Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Baddeck & Area
French follows below | Le français suit ci dessous Be inspired by the fascinating life and work of Alexander Graham Bell – inventor, sci...
7 Day Itinerary on the Cabot Trail
Are you ready to drive one of the best road trips in the world? The view just above your dashboard will now be a window to North America’s #1 Island. With jaw-dropping scenery along the drives to Cape Breton Island’s most famous locations and communities, your 7 day itinerary will make memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1
Sydney to Baddeck – 91 km
Start your road trip with a quick drive from Sydney to Baddeck. Baddeck is home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, amazing restaurants, and Uisge Ban Provincial Park. Be sure to get outside and enjoy this easy 2 km hike to one of Cape Breton’s beautiful waterfalls. Then make your way back to the village of Baddeck for a lobster dinner and live music!
- Drive to Baddeck
- Hike Uisge Ban Falls
- Have lunch at establishments like the Freight Shed
- Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
- Treat yourself to lobster at the Lakeside Restaurant
- Check into accommodations such as The Inverary Inn, The Broadwater Inn, The Silver Dart Lodge or the Telegraph House Motel
Day 2
Baddeck to Margaree – 63 km
Your second day of this epic road trip begins with a drive along the Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Take the exit at the Red Barn and start your journey to Margaree. This magical valley is home to the Margaree River, a designated National Heritage River, and a slower pace of life where you can savour the views as much as the local food.
- Drive to The Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery for lunch
- Check out the Maragree Salmon Museum
- Check into your accommodations such as Island Sunset Resort or, Cajun Cedar Log Cottages
Day 3
Margaree to Chéticamp – 84 km
Drive along the west coast of Cape Breton Island and marvel at coastal views as you make your way to Chéticamp. This coast is home to a thriving Acadian Culture that invites you to explore and revel in their culture. When you arrive at the Mi-Carême Interpretive Centre in Grand Ètang, you’ll learn of the centuries-old story of the Acadian Culture.
- Leave Margaree
- Drive along the Cabot Trail to Chéticamp
- Visit Centre de la Mi-Carême
- Dine restaurants like L’abri Cafe, Restaurant et Bar or Le Gabriel Restaurant and Lounge
- Take a stroll in Chéticamp and explore the waterfront
- Check into your accommodations such as The Chéticamp Outback Inn, Auberge Baywind Suites, or Soleil Chalets among many other great options
Day 4
Chéticamp to Pleasant Bay – 42km
Your fourth day sees you head farther north into the Cape Breton Highlands where the panoramic sights will give you pause for thought. Take your time and drink in the divine beauty that is on the west coast of Cape Breton. You will arrive in Pleasant Bay and change vehicles from car to boat. Here you will be sent from your car to a whale watching adventure that you have only seen on TV, after which you can satisfy a ‘whale’ of an appetite at the Rusty Anchor Restaurant on the Cabot Trail.
- Leave your accommodations
- Enter the Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Explore amazing trails like Acadian Trail, Skyline Trail or Benjie’s Lake
- Whale watch in Pleasant Bay
- Enjoy a great meal at The Rusty Anchor
- Check-in at your accommodations such as True North Destinations or Poplar B&B and Cottages
Day 5
Pleasant Bay to Dingwall – 33 km
How could a day that starts in “Pleasant Bay” get any better? Easy— jump and your car and drive across the northern edge of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park along North Mountain. As you make your way to Meat Cove, the scenery and views will justify why Cape Breton has the reputation that it does. When you arrive at Cabot Trail Adventures, you have your choice of award-winning hiking, biking or sea kayaking.
- Drive over North Mountain and admire the Aspy Fault
- Visit Beulach Ban Falls
- Arrive at Cabot Trail Adventures
- Hike, Bike, Kayak
- Dine at restaurants like Morrison’s Restaurant or the Markland Resort
- Check-in at accommodations like The Markland Resort or the Highlands Hostel
Day 6
Dingwall to Bay St. Lawrence – 21 km
Depart the Cabot Trail and make your way north where the mountains meet the sea, literally!
- Have breakfast and hit the road
- Visit Oshan Whale Watching to see the highlands from the sea
- Pick up some snacks from the local store and visit the Kauzmann Trail
- Hike Sugarloaf-Wilkie Mountain for amazing views
- Spend the night in Bay St. Lawrence or travel back to your accommodations in Dingwall
Day 7
Bay St. Lawrence to Meat Cove – 15 km
Drive along Cape Breton Island’s most northern coast as you travel along Meat Cove Rd. Take your time on the road, it’s known for being a little rough around the edges but worth the drive to this picturesque community.
