cape breton tours from halifax

Halifax to Cape Breton and back: A Nova Scotia road trip

Are you ready to fall for one of the most picturesque and beautiful coastlines in the world? Nova Scotia is a perfect vacation destination, from incredible food and amazing hospitality to historic landmarks and stunning beaches and highlands, the province is a gem on Canada’s east coast.

If you’re planning your next vacation, my family spent 10 days exploring the province, with stops in Halifax, Baddeck, Inverness, the Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, Ingonnish, Sydney, and so many wonderful places. Read on for the best of each stop, plus driving times, must-visit places, favourite hotels, and restaurants.

Watch my full video touring the province at the bottom of the story or on YouTube .

We flew into Halifax with Swoop, which was really affordable, and Stanfield International Airport is a short drive into the city. If you book in advance, flights are as low as $49 each way from most of Canada, plus the cost of checked luggage and carry-ons.

Driving notes: We rented a car from the airport and drove in to Halifax. It’s a 30 minute drive from the airport to downtown Halifax. Our plan was to have a little time in Halifax on our first day, but you can also depart directly from the airport to Cape Breton. From the airport it’s around a 2 hour and 30 minute drive to Cape Breton, and it’s 3 hours from the Halifax city centre.

We stayed at The Halliburton Hotel on the west side of downtown Halifax, and it’s a quick 10-15 minute walk to just about anywhere near the harbour. The boutique hotel is three heritage townhouses, and the rooms are comfortable, and charming.

The hotel’s restaurant, Stories, is also excellent, and very cozy with a wonderful menu that includes Faroe Islands Salmon, Duck Magret, and local highlights.

If you love restaurants, there are a lot of options in the city, from upscale to family friendly, and a few fun highlights include all of the dining options on Argyle Street, and the restaurants along the waterfront near Lower Water Street, like The Bicycle Thief. We also loved The Wooden Monkey on Grafton St., and there are dozens of great options, especially if you love seafood.

If you have the time, I’d recommend 3 days to explore the city. Halifax has so many great activities , for just about everyone. You can get out on the water with cruises or boat tours, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site features interpreters in period costumes, there are some great art galleries and museums, and for some real Canadian history you can explore the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 that traces immigrants to the country from ships that came in from around the world.

Peggy’s Cove

After our day in Halifax, we hit the road, stopping at Peggy’s Cove for the morning before we drove on to Cape Breton.

Driving: Our drive from Halifax was gorgeous and scenic, and it took about 45 minutes to get to Peggy’s Cove and the historic lighthouse .

The community is so charming and quaint, with local artists, restaurants, and souvenir shopping, and I highly recommend a few hours for a visit. A new accessible platform at the lighthouse offers gorgeous views of the coast, and Sou’Wester Gift & Restaurant is a great spot for Nova Scotian hospitality, lobster rolls, seafood chowder, or a full platter of fish, mussels, and scallops.

We also had the most incredible time hiking along the rocks near the lighthouse, and there are quite a few hiking trails in the area.

Baddeck, Inverness & Chéticamp

We left Peggy’s Cove around mid-day so we could make it to the town of Port Hawkesbury, the first main town in Cape Breton, by the evening.

Driving: From Peggy’s Cove it takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to drive to Port Hawkesbury. Alternatively, from Halifax, the beautiful town of Baddeck is about a 3 hour and 45 minute drive, and Sydney is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Either way, you can stop for a meal in New Glasgow or Antigonish along the Trans Canada Highway on your way Cape Breton.

From Port Hawkesbury, we went on to stay at the Inverary Resort in Baddec k , near the middle of the island and on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake. The resort is so welcoming, and it’s a beautiful town with a lot to offer, including a number of places to stay. The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is also in town and it’s a fascinating museum featuring full-size recreations of Bell’s planes and hydrofoils, as well as other inventions.

West of there, and especially convenient if you’re driving route 19 on the way north west to Inverary, Glenora Distillery is a major highlight for it’s perfect, idyllic location, and the distillery itself. We had a tour and tried their award-winning single malt whisky, and they also have a bar and restaurant. You won’t believe the views along this drive.

On to Inverness, we had lunch at Route 19 Brewing and explored the huge, beautiful beach, where there’s also a lot of sea glass, if you’re lucky. From there, we drove on to Chéticamp and had the most incredible east coast meal before we went on to Aucoin Bakery for some treats. Our last stop in the area was a long stroll on the gorgeous Petit Etang Beach, with its scenic views of the nearby hills.

Highlands National Park & Ingonish

You probably won’t believe how big Highlands National Park is, and how many trails there are throughout the Parks Canada site. It’s over 900 square kilometres, with 26 trails that offer more than 100 km of hiking combined.

Driving: From Chéticamp, driving through Highlands National Park on the Cabot Trail, it’s a 1 hour and 40 minute drive through the park to Ingonish. Some of the top destinations within the park are about 20 to 40 minutes from the western gate, but it depends where you plan to stop.

On the way through the Highlands National Park, from the west side of the island, I’d recommend a visit to Pleasant Bay for whale watching, and you’ll find scenic views around every turn. Throughout the park there are also fishing villages, restaurants and even a few shops on the drive to Ingonish.

In Ingonish, we stayed at the stunning Keltic Lodge , the best hotel in Cape Breton, and we hiked Middle Head, Black Brook Cove, and then Dingwall Beach. We also had one of our best meals on the whole trip at Morrison’s Restaurant in Cape North –I highly recommend a visit.

Even with a few days to explore, we barely scratched the surface in the highlands. There’s just so much to see and do. When you’re planning your trip, I recommend at least 3 days in the highlands, but 7 days would give you more time for hiking, whale watching, and to explore more of the small towns. You’ll be dreaming of coming back to the highlands the moment that you leave.

Sydney & Louisbourg

Once we tore ourselves away from the highlands we had a wonderful drive to Sydney, and spent three days in the area, staying at a hotel in Membertou , the Mi’kmaq community, and exploring nearby sights.

Driving: Sydney is a 2 hour drive from Ingonish or Inverness, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Port Hawkesbury, and it’s an hour from Baddeck. From the south and the rest of Nova Scotia, the Trans Canada Highway goes right to the city, but there are a number of routes to the city from around the island.

Sydney has two bigger hotels, plus inns and other lodgings, and numerous restaurants, including one of our favourites, Governors Pub on Esplanade near a must-visit attraction, the Big Fiddle (it even plays music!).

While we were in town, we also learned about the history of the area and picked up some Indigenous-made souvenirs from the Membertou Heritage Park , and then went on to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site .

The historic French site is an incredible place. It was originally built in the 1700s, and then it was destroyed by the British in 1758. Today, the site exists because it was rebuilt starting in the 1960s, and it’s filled with local flavour, interpreters, and details about the people who lived and worked there 300 years ago.

You can easily spend half a day exploring the fortress, and there are options for food, there’s a bar, soldiers put on displays throughout the day, including firing muskets and canons, and the Mi’kmaw Interpretive Centre offers vibrant history and culture told through stories and music.

Back in Halifax, we spent our last two days in Nova Scotia exploring some of the things that we missed the first time around.

We walked the waterfront–one of the best boardwalks I’ve seen anywhere in Canada–and explored the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic where you can see artifacts from the Titanic, as well as history, and huge scale models of legendary ships.

We took the ferry to Georges Island National Historic Site and explored the tunnels of the old military base, and then I tried some local beer at The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse.

And we took our daughter to the Discovery Centre to have some fun with experiments, science, and even some sea creatures.

It was the perfect way to end our trip; not rushing back to a flight, but relaxing and soaking up more of the province’s wonderful charm.

So are you ready to book your trip to Nova Scotia this summer? Find a hotel in Nova Scotia , or scroll down for more resources to plan your trip.

The GATE will have more stories on Nova Scotia in the coming days.

For more resources to plan your road trip, NovaScotia.com has trip ideas for any length of time, from 48 hours up to 10 days. You can also find more ideas from CBIsland.com , Cape Breton’s official tourism website. And for ideas in Halifax, visit Discoverhalifaxns.com .

Do you have any questions? Comment below or reach out to me on Twitter . You can also watch more of my travel videos on YouTube .

All photos and video by W. Andrew Powell, The GATE.

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W. Andrew Powell

W. Andrew Powell is a writer, photographer, and videographer with over 25 years of experience covering entertainment. After launching The GATE in 2001, his interests have expanded to include travel, lifestyle, gadgets, food, and whisky. Andrew is a member of the Critics Choice association, and the Travel Media Association of Canada.

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Cape Breton Island Discovery

Primary Location

• 4-night accommodation
• Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park
• Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
• Sightseeing Boat Tour
• Baggage handling (1 piece per person)

Not Included:

• Airfare unless specified in the tour itinerary
• Laundry, optional excursions, and other items of a personal nature
• Travel Insurance
• Pre and Post Accommodation
• Meet and Greet airport transfer service

Pricing Details

Click Book Online for pricing!

• From price is CAD per person, based on double occupancy, and for travel in low season
• The final price will vary and is also based on the month of travel
• Prices are subject to change
• Bed configuration can vary and may consist of two double beds, one double, queen or king bed
• Due to the daily distances that must be traveled on these programs, children under the age of 14 do not generally enjoy motorcoach tours. For the enjoyment of all passengers, reservations are not accepted for children under the age of 10
• Smoking is not permitted on touring or sightseeing motor coaches in Canada. Smoking may also be restricted in certain hotels and restaurants
• Gratuities have been included for accommodation, porterage, and specified meals and functions. In restaurants, bars, taxis, and hair salons, a gratuity of approximately 15% of the bill (before tax) are customary. In the case of tour directors and bus drivers, tips are a
• We regret that we cannot devote the level of special attention to a guest with a particular disability may require. Persons needing assistance with personal needs must be accompanied by an able companion. Wheelchair room cannot be guaranteed

Optional Extras:

• Opt for our 6-day tour, featuring an extra day in Halifax. This additional day provides the opportunity to leisurely explore Halifax, soaking in the city's rich history, vibrant waterfront, and cultural attractions at a relaxed pace
• Optional activities may be offered by the tour director. Prices will be competitive with locally available sightseeing tours. Passengers must pay the tour director directly. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted
• Pre and post accommodation

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HALIFAX

Arrive in Halifax and transfer independently to your centrally-located hotel in this vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre on the Atlantic Ocean. Meet your tour director and fellow travellers this evening at a welcome reception. Overnight in Halifax.

Accommodation at the Cambridge Suites, Halifax, or similar

DAY 2: HALIFAX TO BADDECK

Depart Halifax on your included transfer to New Glasgow where you will meet your Tour Director or Driver/Guide and fellow travelers. Proceed to Cape Breton Island, the Scotland of North America, via the Canso Causeway. Visit Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck to learn of the many accomplishments of this genius who made his home on the island before checking into your accommodations on the Bras d’Or Lake where you will spend the next two nights. This evening you will see the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake from the water as you board a unique sightseeing boat tour. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Inverary Resort, Baddeck, or similar

DAY 3: CABOT TRAIL TOURING

Experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America today as you tour the Cabot Trail which winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera on hand. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4: BADDECK TO HALIFAX

The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site awaits today and words cannot do justice to this reconstruction depicting one-fifth of the settlement of 1744 New France. Proceed along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake to the mainland, and back to Halifax for one last night in the Maritimes. Meals: B

DAY 5: HALIFAX DEPARTURE

A time for last-minute shopping and farewells. Individual transfer to Halifax International Airport in time to check in for your return flight. Meals: B

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Blackwood Tours

Your Cape Breton Tour Guide

treasured island

Discover Our Unique Island OF Cape Breton

Blackwood Tours have been in business on Cape Breton Island for the past 10+ years giving cruise ship shore tours in Sydney NS , Baddeck, the Cabot Trail, Ingonish, the Highland Village and the Fortress of Louisburg.

