite licensed restaurant open June through October.

★★★★ (313)
Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park

Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park

attraction

Hike to a spectacular 50-foot waterfall in a granite gorge near Baddeck on Cape Breton Island, with scenic trails through hardwood forest.

★★★★★ (307)
Stay at Groovy Goat Farm Co.

Stay at Groovy Goat Farm Co.

accommodation

Stay on a working goat farm in Ingonish with hands-on animal care, new hotel rooms, and complimentary gelato from the on-site shop.

★★★★★ (302)
Groovy Goat Farm & Soap Company

Groovy Goat Farm & Soap Company

attraction

Tour a family goat farm in Ingonish on the Cabot Trail, meet playful goats, and shop handcrafted goat milk soaps and gelato.

★★★★★ (302)
Telegraph House & Motel

Telegraph House & Motel

accommodation

Stay at this historic 1861 Victorian inn and motel in Baddeck with 39 rooms, cabins, and cottages near the Cabot Trail and Alexander Graham Bell site.

★★★★ (286)
Co-op Victoria Farmers

Co-op Victoria Farmers

restaurant

Shop fresh groceries, farm produce, baked goods, and deli items at Co-op Victoria Farmers in Baddeck, Cape Breton's trusted local grocer since 1985.

★★★★ (285)
Cabot Trail Motel

Cabot Trail Motel

accommodation

Stay at Cabot Trail Motel in Baddeck with lakefront views, 37 motel units and 4 chalets overlooking Bras d'Or Lake, plus dining and private beach access.

★★★★ (279)
Three Doors Down

Three Doors Down

restaurant

Enjoy hearty comfort food and all-day breakfast at this warm, family-friendly restaurant in Baddeck, Cape Breton.

★★★★ (266)
Freya & Thor Gallery and Café

Freya & Thor Gallery and Café

restaurant

Browse local art and Maritime crafts at this beloved Cape Breton gallery, then enjoy espresso and locally made treats at the café near Highlands National Park

★★★★★ (246)
Ceilidh Country Lodge

Ceilidh Country Lodge

accommodation

2.5-star · Baddeck

★★★★ (235)
Cornerstone Motel

Cornerstone Motel

accommodation

Stay at Cornerstone Motel on the Cabot Trail in Chéticamp with river views, walking trails, and direct access to Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

★★★★★ (229)
St. Ann’s Motel

St. Ann’s Motel

accommodation

Stay at St. Ann's Motel in Baddeck with panoramic harbour views, direct access to the Cabot Trail, and hiking to Nova Scotia's highest waterfall nearby.

★★★★★ (225)
Cape Breton B&B

Cape Breton B&B

accommodation

Stay at Cape Breton B&B in Baddeck with comfortable rooms, free WiFi, and bay views overlooking Bras d'Or Lake.

★★★★★ (225)
Coopérative Artisanale de Chéticamp

Coopérative Artisanale de Chéticamp

shop

Acadian artisan co-op showcasing Chéticamp's world-renowned hooked rugs.

★★★★ (223)

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The Cabot Trail — Cape Breton