- Depart your accommodations in Bay St. Lawrence or Dingwall
- Get your camera ready for photos
- Hike Meat Cove Mountain
- Have a ‘Crabster’ Roll from Lawless Lobster Food Truck in Meat Cove
- Hike the Little Grassy Trail or go kayaking along the coast
- Camp at the famous Meat Cove Campground for the night or return to your accommodations in Dingwall
Day 8
Dingwall to Ingonish – 45 km
Your penultimate day of driving will find you heading south from Dingwall to one of the most beautiful beach locations on the Island. The drive will once again provide you with another set of world-renowned vistas along the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival at Cape Smokey, you will be treated to a ride – and a view— that is the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada. Destination Cape Smokey is the home to the only Gondola ride east of Quebec!
- Drive to Ingonish
- Enjoy Lunch at restaurants like The Periwinkle Café or the Coastal Restaurant and Pub
- Have supper at William’s Beachhouse
- Have a sunset walk along Ingonish Beach
- Check into your accommodations like Ingonish Chalets, The Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa, Knotty Pine Cottages or Castle Rock Country Inn
Day 9
Ingonish to North River – 56 km
Your last day on the Cabot Trail will see you go from one of the most iconic views on the Island to the stunning tranquillity of St Ann’s Bay, located at the base of the trail. Be sure to stop in enjoy some of the local artisans that call this part of the Cabot Trail home.
- Leave Ingonish, enjoy the look off from Smokey Mountain on the Cabot Trail
- Explore local artisans like Glass Artisans, Cabotto Chocolate Shop and Art Gallery or Wildfire Pottery
- Eat at restaurants like The Dancing Moose Cafe Cottages and Camping Cottages, The Clucking Hen, Cabot Shores GoBistro, or the 100km Restaurant at Chanterelle Country Inn and Cottages
- Kayak with North River Kayaks
- Check into your accommodations such as River Nest Cabins Wilderness Cabins, Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort, or the Wreck Cove Wilderness Cabins
To help you find that PERFECT place to stay on your journey around the Cabot Trail, click here to find all the accommodations available to you. There are also many delicious options for Places To Eat around the Cabot Trail. Happy Planning!
Businesses and Activities on your Itinerary
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Baddeck Lobster Suppers
Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Baddeck & Area
Baddeck Lobster Suppers is family owned and operated, with over 100 years tradition of working in the fishing industry. Offering...
Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: St. Ann’s Bay & North Shore
Awaken. Explore. Discover. Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort is a Wellness and Wilderness retreat centre located along the serene landscape o...
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Regions: Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park
One of Canada’s most enchanting places, where the mountains meet the sea. As you hug the world-famous Cabot Trail coastline, you̵...
Inverary Resort
Regions: Bras d’Or Lake, Cabot Trail
Community: Baddeck & Area
We at Inverary Resort are very proud to call Baddeck our home. Located in the heart of beautiful Cape Breton Island and is the beginning and...
Keltic Lodge at the Highlands Resort and Spa
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Ingonish & Area
This historic Cape Breton resort, Keltic Lodge at the Highlands, is located in the heart of Cape Breton Highlands National Park surrounded b...
North River Kayak Tours
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: St. Ann’s Bay & North Shore
For over 30 years, we have been providing award-winning kayaking experiences around Cape Breton Island. Located on the Cabot Trail, we offer...
True North Destinations
Region: Cabot Trail
Community: Pleasant Bay
Ten geodesic domes, each with luxurious queen-sized bed, 3-piece bath, fully equipped kitchenette, dining/living room area, bay windows and ...
Acadian Trail
Regions: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cabot Trail, Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Chéticamp & Area
Climb 365 metres above the Chéticamp River for panoramic views of the Acadian coastline, the Chéticamp river valley and the park’s h...
Auberge Baywind Suites
Regions: Cabot Trail, Canada’s Musical Coast
Community: Chéticamp & Area
4 luxury waterfront suites (Q,sofa-bed), ensuite 3-pc bath (1 with roll-in shower, 3 with double airjet tub), A/C, SaTV, DVD, phone, Wi-Fi, ...
Benjie’s Lake Trail
Region: Cabot Trail
On the plateau at the top of French Mountain, this trail crosses wet barrens and evergreen forests typical of the highlands, ending at a sma...
Broadwater Inn & Cottages
Regions: Cabot Trail, Bras d’Or Lake
Community: Baddeck & Area
Just two minutes outside the beautiful village of Baddeck, known as the beginning and the end of the world-famous Cabot Trail, the Broadwate...
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