All cruise ship excursion tours pickup and return passengers to the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney, Nova Scotia. This is where Blackwood Tours come in! We will meet you at your cruise ship at the Port of Sydney by the Big Fiddle and take you to one of many popular destination in Cape Breton such as Baddeck, the Highland Village, Ingonish, the Cabot Trail, and the Fortress of Louisburg! Your sightseeing tour guides at Blackwood Tours will be waiting for you at the Port of Sydney NS dock when your ship comes in.

Cruise Ship Shore Tours

Our vehicles are comfortable and air-conditioned with lots of leg room. Our cruise ship shore tours are for passengers travelling to Sydney NS on any of the cruise ships that come to port and are timed to match the cruise ship’s schedule in Sydney Nova Scotia.

Today, we carry on the traditions built by former owner Don Blackwood and continue to provide some of the most interesting and thrilling cruise ship shore excursion tours in Sydney Nova Scotia.  If you are looking for a tour from the Port of Sydney to Baddeck or any other location in Cape Breton,  let Blackwood Tours be your ultimate sightseeing guide!

The Port of Sydney Nova Scotia, also known as the ocean gateway to scenic Cape Breton Island, is now a selected destination for many prominent cruise ship lines. Visitors are eager to discover our unique and treasured island of Cape Breton.

With its gracious and proud people, rich Gaelic heritage and sweeping landscapes, a visit to the Port of Sydney Nova Scotia creates a spiritual awakening that is sure to captivate you and keep you longing to return. Book a tour of Beddeck, tour of the Cabot Trail, or tour of Fortress Louisburg in Cape Breton today with Blackwood Tours!

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Fortress of Louisbourg Tour

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Best of Cape Breton Island - 3 Days

Best of Cape Breton Island - 3 Days (3 days)

Discover the island that's been ranked as the most beautiful by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. Cape Breton Island truly offers a world of wondrous sightseeing opportunities that include the famous Cabot Trail.

Photo Credit: Adam Hill

2 Nights on Cape Breton Island 5 meals Atlantic Canadian Tour Director or Driver Guide Modern Touring Vehicle World Famous Cabot Trail Sight-seeing Boat Tour in Baddeck Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

Day 1: Halifax, NS to Baddeck, NS Depart Halifax on your included transfer to New Glasgow where you will meet your Tour Director or Driver/Guide and fellow travelers. Proceed to Cape Breton Island , the Scotland of North America, via the Canso Causeway .  Visit Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck to learn of the many accomplishments of this genius who made his home on the island before checking into your accommodations on the Bras d'Or Lake where you will spend the next two nights. Your day is complemented by a Sight-Seeing Boat Tour  (weather permitting).  (Dinner)

Day 2: Cabot Trail Touring Experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America today as you tour the Cabot Trail which winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton's northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park .  Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton's rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera on hand .    (Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Baddeck, NS to Halifax, NS Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site awaits today, and words cannot do justice to this reconstruction depicting one fifth of the settlement of 1744 New France.  Roam the streets and chat with authentically costumed guides.  Proceed along the shore of the Bras d'Or Lake to the mainland, and back to Halifax for your departure.  (Breakfast)

Accommodations

Mobility requirements.

Travelling with Atlantic Tours requires a certain level of activity and physical fitness to enjoy and take part in the tour.

While the specific requirements for each tour vary, in general, you must be able to:

• Enter and exit the motorcoach on your own.
• Enter and exit tour boats on your own
• Climb stairs with ease and at times without handrails.
• Walk up and down moderate to steep inclines.
• Walk on uneven surfaces.
• Walk distances of at least 1km at a reasonable pace.
• Walk and stand for up to 2 hours.
• Manage your own luggage if luggage handling is not available.

Rates (CAD)

20214 Rates Regular Group Departure:

Per person Rates in Canadian funds.  Rates are subject to 15% HST

Testimonials

Best of cape breton island.

Fabulous tour ' best tour director and driver!

The Cabot Trail was breathtaking with red colours and lookouts over the water.  Villages were cute and picturesque.  H. Popoff

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The Ultimate Cabot Trail Itinerary: Cape Breton Road Trip

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Looking for one of the most beautiful road trips in the world? Consider driving the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. While this is one of the best known road trips in Canada, I hadn’t heard of it until recently — and I was stunned at just how special it was.

This summer I’ve been spending a lot of time in Atlantic Canada, which is one of the better decisions I’ve made lately. This is one of my new favorite parts of the world. But one of the biggest highlights of Atlantic Canada has been driving the Cabot Trail and discovering the Cape Breton region of Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia was in the works for awhile. Earlier this year, I met representatives from Visit Nova Scotia and we decided to do a campaign together. I did my research on the province, trying to figure out where to go, and landed on Cape Breton, the rural, beautiful island in the northeast part of the province, and driving the Cabot Trail. I’m always down for a road trip. And I had great company — my frequent travel buddy Cailin , who herself is from Nova Scotia! ( Check out her list of best things to do in Nova Scotia here. )

This was my first time in Nova Scotia (well, I also went when I was a fetus, my parents are quick to point out), but it reminded me so much of where I grew up. The Halifax area and its surroundings reminded me so much of Massachusetts — but once you get into Cape Breton, everything spreads out and countrifies. It feels more like New Hampshire or Maine!

I loved Nova Scotia because of its beauty, because of its friendliness, because of how relaxed it was. And on top of that, it had a quality I’m having trouble defining. It was special .

And if you’re from the New York City area or New England — and I know many of my US-based readers are — Nova Scotia is a very easy trip. Hop on a short nonstop flight to Halifax from New York or Boston. It’s a two-hour flight from either city!

This post was last updated in April 2023.

Table of Contents

What is the Cabot Trail?

The Cabot Trail is a scenic driving route on the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia and considered one of the most beautiful road trips in North America. Cape Breton is the large island in the northeast of Nova Scotia, home to 18% of the province’s land and 14% of the population. Cape Breton is known for being a slow-paced and beautiful corner of Nova Scotia.

The Cabot Trail is well-marked, easy to drive, and filled with tons of attractions. At 298 kilometers (185 miles), it’s ideal for a four-day road trip.

Cape Breton Road Trip FAQs

ABSOLUTELY. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Novia Scotia, which you’ll soon realize after you start driving and maybe even do a hike, like the Skyline Hike at sunset.

I recommend at least 4 days for the Cabot Trail drive, though 3 or 5 would also work. I dive into that more here . This gives you plenty of time to drive the entire loop, and even backtrack a bit if you need to.

Chéticamp , in my opinion, is the most beautiful town on Cape Breton. Plus it’s a great place to base yourself for a few nights, as there are so many activities to do in the area.

The world-famous Cabot Trail is a scenic drive that’s quite easy to drive. It’s a paved road that will take you through some small towns and though there are some curves, most people will have no problem. As I said in my Cape Breton road trip tips below , be sure to watch out for moose and take extra care pulling in and out of any scenic stops.

You’ll want to plan your Cape Breton road trip for summer or fall. Late spring is also a possibility but keep in mind that many businesses are seasonal and do not re-open until May or June. If you want to see the foliage, the best time is in October, though you’ll want to check annual foliage calendars as it can change.

Reasons to Travel the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

There are so many reasons to travel the Cabot Trail. Here are some of my favorites:

The most beautiful winding roads.  Driving through Cape Breton Highlands National Park is like driving in a cartoon. The roads are so windingly photogenic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such beautiful roads as I did in Cape Breton!

If you want to get photos like I did, have the person in the passenger seat turn their camera to a super-fast shutter speed and shoot as you drive along. Be sure to periodically clean your windshield.

The freshest, most succulent, most delicious lobster. For years Cailin has been telling me that Nova Scotia has the best lobster in the world (or, more often, yelling, “THAT’S NOT LOBSTER!” whenever I eat lobster in the Caribbean). To be honest, I rolled my eyes at her exultations — but then I tried it and WOW. I’m used to Maine lobster, but Nova Scotia lobster is on another level. And it’s available everywhere on the Cabot Trail.

Endless changing landscapes. At times, like in White Point, I felt like I was in Normandy. At other times, driving through the lusher parts of the highlands, I almost felt like I was in Hawaii! And when the sun dipped behind the mountains, I was reminded of Colorado.

Three interesting cultures in one place, shared proudly with visitors. You can explore indigenous Mi’kmaq culture, Acadian culture, and Gaelic culture all on this same island. And they’re all respected as being essential parts of Canadian culture. It really hits you when you walk into the visitors’ center at the national park and it reads, “Welcome. Bienvenue. Pjila’si. Fáilte.”

A slow, country pace. When you live in a city (especially New York City), you notice how much slower it is in the country. Things move at a slow pace. People take their time to enjoy themselves. It’s a nice break for your brain.

One incredible national park. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the one national park on Cape Breton Island, and the Cabot Trail drives right through it. It’s a sensational park. The best known activity on the Cabot Trail is the Skyline Trail, a hike in the park best done at sunset for beautiful views.

Wonderful and welcoming people. So many memories from Cape Breton are tied up in the wonderful people we met. The Acadian ladies who invited us to come back and stay in their homes for the Mi-Carême celebration in winter. The Mi’kmaq educator at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys who told us about their natural cancer-fighting remedies that Westerners may be on the verge of exploiting. The artist who worried about the impact of Airbnb on young Cape Bretoners being unable to afford homes. The smart, thoughtful guides at Parks Canada who were bubbling over with their love for the outdoors.

How Many Days Do You Need on the Cabot Trail?

I think you can travel the Cabot Trail in a minimum of three days — but I would recommend stretching to four days if you can. You can travel the Cabot Trail for longer if you’d like, having a more leisurely trip than we did, and traveling for longer gives you a bit of insurance in case you have some rainy days.

If you only have one or two days, I recommend staying in the Chéticamp area rather than trying to do the whole trail. Most of my favorite experiences on the Cabot Trail were in or around Chéticamp: hiking the Skyline Trail and the Learn to Lobster Boil experience in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Mi-Carême Centre, Aucoin Bakery, and L’abri restaurant.

It’s best to rent your car in either Sydney or Halifax and drive to the trail. Sydney is the largest city in Cape Breton and it has a small airport and several car rental locations. It’s about a 45-minute drive from the Cabot Trail and you enter at Englishtown, near Baddeck.

Halifax is a bigger city and major air hub and it’s on the mainland of Nova Scotia. It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from the Cabot Trail and you enter at Hunters Point, also near Baddeck. You can rent a car one-way from Sydney to Halifax, as we did, but one-way rentals can be very expensive in Nova Scotia.

Cape Breton Road Trip Itinerary

Driving the Cabot Trail for four days will give you enough time to enjoy the best of this gorgeous part of Nova Scotia. This Cabot Trail itinerary gives you an extra day in what I think is the nicest part — Chéticamp — but gives you enough time to enjoy some of the other lovely places, like Ingonish, Baddeck, and of course Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

A lot of people ask whether you should drive the Cabot Trail clockwise or counterclockwise. Honestly, it doesn’t matter. It would matter if you only drove in one direction and never backtracked whatsoever. Cailin and I ended up driving back and forth several times in the most photogenic part of the national park because the weather kept changing and we wanted better photos!

We ended up driving the bulk of the trail clockwise and we felt happy with it. Here is our full itinerary:

Cabot Trail Itinerary, Day One: Sydney to Chéticamp

Cailin and I began our Cape Breton road trip immediately after our OneOcean cruise docked in Sydney.  Sydney is close to the Cabot Trail at Englishtown, but I had wanted to explore indigenous culture in Nova Scotia, so we headed south and started slightly off the trail in Eskasoni.

Eskasoni Cultural Experiences is where you can learn about Mi’kmaq indigenous culture and traditions from Mi’kmaq people. You take part in a smudging ceremony, learn about hunting and weapons, learn some dancing, and even cook some bread over the fire, Mi’kmaq-style.

It is a bit field trip-y — you can tell that groups of students are their bread and butter. But I loved learning about Mi’kmaq culture and I especially loved learning from so many Mi’kmaq folks directly. Learning from actual indigenous people is all too rare these days, and it should be cherished.

I loved how the guides weaved in traditions and how they use them today, like medicinal plants that are used to treat cancer. One of the guides, Steve, even offered to smudge my passport to give me protection on my travels.

Next, if you have the time, visit the Highland Village . Just off the trail in Iona is a village that re-creates life among Gaelic settlers in Cape Breton from centuries ago, complete with costumes, set beautifully on Bras d’Or lake. While we didn’t have time to do this due to a late start, this is absolutely worth the beautiful setting alone.

Spend the afternoon driving to Chéticamp and get an early dinner.  You are now officially on the Cabot Trail! The drive to Chéticamp is lovely, especially once you hit the water. For an early dinner, I recommend L’abri — a relatively new, very queer-friendly restaurant that the locals can’t stop raving about. They do a great lobster roll. Cailin and I loved L’abri so much that we went multiple times!

In the evening, hike the Skyline Trail, the most famous hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This is an easy, even hike with a gorgeous view at the end, even better at sunset. I think it’s the best Instagram spot on the Cabot Trail. While you can do this hike on your own, Parks Canada offers a guided sunset hike  that takes about three hours altogether.

The Skyline Trail is the best place on the Cabot Trail to see moose, so keep your eyes open! There is even a moose “exclosure” (first time I had ever heard that word) where you have a moose-free zone and can climb a platform to see if you can spot them outside.

The Skyline Trail seems mostly even, but you don’t realize until you turn around and head back that the path had been slowly sloping downward the whole time. You can definitely do this hike with kids but it helps to bring a light source for the walk back, even if that light source is the flashlight on your phone.

Keep in mind the hike starts two hours before sunset, but you also have to pick up your park pass at the entrance and the start of the hike is about a 20-minute drive from the entrance. This is why you get an early dinner!

Where to Stay in Chéticamp: Silver Linings Inn

In Chéticamp we stayed at Silver Linings Inn , a midrange guesthouse and motel that I highly recommend. We were the first guests to stay in a new suite above the main guesthouse: a loft with two incredibly comfortable queen beds, tons of excellent pillows, and an ensuite bathroom. Rates from $149 CAD ($112 USD).

The guesthouse also has the best continental breakfast I’ve ever seen anywhere. Tons of muffins, bread from nearby Aucoin Bakery, cereals, fruit, drawers filled with peanut butter and all kinds of jellies and jams, even a designated gluten-free zone. They really make an effort to do a simple breakfast well, and the breakfast room is airy and beautiful.

The internet wasn’t great and only worked decently in the public areas of the guesthouse, which were closed at night, but this is standard for Cape Breton. (See more on internet in Cape Breton in the “Cabot Trail Travel Tips” section below.)

One qualm: there is a doorstop right in the middle of the bathroom floor and it blends into the tiles, so Cailin and I stubbed our toes on it multiple times. (I would yelp from the bathroom and Cailin would yell, “Did you step on it again?”) However, we brought it up with the manager and since we were the first people to stay there, they had no idea and said they’d look into removing it.

Find deals on hotels in Chéticamp here .

Cabot Trail Itinerary, Day Two: Chéticamp and Around

Chéticamp was my favorite part of the Cabot Trail because there are so many cool things to do nearby. It’s absolutely worth spending an extra night in Chéticamp to get the most out of this part of Cape Breton. Start your day with breakfast, then plan to hit up a lot of sights.

Learn about Acadian culture at Les Trois Pignons. This museum and cultural center is a great place to learn about the Acadians who lived in Cape Breton centuries ago. While you can see recreated living quarters for Acadian families, the coolest part is seeing the hooked rugs.

The hooked rugs were so interesting. Artist Elizabeth LeFort was one of the most gifted hooked rug artists, and she was particularly talented with hooked rug portraiture. In the 1960s, she did portraits of all the Apollo astronauts — as well as JFK, Jackie Kennedy and Pope John Paul II!

But for me and Cailin, our favorite portrait was of a white Persian cat. It actually used long mohair strings that were pulled through, making a very fluffy cat — and had a very necessary DO NOT TOUCH sign beneath it. So tempting.

Stop for coffee at the Frog Pond Cafe and check out folk art at Sunset Art Gallery . These two establishments are located side by side in Chéticamp. Artist William Roach has been carving and painting works of art for decades, and the gallery is now home to works by 15 Cape Breton folk artists. This is a great spot to stop for a coffee and a browse.

Next, paint your own masks at the Mi-Carême Interpretive Centre . When I saw “paint traditional masks” on my itinerary, I wasn’t too excited — but this ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. It was definitely my favorite indoor activity, too!

Mi-Carême is a traditional French celebration that brings joy to a dark time — the name means “middle of Lent” and it’s a leap of fun in the midst of a month of austerity. People dress up in elaborate costumes to conceal their identities — seriously, people wear full masks, gloves, wigs, and stilts to fully disguise themselves — and go around from place to place, having people guess who they are.

Mi-Carême was celebrated as early as the Middle Ages, but sadly it has died out everywhere but a few communities in French Canada. It has similarities to Mardi Gras in Louisiana (where the Acadians migrated from Canada), Mummering in Newfoundland and Labrador, and Carnival all over the world.

This was SO MUCH FUN! Cailin and I chose masks and began painting. She painted a full Nova Scotia seascape with a lighthouse and a lobster. I did a black and white and pink design. The whole time we painted and chatted with resident artist Diane Bourgeois about Cape Breton and how it’s changed over the last several years.

After that we actually put on costumes that matched our masks and took some photos! There is a full museum at the Mi-Carême Centre that shares the history of the event.

“I so want to come back for Mi-Carême!” I exclaimed to the staff. “We should do it next year.”

“Yes! You can stay at my house!” one of the women offered. I OFFICIALLY LOVE CAPE BRETON.

Explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It depends how much time you have at this point before dinner, but this is a great opportunity to explore the western part of the park and take lots of photos!

Get ready for the best meal of your trip — you’re going to Learn to Lobster Boil in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.  You enjoy a lobster boil on the beach with Parks Canada guides, including Robert, who is the authority on cooking and eating lobster.

This is a great activity for people who are lobster aficionados like me and especially Cailin, but it’s extra special for people who live inland or have no idea how to eat a whole lobster. We were joined by a family of six from Alberta who had never eaten whole lobster before and were delighted. There’s no better introduction to eating lobster than cooking your own on the beach and being instructed by an expert!

(2023 update – Unfortunately, Parks Canada no longer offers this activity.)

There were a few differences in the lobster-cooking process here: they only use a few inches of water instead of filling the whole pot with water, and they GENEROUSLY salt the water. It basically has to be like cooking the lobster in the ocean.

And it paid off. This is the best lobster I have ever had. It was so incredibly fresh and succulent. And sharing it with an interesting group of travelers and Parks Canada guides made it even better.

This is usually done on the beach, but it was a rainy night, so they moved our group to an indoor/outdoor shelter. Don’t despair if rain is in the forecast!

Stay at Silver Linings Inn one more night.

Cabot Trail Itinerary, Day Three: Chéticamp to Dingwall

Before you hit the road, know that today will be the most rural part of your Cabot Trail road trip. Phone service will be its weakest along this part of the route, and there won’t be a lot of dining options. It’s best to plan ahead and double-check for opening days — don’t leave anything until the last minute! You may want to make your dinner reservation in advance.

In the morning, stop at Aucoin Bakery . Aucoin Bakery is a huge source of local pride for Chéticamp! Everyone raves about it. Silver Linings Inn uses Aucoin Bakery bread for their breakfast. Learn to Lobster Boil uses Aucoin Bakery rolls for their dinners. Nearly every local we met recommended that we stop here.

We grabbed some cinnamon buns and oatcakes — both delicious. Cailin was sampling oatcakes, a Nova Scotian delicacy, throughout Cape Breton, and we found that Aucoin Bakery had the largest and softest oatcakes of all.

Aucoin Bakery is small — there is almost no seating. It’s a better spot for picking up pastries and taking back to wherever you’re staying — or even to one of the picnic areas in the national park!

Next, drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This is a beautiful day of driving, and the Cabot Trail will take you through most of the park. There are lots of viewpoints and hiking trails just off the highway, but it’s nice just for driving through.

Have lunch at the Rusty Anchor in Pleasant Bay. With its jaunty fisherman waving you in with a lobster, the Rusty Anchor restaurant is a quintessential road trip stop! They’re especially known for their mussels and oysters. I sampled both and they were terrific!

Drive around and explore the local area. We checked into our accommodation at the Blue Bayou (see more on that below) and had lots of time to explore. This is a great area for getting off the Cabot Trail and exploring. If you have time, you can drive all the way to hilariously named Meat Cove, near the northern tip of Cape Breton. It’s about a 45-minute drive each way.

We stayed close by and checked out White Point, including the Normandy-esque white cliffs above. There is a hiking trail here too.

Have dinner at The Markland .  The Markland is one of the more upscale hotels in the area. We were originally supposed to eat at at restaurant that was closed, and this was one of few options in the area. They were booked up and we had to wait about an hour, but it was worth it to have YET ANOTHER DELICIOUS WHOLE LOBSTER and some lovely strawberry rhubarb pie.

Where to Stay in Dingwall: Blue Bayou Geodesic Domes

Ever wanted to sleep in a dome? Here’s your chance! The Blue Bayou Resort is a campground near Dingwall on the eastern shore of Cape Breton, right on the ocean. Rather than tents, this campground is filled with geodesic domes (as well as three tipis). Each deodesic dome has electricity, hot water, and a private bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower. Each contains two queen beds or a king bed. Domes from $229 CAD ($170 USD).

After I posted this, the most popular question I got asked was “Does it get hot?” During the day, it gets quite warm inside and smells a bit of plastic — but opening the screened-in windows makes a big difference. At night, it’s much cooler, and you’ll be ready to bundle underneath the covers. There is plenty of hot water, and you can easily get privacy by pulling down the curtains.

Do note that this is not a luxury glamping experience — it’s cool-looking, but simple. As someone who grew up camping and took her first steps in a tent, I thought it was a fun place to stay for a night; if you require a higher level of luxury, this place is going to be too basic for you. I loved waking up to the sound of raindrops the next day.

Find deals on Dingwall hotels here .

Cabot Trail Itinerary, Day Four: Dingwall to Baddeck

On this day, everything changes. You’ve left the Acadian, French-flavored part of Cape Breton and have entered the Celtic part of the island, complete with tartans and bagpipes and kilts. It feels so different from where you’ve been, but that’s the magic of the Cabot Trail. On this day we dealt with a lot of rain, but still managed to have a great time.

Get breakfast at Danena’s Bakery and Bistro . Danena’s is a small diner that doubles as a thrift shop. You can even eat amidst the piles of stuff for sale! We enjoyed a hearty Canadian breakfast here, perfect on a rainy day.

Explore the shops, cafes, and sights along the Cabot Trail. Since it was a rainy day, it seemed like a good opportunity to check out some of the local businesses! Luckily, the town of Ingonish was filled with lots of places to see, and we had been given suggestions from our new friends in Cape Breton.

Groovy Goat is a goat farm and soap company. Their products are made from goat milk, which makes them a good option for sensitive skin. You can buy all kinds of bath and skincare products here, and they operate a petting zoo when the weather is nicer.

Salty Rose’s is a beautiful shop featuring work by Nova Scotia artists. If I had been in a souvenir-buying mood (or house-furnishing mood), I would have bought everything from here. While you see a lot of folk art on the Cabot Trail, the selection here is more refined and modern.

Attached to Salty Rose’s is the Periwinkle Cafe .  A great place to relax with a hot beverage. They actually had lavender lattes and lavender London Fogs on the menu! I had a lavender latte, but be forewarned — they serve it with lavender seeds on top. I recommend removing the seeds or asking for no seeds on top — they taste too much like soap to me.

Stop at Keltic Lodge for lunch. The Keltic Lodge is home to some of the most high-end accommodation in the region and the best golf course in Cape Breton. It’s also one of the best Instagram spots on the Cabot Trail.

The restaurant features classic Canadian and American dishes — nothing too culturally significant, but a nice solid option.

Go whale watching with Ingonish Whale Tours . We were supposed to go whale watching, but it ended up being too rainy. But if you’re eager to see whales, Ingonish is one of the best spots for whale watching in Nova Scotia.

Check out Ingonish Beach. This beach is rocky until you get to the shoreline, where it’s filled with soft sand. It’s great on a beautiful day, but a moody day will get you some ethereal photos! What I really liked was the sound the water made as it ran over the rocks — such a gentle whisper. Time your visit during high tide if you want to hear it.

Head to Baddeck and visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site .  While I didn’t get to this Alexander Graham Bell museum on our trip, I’ve heard so many good things, including from Cailin — and small, tightly focused museums are my favorites!

Try some beers at Big Spruce Brewing . Breweries are popping up all over Nova Scotia, and Big Spruce is a nice one to visit if you’re in the town of Baddeck. It’s a cozy setting and they have board games. My favorite, not surprisingly, was the Silver Tart, the sour raspberry wheat beer…

Explore Baddeck. Or leave your exploring to the next morning, if you’d like. It’s a small but very pretty town.

Have dinner at Baddeck Lobster Suppers . This fun, friendly, and casual restaurant featured the best deal of our trip. You can choose between whole lobster (obviously), Atlantic salmon, Cape Breton snow crab, or strip loin steak, and you get that, plus unlimited mussels, plus unlimited seafood chowder, plus a dessert, plus a nonalcoholic beverage, plus tea or coffee, for $60 CAD ($45 USD).

Hell yeah, I jumped in. Then I quickly realized that they give you so many mussels that you probably won’t want to order a second serving!

Where to Stay in Baddeck: Inverary Resort

Our final accommodation, the Inverary Resort , was beautiful to look at — all dark wood with white trim and pops of color with Canada’s symbolic red chairs out in the sitting areas. We had a room with two queens for our final night. Rates from $159 CAD ($120 USD).

We had a comfortable sleep and a nice hot breakfast the next morning. And the grounds are absolutely beautiful — so peaceful. I wish I had more time to relax in one of those chairs with a book.

One caveat: originally we were given a room on the same floor as the pool and sauna, and the room reeked of mold and had a ground-floor window that didn’t close or lock. The staff moved us to another room, but if you want to stay here, I would request a room not on the floor with the pool and sauna.

Find deals on Baddeck hotels here .

Tips for Driving the Cabot Trail

Brake for moose. Keep an eye out for wildlife constantly, and if you see a moose, hit the breaks. Hitting a moose will likely kill you, as they are tall, weigh a ton, and will fall onto your windshield and crush you. It’s much more dangerous than hitting a deer.

I grew up in Massachusetts and camped in New Hampshire every summer, so “Brake for Moose” has been driven into my head since birth. (Even some guys at my theater camp were in a band called Brake for Moose.) This isn’t common knowledge if you’re not from an area with moose, so please take it seriously. Moose tend to congregate around the Skyline Trail.

Keep an eye out for cyclists and motorcyclists. Especially be cautious when going around those hairpin turns in the eastern part of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Cabot Trail is a very popular spot for motorcyclists especially (and from what I noticed, French-speaking motorcyclists).

Get a Canadian SIM card. Having a phone signal will make your Cape Breton road trip much easier, especially when you’re navigating with Google Maps. I got a SIM card and data plan from Lucky Mobile. Signal is good in the larger towns but often drops out in more rural areas.

Internet is poor in this part of Nova Scotia. Phone signal is weak and often nonexistent, especially in the national park; some places (and hotels) have wifi with very limited reach. Basically, if you’re not within 20 feet of the router, the wifi probably won’t reach you.

If you’re working from the road, I recommend taking time off from work while you’re in Cape Breton. If you must work, I recommend bringing a wifi extender .

Prepare for rain — and don’t let it ruin your trip. You could luck out and have a perfectly sunny Cabot Trail road trip — or you could get a lot of rain. If you’re like us, you could have a mix of sunshine and rain.

But rain isn’t a deal-breaker. Cailin and I used rain as an opportunity to check out cool local businesses in the area — like the Salty Rose in Ingonish. You’ll always find interesting places to explore.

Get travel insurance. Travel insurance is vital for every trip, even in a country that has great healthcare like Canada. If you get injured while hiking, if you get robbed, or even if you have to be flown home, travel insurance will protect you from financial ruin. I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Canada.

Best Instagram Spots on the Cabot Trail

So much of the Cabot Trail is beautiful — there are hundreds if not thousands of places where you can take beautiful shots.  But if you’re looking for the VERY best spots for Instagram photos, here are my recommendations:

1. The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.  My pick for the absolute best Instagram spot on the Cabot Trail, if not Cape Breton. There are so many interesting shots you can get at the end of the trail, overlooking the mountains. Get the best light by going at sunset.

2. Curvy roads in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Most of the cartoon-like curvy roads are along the 30-minute drive between the entrance at Chéticamp and the Skyline Trail. Don’t pull over unless it’s in a designated parking area where you can pull over safely.

3. Keltic Lodge in Ingonish. The white cottages perched atop the red-brown cliffs are spectacular, whether it’s sunny or rainy. You can get them from another angle (albeit from a distance) at Ingonish Beach.

4. Between the rocks at Ingonish Beach. There is a boardwalk that leads to the beach through high piles of rocks. The symmetry makes for a great Moses-in-the-Red-Sea pose. The rocks make a great texture, too.

5. The moose ears in Englishtown.  Just for laughs! They’re right outside The Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery .

Cape Breton Road Trip Packing List

If you’re traveling to Nova Scotia during the summer, pack for warm days and cool nights, with extra layers like fleeces and leggings. The weather can change frequently, and almost every day I wore some kind of cardigan, long-sleeved shirt or fleece on top.

Cape Breton is a very casual destination. I needed exactly ZERO nice pieces of clothing. While you might want to bring something nice to wear out in Halifax, you won’t need anything upscale here.

A light hooded rain jacket. A simple windbreaker like this one is easy enough to stash in your backpack and throw on when you need it. Much better than carrying an umbrella.

Hiking gear.  I usually hike in workout clothes; if you prefer something more specialized like zip-off pants, pack them. If you hike with poles, bring them. You’ll want the good stuff if you’re doing challenging hikes.

Hiking shoes. If you’re doing the Skyline Trail, which is pretty level, you can get away with sneakers or athletic sandals; if you’re doing anything more intense, you’ll want hiking boots. I wore my Merrill Siren Edge Q2 Waterproof Trail Runners , which are a great hybrid between sneakers and hiking boots.

Consider a Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf .  These beautiful scarves have a hidden pocket in them, which is great for holding onto valuables or cash without carrying a purse. I love these scarves ( I even designed my own! ) and they come in a variety of weights that work for Cape Breton.

Bathing suit.  It might be a little too cold to swim in Cape Breton — or not! You never know when you’ll need it, and you never know if there will be a jacuzzi somewhere.

A portable safe . This is a great way to lock up your valuables in your accommodation and I consider it the most important thing I pack .

A reusable water bottle . The water is safe to drink throughout Cape Breton and this cuts down on waste.

Insect repellant . Some of the areas get buggy, and you’ll be glad to have the protection.

Where Else to Go in Nova Scotia

Once you finish your road trip in Cape Breton, where do you go next?  There are plenty of options!

Louisburg. Louisburg is home to a historic village in the south of Cape Breton. Historic villages aren’t usually my thing, but I had a great time here (don’t miss the rum tasting!) and it’s definitely worth a stop if you love history.

Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish.  If you’re driving back to Halifax, Antigonish is an easy stop right off the highway. You may have heard of Peace by Chocolate — it’s a chocolate shop run by Syrian refugees who were chocolatiers before they were forced to flee their home country. They’ve built a new business in their new home of Canada. Justin Trudeau even brings their chocolate as gifts to other world leaders.

I loved stopping in and getting to chat with the lovely women. The Gold Bar in particular is SO decadently good! I bought a bunch of chocolate, thanked them in Arabic, and they were delighted and insisted on giving me even more chocolate.

Halifax and the surrounding area. Halifax is a fun city and worth a full day in its right. Ride the ferry to Dartmouth and sample ciders at Lake City Cider . The waterfront is an EXCELLENT place to hang out with a beer and some poutine. And you must try the infamous “ donair ” — a Halifax invention, similar to a doner kebab with a sweet white sauce.

I recommend spending a day doing a loop around the Halifax area. In a day you can visit Peggys Cove, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world and home to a beautiful village; Mahone Bay, a quintessential Nova Scotian village; and Lunenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town that is a lovely place to explore.

The Takeaway

When I was younger, I felt like the only destinations worth visiting were the most “exotic” ones.  That’s why I originally went off to Southeast Asia for six months and why I spent years racking up far-flung destinations. Why would I waste my time going somewhere like Canada?

I’m so glad I got over that. The older I get, the more I appreciate the beauty of more familiar places. Canada may not have scorching hot summers or street food meals for a dollar, but Canada is beautiful and entertaining and safe and full of surprises. As for Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail, it reminded me so much of my New England upbringing, then dazzled me with the most spectacular views and lobster.

Nova Scotia is waiting for you. It’s close by. And it’s fantastic.

More Atlantic Canada Adventures:

• Why You’ll Fall in Love with Newfoundland
• Quebec’s Best Islands: Iles-de-la-Madeleine
• Visiting St. Pierre and Miquelon
• My Favorite Experiences Cruising Atlantic Canada
• 5 Stunning National Parks in Quebec
• 1 Week Nova Scotia Itinerary: The South Shore

Cabot Trail Essential Info

Visits at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys are Monday to Friday only and must be booked in advance. Sometimes special arrangements can be made on weekends. $40 CAD ($30 USD) per adult and $20 CAD ($15 USD) per child under 10.

Admission to the Highland Village is $15 CAD ($11 USD) per adult, $12 CAD ($9 USD) per senior and $5 CAD ($6 USD) per child.

Admission to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is $8.50 CAD ($6 USD) per adult and $7.25 ($5 CAD) per senior per day, and free for kids. You can also get an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass to all the parks for $72.25 CAD ($53 USD) per adult,  $61.75 CAD ($45 USD) per senior, and $145.25 CAD ($106 USD) per family.

In the park, the guided Skyline Trail sunset hike is $29.70 CAD ($22 USD) per participant.

Visiting Les Trois Pignons is free of charge!

Entry to the  Mi-Carême Interpretive Centre  is $5 CAD ($4 USD) per adult and $4 CAD ($3 USD) per senior or student. Painting a mask is $25 CAD ($19 USD) for a preformed mask and $80 CAD ($60 USD) for a papier-mâché mask.

Ingonish Whale Watching has fishing boat tours from $65 CAD ($48 USD) per person and zodiac tours from $65 CAD ($48 USD) per person.

Admission to the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site is $8.50 CAD ($6 USD) per adult, $7 CAD ($5 USD) per senior, and free for youths.

Rates at Silver Linings Inn  in Chéticamp start at $149 CAD ($112 USD). Find deals on hotels in Chéticamp here .

Rates for domes at the Blue Bayou Resort  in Dingwall start at $229 CAD ($170 USD). Find deals on Dingwall hotels here .

Rates at Inverary Resort  in Baddeck start at $159 CAD ($120 USD). Find deals on Baddeck hotels here .

Travel insurance is vital for every trip, even in a country that has great healthcare like Canada. I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Canada.

This campaign is brought to you by Tourism Nova Scotia and Discover Cape Breton , who covered most of the costs during my time in Cape Breton. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Have you been to Nova Scotia? Would you like to do this road trip? Share away!

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Explore Canada's Best Island on a Road Trip Packed With Incredible Beaches, Adorable Cafes, and Sprawling Parks

Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, which T+L readers recently voted the no. 1 island in Canada, has everything you could ask for in a weekend getaway.

Lola Augustine Brown is a Nova Scotia-based freelance writer who covers food, travel, and parenting. Her work has been featured in The Guardian, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), National Geographic Traveler , the Toronto Star, Travel + Leisure , and Today's Parent.

Getting to Cape Breton Island is always transportive. It's a scenic 2½-hour drive from where I live in rural Nova Scotia. Coming from urban Halifax — as many do — there are more distinctive changes, as the city streets give way to rolling hills.

No matter your departure point, the most striking shift hits you at the end of the mile-long Canso Causeway, which connects the mainland to Cape Breton. When my view fills with windswept shores and lush forest, that's the moment I know I've arrived.

The classic way to see the best of the island is the Cabot Trail , a two-lane highway that loops around the island's north and connects its wilderness areas and several of its historic towns. Gaelic people from Scotland arrived in the 1700s, and the area's Celtic roots are displayed everywhere. Live music always includes a fiddle and drum, and the road signs appear in both Gaelic and English — except in the Acadian part of the island, where they're in French. Traditional and Indigenous Mi'kmaq fishermen live in small villages, some of which butt up against world-class resorts.

Related : The Top 3 Canadian Islands

But Cape Breton remains a sleepy delight Canadians turn to when they need a break from it all. It still feels rural and remote, though these qualities are mostly preserved in what locals and "come from away" folks offer visitors: quaint cafés and B&Bs, boat tours, and breweries. I discover something new every time, especially in the fall, once the summer rush has abated.

On my latest trip to Cape Breton Island in October 2021, I began with a visit to Big Spruce Brewing , Nova Scotia's first organic craft brewery. In 2009, Jeremy and Melanie White, who had honeymooned on the island years earlier, bought a run-down farm near Bras d'Or Lake — online, sight unseen. They found that hops were a good crop for the land, so why not try making beer? I sampled their Kitchen Party Pale Ale, which paired perfectly with deep-fried pepperoni, a regional pub specialty.

Then I drove northwest, following the winding Cabot Trail, then took Route 19 until I reached Inverness, a historic coal-mining village that, with the opening of the Cabot Links Golf Resort in 2011, has found new purpose as a leisure destination. My target: Inverness Beach, known for its abundance of sea glass, pieces of which I squirreled away in every pocket of my coat.

Overlooking the beach are the luxe private villas at Cabot Cape Breton (doubles from $190), designed by famed Halifax architect Omar Gandhi. This golf resort — which includes Cabot Cliffs , the top course in Canada — is perhaps the most spectacular stay on the island. Across the street, in the relaxed brewpub at Route 19 Brewing (entrées $14–$32), I had the fattest lobster roll I'd ever laid eyes on.

On the way to Chéticamp, the Acadian pride becomes palpable as the historical flag appears with increasing frequency, either painted on buildings or hanging from colorful, weather-beaten houses. I headed straight for the Gypsum Mine , a flooded quarry with stark-white walls surrounded by spruces, birches, and firs. A dip in the frigid lake is worth it, as is the steep climb up the side of the quarry (assisted by ropes attached to the rock face) that ends with gorgeous water views.

Mr. Chicken (entrées $8–$11) in Chéticamp is a local fast-food favorite for chicken poutine, but I was eager to eat at L'abri (entrées $16–$35), which had been booked solid during my previous trip, despite the fact that it had opened just 18 months earlier. L'abri is owned by Basil Doucet and Jaron Felix. After growing tired of their busy careers in Toronto and Halifax, the friends returned to their hometown to start an upscale restaurant riffing on Cape Breton cuisine. I savored the superb Cajun haddock cakes as soft French music lilted through the air.

It was great fuel for my next excursion: hiking Cape Breton's Skyline Trail , a five-mile loop through scrubby terrain that leads to a headland boardwalk. After living in Nova Scotia for almost 15 years, I spotted my first moose, looking majestic as it grazed on shrubs.

Supper that night was at the Rusty Anchor Restaurant (entrées $13–$30), in Pleasant Bay, known for hearty seafood and cheery service. I gorged on Northern Emerald oysters and a juicy bacon cheeseburger. Later I checked in to a spacious geodesic dome just down the road at True North Destinations (doubles from $200), where I found a perfect post-hike reward in my hot tub overlooking the thrashing Atlantic.

From Ingonish Beach, I whipped across the ocean on a whale-watching tour with Keltic Express Zodiac Adventures . I hoped to see Minke whales or the odd humpback, but despite Captain Kinnon MacKinnon's best efforts to track them down, I saw neither. I was too impressed by the three immense sunfish I did spot to be disappointed. Ingonish is one of the Cabot Trail's most rewarding stops, with stylish boutiques along the portion of the road that runs through town. At Groovy Goat Farm & Soap Company , I snuggled both bunnies and baby goats, and at Leather Works by Jolene , I bought a buttery-soft, sunshine-yellow purse.

Lunch was a snow-crab sandwich at Salty Rose's & the Periwinkle Café (sandwiches $11–$22), a gallery-bakery combo owned by cousins Caitlyn Purcell and Sarabeth Drover, who offer decadent egg sandwiches and orange-scented granola topped with edible flowers, alongside art, crafts, and jewelry. I was sleeping upstairs that night, in one of the café's two vintage-chic rooms with 1970s-inspired wallpaper (doubles from $175). After checking in, I took a long walk along Ingonish Beach, a strip of soft sand edged by piles of pink and gray stones, and basked in views of the historic Keltic Lodge (doubles from $260) set on the cliffs above, where I later ordered a Dark & Stormy in the elegant Highland Sitting Room .

I drove to Cape Smokey Provincial Park to walk to the cliff tops and get one more look at the highlands before heading home. On my way out of town, I stopped at the Wreck Cove General Store for a final lobster roll — the best in all of Cape Breton, islanders say. Co-owner Jenn Partland credits the shop's 40-year-old recipe: a no-nonsense mix of knuckle and claw meat, Miracle Whip, salt, and pepper.

As I took my last bite, I felt a deep sense of appreciation settle in. There's something immensely satisfying about places that know how to keep things simple and unfussy. And that's exactly what Cape Breton does best.

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2021 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline A Natural Course.

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Sail Nova Scotia's Magical Inland Sea

We offer private sailing tours on the Bras d'Or Lake and around the stunning Atlantic coastline of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Our tours are designed to give you the best possible experience in the area and emphasize a hands-on approach - including the opportunity to steer the boat and handle the sails. Captain and crew are on hand to ensure that you have a great time and a safe and memorable experience. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the water or an adventure-filled tour, we have something for you. 

Come and sail away with us on the most magical journey of a lifetime!

Full Day Private Sailing Charter

Captain Greg offers you a daysailing adventure you will never forget. With over 50 years of sailing experience and a well-found yacht, you'll sail the Bras d'Or Lake in comfort, safety, and style.

We chart a course for your day's sailing adventure based on sea conditions and your preferences. Guests are encouraged to take the helm and handle the sail - with instruction and advice from the Captain as needed. Glide on the wind through island-studded St. Peter's Inlet to the Bras d'Or Lake – where you'll find eagles, hawks, and cormorants overhead; great blue herons and deer along the shore, and plenty of fish - and a few mammals in the sea. Anchor for a swim and lunch in a private cove…. then head out on the Bras d'Or for some invigorating open water sailing!

Half Day Private Sailing Charter

Cape Breton Sailing Charters offers a memorable half-day private sailing charter experience for visitors to beautiful Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. With a fully licensed and experienced captain, guests can enjoy a personalized sailing tour of the scenic Bras d'Or Lakes. The tour can be customized according to the guests' preferences, whether it's a peaceful and leisurely sail or a more adventurous journey – including hands-on sailing and a lesson if you wish. This charter accommodates up to six guests, making it perfect for couples or small groups who want to experience the breathtaking beauty of Cape Breton Island in an intimate and exclusive setting.

During the half-day private sailing charter, guests can expect to see stunning landscapes and wildlife, including bald eagles and seals, great blue herons and deer along the shore. The captain will provide information on the history and culture of the area, adding depth and context to the sailing experience. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family excursion, or a fun outing with friends, Cape Breton Sailing Charters' half-day private sailing charter offers a unique and unforgettable way to explore the natural wonders of this picturesque island.

Sunset Private Sailing Charter

Enjoy a 3 hour scenic cruise while the sun sets over island-studded St. Peter’s Inlet on the Bras d’Or Lake. Depending on winds which are often light in the evening, this may be a sailing and/or motor cruise. Guests are welcome to steer the boat, handle the sail or just kick back and relax.

Bras d’Or Lake Crossing

This is a hands-on sailing experience on Cape Breton’s iconic inland sea. Take the helm, handle the sails, help with the navigation, or just kick back and relax. You will have a first-hand encounter in the pristine UNESCO Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere, from sea level. Please contact us by email to check availability and schedule a phone chat if desired.

Sail the Ocean and the Inland Sea

The magical Bras d’Or Lake is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the historic St. Peter's Canal. This is Where the Ocean Meets the Inland Sea. Enjoy a hands-on sailing experience on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Bras d’Or Lake, Cape Breton’s iconic inland sea. Take the helm, handle the sails, help with the navigation, or just kick back and relax. You will live aboard like a sailor in port, at the very welcoming and well-equipped St. Peter’s Lions Marina.

2 days sailing, 2 nights on board the yacht at St. Peter’s Marina

Private party up to 4 people. $2,250 + HST. Add up to 2 day-sailing guests (extra $ per person).

Circumnavigate Isle Madame

Take a private sailing cruise from St. Peter's, via the St. Peter's Canal out to the Atlantic Ocean, and around Isle Madame. Two ports of call on Isle Madame. Hotels and all meals included. This is a hands-on sailing adventure departing and returning to St. Peter’s. Features: a circumnavigation of Isle Madame in the Atlantic waters of St. Peter’s Bay, Lennox Passage and Chedabucto Bay. Take the helm, handle the sails, help with the navigation, or just kick back and relax. You will have a first-hand sea-level experience in the pristine coastal waters of southern Cape Breton. 

The itinerary can be custom-tailored to your preferences, and considering wind and weather conditions. We have options for sailing in open-ocean, closer coastal waters and protected passages in this area.

If you're looking for a way to show someone you care, gift cards are the way to go. It's a great way to give the gift of sailing experience. Whether you're looking for something to do with your family, or want to treat yourself to a relaxing trip away from the ordinary, Cape Breton Sailing Charters in Nova Scotia are the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Cape Breton's Bras d'Or Lake and Ocean Coast.

Why choose us?

Explore Cape Breton and its incredible natural beauty

This is a hands-on sailing experience for guests who want that, or a leisurely, captained sailing tour through some of North America's most pristine salt and brackish waters. Learn to sail or renew old skills on a well-found boat with an experienced captain in one of the world's most desirable sailing destinations. Our dedicated and experienced crew will show you the highlights of the lake, the island and her coastline while you relax and enjoy the fresh sea air.

We offer a fun, welcoming atmosphere for all ages and experience levels. Get a chance to sail the boat, steer the boat, help plan the course to sail, handle the sail. Guidance from Captain and crew to help you learn. Or just kick-back and relax for a quiet cruise through pristine waters.

Adventurous

We want our guests to get the most out of their trips, so we make sure that there are plenty of opportunities for adventure in every sailing tour we offer. You'll be sailing in waters that the Mi'kmaq have paddled for 10,000 years, and were explored by the first European settlers 500 years ago.

Everyone who comes on our sailing charters in Cape Breton should feel like they're part of the action. Each guest has the opportunity to steer the boat, handle the sails and help with navigation.

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island is part of the province of Nova Scotia. Situated off the north-east coast she is linked by a causeway to the mainland. Cape Breton is crowned with majestic Highlands overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the north, and is graced by the Bras d'Or Lake, North America's largest inland sea. These are world-famous cruising waters, amidst a pristine natural environment and a rich history of indigenous Mi'kmaq people and European settlers, whose descendants are eager to share their culture and music with visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Where do we meet.

Your adventure begins at our dock adjacent to the lakeside end of the historic St. Peter's Canal, where you'll meet your captain and board the yacht.

This is the site of North America's oldest operating tidal lock canal, established in 1869. It connects the Atlantic Ocean with Cape Breton's magical inland sea... the Bras d'Or Lake.

What to wear?

We get a wide variety of weather conditions in Cape Breton, and all are a bit exaggerated when you're out on the water. We recommend that sailing guests bring the following:

-short sleeve shirt and short pants in warm sunny weather -a sweater/fleece, wind/rain proof jacket, long pants for cool weather -hat and sunglasses, and sunblock -non-skid, non-marking shoes for safety (deck shoes are ideal) -pack your gear in a soft bag for easy stowage on the boat

Canadian Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) are provided for all guests... and you may bring your own PFD if you wish. We have a good set of binoculars on board, and the captain is always happy to take pictures for you with his camera or yours.

What to Bring?

Please feel free to bring any other small items that will help enhance your enjoyment and memories of the day:

-still or video camera -binoculars -a bathing suit and towel -you can expect good cell phone/data connection during parts of your daysail.

Can we modify existing itineraries?

To some extent – yes. These are private tours for your party and we can customize for you. Sometimes we will have to on your day, because the weather isn’t always ideal and we'll want to stay in protected waters to keep the trip enjoyable. We are always happy to, in advance, discuss options or specific destinations you'd like to see, or things you like to do on your half or full-day sail, or a multi-day cruise, and we'll tailor your itinerary accordingly.

Are drinks included? Is there a cooler on the boat?

Our icebox is stocked with water, sodas and juice boxes. These cold drinks are included in the price of your sailing charter. We do not provide alcoholic beverages but you may bring your own. Feel free to bring your own snacks and refreshments if you wish. We can keep them cold in our fridge. We can also cater your take-aboard lunch, please see 'What about food?'  below, for the menu. You can order in advance for tasty local lunches aboard.

What about food?

Enjoy a catered picnic prepared by local restaurant Louie's Cosy Corner. Download a PDF of our Sailors Picnic menu here . See instructions for placing your order directly with Louie's, at least 24 hrs in advance please. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch or snacks aboard. Nearby our dock, Foodland Grocery, B&E Convenience, and several take-out shops offer a variety of food choices.

Sail with us .

Build Your Own Custom Vacation

Curated experiences.

Cape Breton Island Tour

Experience the rich cultural heritage and the breathtaking scenery that Cape Breton Island has become famous for.

Starting at

This Experience Includes

Expert travel advice to help you get the most out of your vacation

4 nights' accommodation at select hotels

4 day escorted service ground transportation

Baggage handling of one suitcase per person

Select meals throughout the duration of your vacation

Admission to select museums & historic sites

Cape Breton Island’s most famous resident, Alexander Graham Bell, once said, “I have traveled around the globe. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes, the Alps and the Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all.”

Scottish traditions and Gaelic folklore come alive on this tour as you make your way around the island and the Cabot Trail. Take in the awesome view from atop the Skyline Trail, visit a fishing village, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like moose and coyotes.

Daily Itinerary

Wednesday – DAY 1 – Arrive Halifax, NS

Arrive in Halifax and check in to your accommodations which are ideally located in the downtown core of this vibrant and cosmopolitan urban center on the Atlantic Ocean.

Thursday – DAY 2 – Halifax to Baddeck, NS

Depart Halifax on your included transfer to New Glasgow where you will meet your Tour Director or Driver/Guide and fellow travelers. Proceed to Cape Breton Island, the Scotland of North America, via the Canso Causeway.  Visit Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck to learn of the many accomplishments of this genius who made his home on the island before checking into your accommodations on the Bras d’Or Lake where you will spend the next two nights. (Continental Breakfast, Dinner)

Friday – DAY 3 – Cabot Trail Touring

Experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America today as you tour the Cabot Trail which winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.  Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera on hand.  Your day is complemented by a Whale Watching Boat Tour. (Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner)

Saturday – DAY 4 – Baddeck to Halifax

Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site awaits today and words cannot do justice to this reconstruction depicting one fifth of the settlement of 1744 New France.  Roam the streets and chat with authentically costumed guides.  Proceed along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake to the mainland, and back to Halifax for one last night in the Maritimes.  (Breakfast)

Sunday – DAY 5 – Depart Halifax

We hope you had a wonderful time exploring Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 1 – Arrive in Halifax Day 2 – Halifax to Baddeck Day 3 – Cabot Trail Touring Day 4 – Baddeck to Halifax Day 5 – Depart for Home

2024 Departure Dates:

June 5, 26 July 17 August 7, 14 September 11, 25 October 2, 16

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Tips & Guides , Travel

Road trip nova scotia: cape breton, cabot trail, and more.

Page Contents

I often write about bucket list road trips , I’m about to feature a whole section about it. It’s always been the way I’ve loved to travel most, and this road trip Nova Scotia is no exception.

In this trip we covered a New Brunswick and Nova Scotia road trip on an epic 10-day trip.

It was my first visit to Nova Scotia, which has long been on my road trip list! This article focuses on the things we did along the Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail part of the route. Cape Breton is a Bucket List Road trip, and I love to feature those.

We would be starting and finishing the trip in Halifax, which has direct flights from London. And picking up a rental car here and returning it to the same location. So, let’s get stuck into our itinerary.

As mentioned, this trip would start and finish in Halifax. We wouldn’t have long here sadly, but I recommend at least an afternoon and night. Halifax has a great vibe to it and an interesting history. You have an incredible mix of architecture, some from the 18 th and 19 th century and some much more modern.

Did you know? Halifax is the historical capital of Atlantic Canada!

One thing I love is that it’s a city that can mostly be explored on foot. If you do have time, you can get lost in the galleries, museums and cafes. Not to mention the waterfront and new harbour development.

As we didn’t have long, we took the Harbour Hopper boat/land tour. The Hopper is an amphibious vehicle previously used to carry troops. It starts at a must visit viewpoint, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, before passing St Paul’s Church and Spring Garden Road.

And then, into the sea! As cheesy as I thought this would be, it is pretty cool to then be cruising along the harbour and getting a view of the Halifax harbour from the water. It can get chilly on the water so bring an extra layer!

Finally, Halifax is a great base for day trips to Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg , the most popular ones around, and I recommend booking soon to secure your spot.

Sleep here : The Prince George Hotel . A beautiful and clean hotel right in the city center near all the major attractions.

Eat here : We ate at the BG Halifax Beer Garden, easy going food at a good price. And great quality too, and pint and fish and chips were a great way to start off my Nova Scotian food adventure!

Where to Stay in Halifax

Here’s a list of great places to stay in Halifax:

Luxury: The Prince George Hotel

Nestled in Halifax city centre, The Prince George Hotel is near all the major tourist attractions and offers some of the best rooms you’ve ever seen.

Other than its beautiful, spotless rooms with countless amenities, you’ll be greeted with an indoor pool and a gym to stay fit while travelling. When it comes to food, their on-site restaurant has delicious treats, and you’ll have a fabulous time when staying here.

Mid-Range: Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax

A mid-range hotel in downtown Halifax is Cambridge Suites Hotel, and despite the lower rates, you’re still going to get exceptional customer service and modern rooms.

Among the amenities, you’ll get a microwave, a mini-fridge, a flat-screen TV and fast WiFi. All rooms include a complimentary breakfast buffet and you’ll love every part of your stay here.

Budget: Lake City Motel

Located right outside Halifax in the quiet town of Dartmouth, Lake City Motel offers some of the best deals around with clean, modern rooms.

You’ll find all the amenities you need for a few days, it’s near the airport which is convenient, and it’s very quiet as opposed to the central area of Halifax which can be crowded. Overall, a great place to sleep near Halifax.

Best Tours in Halifax, Nova Scotia

The best way to discover Halifax is to join a tour with a local guide that knows everything about the area. Here are the best tours I recommend to make the most of your time in Nova Scotia.

Half-Day Historical Tour of Halifax

If there’s a tour you don’t want to miss in Halifax is the historical trip around town. That’s right, Halifax is a city steeped in rich history and culture.

This small-group tour takes you on a journey through history to learn about the legendary Titanic and the mythical Halifax Explosion that shaped the city’s identity.

You’ll pass by over 40 stops in town, from Georges Island National Historic Site to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to Halifax City Hall and many more.

Transportation is also included in the tour, which means you can leave your car for a break from the road trip and let the driver do the rest!

WiFi is included onboard, so you can share the memories in real-time too!

Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley

If you have more time in town, this is definitely a day trip you should consider from Halifax.

This Nova Scotia Day Tour will take you through the stunning Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, where you can marvel at the picturesque views of the sea crashing against the rocky shore.

You’ll also visit Queensland Beach where you can work on your tan or go for a dip in the water.

After that, you’ll stop at the Lunenburg Historic District, where you can step back in time and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site .

With our air-conditioned vehicle and the freedom to follow a loose itinerary, you’re sure to have a relaxed and adventurous day out.

Wine and Lunch Escape in Halifax

Have you ever heard the saying “wine not?” Well, we have the perfect response to that question. Join a guide on a scenic drive through Nova Scotia’s picturesque Annapolis Valley where you’ll taste some of the best wine and food around.

This small group tour takes you to the best wineries in the area to get a wine tasting and learn about the manufacturing and terroir of each winery.

You’ll also get to enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the second winery, served with your choice of beer, wine, or cider.

This wine and food tour lasts about 6.5 hours, which is a nice break from driving around Nova Scotia, and you’ll be ready for the rest of the trip after this!

Baddeck, Cape Breton

Today we covered a lot of distance as we wanted to centre the first part of our road trip around Cape Breton. And there were some stunning views along the way.

We were stopping at Baddeck to break up the journey and find a little peaceful part of Cape Breton before starting the Cabot Trail. Baddeck is right on the Bras d’Or Lake and the former summer home to Alexander Graham Bell, credited as the inventor of the telephone.

Speaking of Mr Bell, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum is a must visit, featuring models, replicas, photos, artifacts and films all about the work of Bell. And he didn’t just work on the telephone, he had a number or achievements and inventions.

You could also spend a few hours here walking the shores of the Lake and exploring it’s small harbourside.

Sleep here : We stayed at the Inverary Resort , a lovely lakeside property with an adventure centre offering kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding. The rooms are spacious, and they have an onsite bar with food and live music, as well as a lakeside restaurant.

Eat here : On the way to Baddeck stop off at Charlene’s Restaurant, a local’s favourite hotspot. This is a no fuss diner, with award-winning seafood chowder. It has a real family and local vibe to it, and a welcoming atmosphere. You can also dine at the lakeside restaurant at Inverary Resort above.

Best Tours in Baddeck, Cape Breton

The best way to discover Cape Breton is to join a tour with a local guide that knows everything about the area. If you have more time in the area, these 2 tours are 5-hour long, which is great as a half day experience.

Best of Cape Breton Tour from Sydney

Your adventure starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Sydney and you’ll drive around the city, showcasing some of Sydney’s must-see spots like St. Patrick’s Church and the Cossit House Museum.

Next, you’ll head off to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, where you’ll be transported back in time to the 18th century and discover history of the Anglo-French struggle for Canada.

Your guide will take you on a journey through the fortress, acting as your personal time machine to explore the events, architecture, and people who shaped this site, all while learning about life as it was centuries ago.

Once you’re done in Sydney, you’ll head off to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck, the place where the telephone inventor called home.

All in all, it’s a great tour to enjoy when in Cape Breton, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

Baddeck & Bell Museum Tour

If you want to stick to Baddeck and see the highlights here, then this is a great option.

Baddeck is known for Alexander Graham Bell’s fascinating life, and you’ll tour his museum with a private guide, which is brilliant, as opposed to joining a big group.

As you wander through the museum, you’ll discover the genius inventions that emerge from Bell’s mind. You’ll get to see replicas of the Silver Dart Plane, the first successful plane in Canada, and the HD4, the world’s first hydrofoil.

After that, you’ll explore Baddeck with your guide. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore the charming little shops and cafes, all while taking breathtaking views around the village.

This is a good half-day tour in Baddeck to join when stopping on your Nova Scotia road trip!

After a quick stop at the World’s Largest Fiddle in Sydney , we headed to Louisbourg. If you are going to stop in Sydney, allow over 2 hours for this journey.

We were going to spend the day at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site . Known as the largest reconstruction project in North America, it represents a ‘living history’ in a hands-on step back in time.

The original settlement was founded in 1713 by the French, before being fortified against the threat of British invasion. It was later besieged twice and destroyed in the 1760s.

There’s so much to do here, we headed for a traditional lunch for the villagers at Restaurant de la Marine (I had a turkey pie). Then had a tasting of local beer, cider and fortress rum at La Taverne Storehouse.

In the afternoon we saw a cultural demonstration at the Mi’kmaw interpretive centre, before an example of a typical shaming of a criminal! And finally, we shot a muscat. Yes, a muscat!

Sleep here : On a beautiful peninsula overlooking the ocean and Louisbourg harbour sits North Star . Probably my favourite room (and balcony) of the trip, stunning. From North Star you can also walk along the Lighthouse and Old Town Trails, both are quite short (around 2km) and offer history and outstanding views.

Eat here : The North Star also has The Bothy, their onsite restaurant, which serves locally sourced produce and dishes to highlight Cape Breton and the Maritimes.

Have you seen the rest of my articles on Canada ?

The Cabot Trail

And now begins the bucket list road trip part of this adventure. This was probably the first pin on the map when we started to plan the trip, the Cabot Trail.

The Cabot Trail is a coastal highway and one of the most spectacular drives in North America. It meanders through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Think hiking, gondolas, vistas, stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, bald eagles, and the chance to spot minke or pilot whales!

This is the kind of place you could spend a week, we had a couple of days, so here’s the places I recommend you visit.

When driving on your Nova Scotia road trip, I recommend getting a Cabot Trail audio guide, which is available on both Viator and GetYourGuide .

This is basically an audio guide that you can listen while driving, and you’ll learn stories of the area, as well as different quizzes, which is not only fun but also educative!

Cape Smokey & Ingonish

Atlantic Canada’s first and only Gondola. This is the latest resort development, and the top has 3 separate viewing platforms and a cold Cape Smokey pilsner! But you need to earn it, you can do the short hike to a lake at the top.

Ingonish is another place you could spend days not hours. There are a number of picture-perfect beaches, lush green valleys and rugged headlands and viewpoints. This is also where you’ll enter the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where you’ll need to pick up a pass from the visitor centre.

The next couple places are inside the National Park, but it’s really worth noting that we just scratched the surface of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park , so consider spending a few days here if you have the time.

Skyline Trail

All along the Cabot trail be prepared to stop as there are some fantastic viewpoints along the way. And add the Beulach Ban Falls to that list, the car park is right by the falls (although there is a much longer hike to it if you prefer).

I’ve known about the Skyline Trail for some time, after seeing it listed as one of the best short hikes in Canada. It’s approximately 6.5km, which can take around 2-3 hours. However, if you keep moving you can do it in under 2.

It’s a loop hike and has come incredible views over the Gulf of St Lawrence, and a purpose-built viewing deck. Look out for Moose, Bald Eagles, Bears and other birdlife.

Sleep here : Cornerstone Motel is right on the edge of the National Park and in the heart of nature. It’s a family run motel with friendly and helpful owners and offers private walking trails along the Cheticamp River.

Eat here : L’abri is a real local’s favourite, and to get in here you’ll need to book in advance. It was created by two locals with a desire to see their home village flourish. Meaning ‘The Shelter’, there is a friendly and warm atmosphere, with classic food, cocktails and ocean views.

The Cornerstone Motel is just a few minutes’ drive from Cheticamp, so the following day we were keen to find out about some of the Acadian history and traditions in this French Acadian fishing village.

Our first stop was the Elizabeth LeFort Gallery and Museum at Les Trois Pignons . LeFort was the first person in the world to make portraits from hooked rugs! And her gallery is fascinating and even features our very own late Queen Victoria and King Charles, as well as portraits of US presidents.

There is also a gallery and collections from Marguerite Gallant, featuring hundreds of antiques reflecting the daily life of the Chéticamp settlers.

I also recommend a stop at Inverness on your way to the Glenora Inn & Distillery.

Glenora Inn & Distillery

Glenora Inn & Distillery is home to North America’s first single malt whisky distiller. It was started in the 1800s when Scottish immigrants flocked to Cape Breton, it’s said they settled here as the landscape resembled that of the Highlands.

You can take distillery tours between 9am and 5pm and it last around 20 minutes. The tour could use a bit of updating, but do you get taste the whisky at the end!

Alternatively, grab yourself a spot at the bar or some lunch. We sat at the bar, sipped a whisky and watched the live musician, I felt right at home!

Glenora is also part of the Ceilidh Trail , a coastal drive between Margaree Harbour and Port Hastings.

The final stop in Cape Breton Island is Judique, where you could have lunch at the Celtic Music interpretive Centre. The centre was built to share the culture of Cape Breton, and professional musicians are always there to give demos.

There is an exhibition and museum you can tour, and if you make sure you’re there between 11:30am and 3pm there will be live music!

Mini-Cabot Trail

A little bonus tip as you head south and leave Cape Breton Island is to drive the ‘Mini-Cabot Trail’. It’s essentially a short detour from the main road, heading north on the #337 from Antigonish, before picking up the #245.

The scenery was great, and you can stop and admire the views at Cape George Lighthouse. But my favourite spot and the reason for adding this detour was the Steinhart Distillery .

Thomas Steinhart has a tradition of craft distilling in his family for over 300 years. And he has brought that experience and tradition to Nova Scotia distilling a variety of spirits. But what I really loved was the atmosphere and community developed here.

We sampled gin, whiskey and vodka before enjoying one of the 9zero2 beers outside, watching live music with views over Prince Edward Island. Perfect.

Sleep here : We were heading south and over to New Brunswick, so the perfect pitstop was La Digue Suites . They are located in a nice area and have very clean rooms. And if you’re feeling brave, why not go for a morning sea swim to wake you up?

This concludes the Nova Scotia leg of this epic road trip. Have you been to Nova Scotia? Is there anything you would add to this list? Please let me know in the comments below.

Founder & Editor of Intrepid Escape, a huge lover of adventure, adrenaline, sport & fitness. After travelling extensively for the last 12 years, Scott started to document his travels before fulfilling an important lifelong goal by starting Intrepid Escape. He has since become a full-time Travel Writer, Videographer, Presenter and Producer.

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Canadian Maritimes Provinces Tours & Trips from Halifax

An adventure starting in Halifax is a great way to see Canadian Maritimes Provinces. We have 23 tours that range from 5 days up to 13 days. The most popular time for tours from Halifax is September, which has the most tour departures.

23 Canadian Maritimes Provinces tours from Halifax with 639 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Enchanting Canadian Maritimes (10 Days)

Fantastic trip. Well organised and friendly, approachable staff. Was so easy to see so much more than we could have organised on our own. Met some lovely people. So much fun! Will definitely do a tour again and highly recommend.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Taste of the Maritimes

Great experience overall. The guide was very knowledgeable of Atlantic Canada. Well planned out destinations, stops and hotel selections. 100% recommend.

A Taste of the Maritimes

• Walking Adventure
• Sightseeing

Canadian Maritimes and Coastal Wonders featuring the Cabot Trail (2025)

Wonders of the Maritimes & Scenic Cape Breton (11 destinations)

Excellent tour guide and bus driver. The tour interesting and well organized. The hotels and meals were very good . Everything ran like clock work. The" box breakfast" was especially appreciated as we had to leave our hotel at 2:30 am for our flight home and it would have been hard to get anything to eat in the time we had.

Atlantic Maritimes

What an amazing tour, it was perfect! The tour guide and driver were exceptional. The tour is perfectly structured, I would definitely travel with Atlantic tours again????

• Coastal Walks
• Hiking & Trekking

Maritimes Coastal Wonders featuring the Cabot Trail (2024)

I had a great experience on this Colette tour with Bernadette and Dave. They were excellent guides and drivers, and the tour was well-organized. I would recommend it.

Enchanting Islands Escape

well organized, comprehensive tour of maritimes with lots of variety

Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes (Classic, 12 Days, Halifax Airport And Post Trip Hotel Transfer)

Atlantic Maritimes Adventure

Cape Breton Island Discovery Tour

Wonders of the Bay of Fundy

Atlantic Canada (6 Days)

Very safe and well organized

Canadian Maritimes Adventure

Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes (Small Group, 12 Days)

What people love about canadian maritimes provinces tours from halifax.

Very well led. Enjoyed all the items on intinerary. Accommodations in good locations as well as clean and comfortable.

It was an excellent trip!

Tours starting from Halifax

• Halifax to Halifax tours (20)
• Explorer from Halifax (19)
• Family from Halifax (14)
• In-depth Cultural from Halifax (12)

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THE 10 BEST Cape Breton Island Bus Tours

Bus tours in cape breton island.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Motorcycle Tours
• Walking Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Shared Cruise Excursion - "Mini" Cabot Trail

2. Highland Village, Baddeck, Bell Museum Tour

3. Cabot Trail High Flyer

4. Private Heart Of The Island Tour in Nova Scotia

5. 6 Hours Mini Cabot Trail Tour

6. Best of Cape Breton Small Group Tour from Sydney

7. Cabot Trail Discovery Tour

8. City and Coastal Tour in Cape Breton Island

9. Baddeck & Bell Museum Tour

10. Cabot Trail: a Smartphone Audio Driving Tour

11. Explore Baddeck and Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

12. Cabot Trail Bus Tour for Cruise Excursion

13. Cabot Trail Private Full Day Tour

14. Fortress of Louisbourg and Mira

15. Private Cruise Excursion in Cape Breton

16. Shore Excursion of the Glenora Distillery in Cape Breton

17. Private Cabot Trail Discovery Tour

18. Private Port of Sydney-Cape Breton Highlands ATV Excursion

19. Shore Excursion of The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton

20. 6 Hours Cabot Trail Tour in Canada

21. Cultural Experience and Sightseeing Tour in Nova Scotia

22. Shore Excursion of the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail in Cape Breton

23. Shore Excursion of the Highland Village Museum in Cape Breton

24. Shore Excursion of the Fortress Of Louisburg in Cape Breton

25. Shore Excursion of Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Cape Breton

26. Fortress of Louisbourg Tour

27. Shore Excursion of The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton

28. Shore Excursion of the Gaelic College in Cape Breton

29. Private Shore Excursion UTV/ATV Side-by-Side Trail Tour

What travellers are saying.

GET YOUR TRAVELLING BAGS READY! Halifax Tours Nova Scotia!

YOUR KIND OF HOLIDAY The Best Of Nova Scotia!

Halifax, aspotogan peninsula, peggys cove - most popular.

Vacation in Portugal

Weekend in Oslo

Colorful Berlin

Big in Japan

A weekend in London

Visit Beautiful Budapest

Our approach to tourism premium experience we can offer, what our client say awesome reviews.

Great Trip!

This trip was easily the trip of a lifetime for our family of four, and it will be quite some time before we stop talking about it!

Janice Aniston

Memorable Experience

Great tour of Peggy’s Cove Nova Scotia! The tour guide was accommodating and knowledgeable about Halifax and the Peggy’s Cove areas. Amazing memories !!

Jerrod Joseph

Simply Amazing!

My wife, daughter and myself cannot say enough about how wonderful a trip we had to Nova Scotia! How great was this travel company – so beautiful 🙂

Jasmine Jayme

Best Tour Ever!

Wow what an awesome trip to Nova Scotia! We had no idea that Peggy’s Cove was this rugged by amazing at the same time! The Halifax Tours agency were very knowledgeable and accommodating! Highly recommended tour to Peggy’s Cove and Halifax NS!

Brigitte Stroll

Just Awesome!

I’ve traveled quite a bit in my life, but this was the best trip I’ve ever taken to Nova Scotia! Breathtaking views, amazing seafood, and fishing villages. Would do it again in a heartbeat! Thanks to Halifax Tours !!  We will be using this travel company in the future 🙂

Jeniffer Palmer

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• About Our Tours
• What You’ll See
• Getting Here
• Helpful Links

Puffin preparing for lift-off

Beauty of a Bald Eagle

Great Cormorant taking off

Razorbill Colony

Welcome to Donelda’s Puffin Boat Tours!

Located on Cape Breton Island just 20 minutes east of Baddeck we are the Cabot Trail’s only Bird Island boat tour going to the nesting grounds of the Atlantic Puffin.

Puffins Guaranteed! (during their season)

See bald eagles pick up next to our boat! Observe many varieties of seabirds and watch grey seals basking on the rocks.

Your Cape Breton whale watching adventure awaits you. Join Pleasant Bay Whale Watching on an intimate sized tour, as we explore the coastal waters of Cape Breton and discover the area's abundant wildlife and spectacular beauty..Our tours generally run 1.5 to 2 hours. Every tour is guided by an experienced captain. We interact directly with you to answer your questions and provide interesting and insightful information about the whales, dolphins, wildlife and areas we encounter. We are dedicated whale and wildlife watchers. This is our passion, it is all we do, and it shows in the type of tours that we run. As an owner operated company, we take pride in providing a quality tour with a personal touch.

We make a point of not following a set route. Each tour is unique and each day is a new adventure. We are known for going the extra miles, searching for interesting encounters. You never know what will turn up out there. It is a truly amazing experience to view these wonderful animals in their natural environment. We hope you not only find our tours fun and exciting, but also enriching and enlightening. We always operate with the utmost respect for the wildlife we view and the environment we operate in and always follow current guidelines and regulations. We believe that the best way to ensure the long term survival of the wonderful whales and wildlife we encounter is through endearment and education.

We use Paypal to process credit card payments, no paypal account is required. Click on "Pay with Credit or Visa Debit card" and continue as guest.

Our crew makes all the difference

We are very passionate about what we do and where we live, here in Cape Breton

Grey & Hourbour

Departure Times & Rates

Departure Times

The gig economy

The danny lynn, 24 passager tour boat.

Fully equipped touring vessel with VHF radios, washroom, 24 person life raft and all safety equipment.

Transport Canada inspected and approved for touring

Custom handmade seats

10 Perfect Days Exploring Canada’s East Coast: A Day-By-Day Itinerary

• Explore Canada's beautiful East Coast on a road trip from Toronto to Cape Breton, experiencing stunning views and delicious seafood along the way.
• Visit iconic attractions like Notre-Dame Basilica, Montmorency Falls, and the Bay of Fundy, immersing yourself in the natural and historical wonders of the area.
• End your trip in the charming village of Baddeck, taking in the sights of the Kidston Lighthouse before returning to Halifax for your departure flight. A truly unforgettable adventure awaits!

Canada gets a lot of international attention for the alpine lakes and Rocky Mountains in its western provinces. But there is so much more to Canada’s natural beauty than Banff National Park (although it’s pretty epic).

A road trip through Canada’s southeastern and maritime provinces promises delicious seafood, views of fjords, and memories to last a lifetime. Here’s how to spend ten days exploring the route from Toronto to Cape Breton Island (Canada's coastal gem) .

Travelers can pick up a rental car in Toronto and drive the entire route. Alternatively, they can take the train or bus from Toronto to Montreal and pick up their rental car on day two from Montreal (whatever their budget permits).

Day One: Toronto To Montreal

On day one of the road trip across Canada’s beautiful East Coast, depart Toronto in the early morning and start the journey toward Montreal . The drive takes a little over 5.5 hours, but travelers can make a full day of the experience by stopping for lunch in Kingston, Ontario.

Upon arrival in Montreal, check in at the hotel or Airbnb and then visit Notre Dame Basilica before going to dinner at Lola Rosa .

• Canadian Provinces Visited: Ontario and Quebec
• Top Attraction: Notre-Dame Basilica

Day Two: Montreal To Quebec City

On day two of the trip, rise early and hike to the top of Mont Royal for a scenic view of Montreal from above. Then, it’s time to check out and depart the city for another charming destination in Quebec.

Quebec City is worth the travel time for its historic architecture and rich heritage. Travelers can reach Quebec City in just three hours. Upon arrival, squeeze in a visit to scenic Montmorency Falls.

• Canadian Provinces Visited: Quebec
• Top Attraction: Montmorency Falls

Day Three: Quebec City To Fredericton

If time didn’t permit the previous evening, head to Montmorency Falls in the morning before leaving for New Brunswick. The drive from Quebec City to Fredericton takes approximately six hours. Travelers can arrive in just enough time to explore the city’s Garrison Night Market.

• Canadian Provinces Visited: Quebec and New Brunswick
• Top Attraction: Garrison Night Market

Day Four: Saint John And The Bay Of Fundy

It’s time to reach one of the most beautiful attractions en route – the Bay of Fundy . In the morning, travelers can depart Fredericton for Saint John, New Brunswick. The drive takes a little over one hour.

Visitors can base themselves in the town of Saint John for the night or camp in the Bay of Fundy National Park.

• Canadian Provinces Visited: New Brunswick
• Top Attraction: Bay of Fundy

Related: High Tides & Fossils: What Makes The Bay Of Fundy So Special

Day Five: Saint John To Halifax

Spend the morning exploring the Bay of Fundy National Park either by hiking or going kayaking in the bay itself (as part of a tour). In the afternoon, drive 4.5 hours to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Check into a charming maritime hotel or bed and breakfast. If there’s time, visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site before indulging in a seafood dinner (all sourced locally, of course).

• Canadian Provinces Visited: New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
• Top Attraction: Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Day Six: Halifax To Inverness

It’s approximately four hours to drive from Halifax to Inverness. Travelers can take their time having a nice brunch in Halifax or visit Peggy's Cove before departing for Cape Breton Island, the most scenic island in Canada .

Upon arrival in Inverness, visitors can check in to their hotel for the night before hitting the beach.

• Canadian Provinces Visited: Nova Scotia
• Top Attraction: Peggy's Cove

Day Seven: Inverness To Cheticamp

Day seven is the first full day driving the iconic Cabot Trail , the road that loops a whopping 298 km around the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. The stretch from Inverness to Cheticamp is fairly short (just ~50 km) and takes around one hour to complete.

However, there are many beautiful potential stops along the way. Margaree Harbour is an excellent choice, boasting attractions like Egypt Falls and the Gun Hill Lookout (for the best view of Harbour Breton).

• Top Attraction: Le Portage Golf Club

Day Eight: Cape Breton Highlands National Park (And Ingonish Beach)

The next morning, travelers can continue along the Cabot Trail, exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park. They can choose to visit the many attractions along the route, spend a day hiking on the many trails, or drive straight to Ingonish and lounge all afternoon on Ingonish Beach with views of the Atlantic.

• Top Attraction: Ingonish Beach

Related: Nova Scotia Vs. New Brunswick: Which Is Worth It?

Day Nine: Cape Breton Highlands National Park (End In Baddeck)

Day nine is another beautiful opportunity to continue along the Cabot Trail, this time ending in the village of Baddeck. The village is often considered the beginning or the end of the Cabot Trail (depending on which direction travelers drive), so this is the official end of the trail for this itinerary.

Visitors can see the famous Kidston Lighthouse and take photos of it by the ocean.

• Top Attraction: Kidston Lighthouse

Related: Vacationing In Nova Scotia? Here Are The Best Places To Stay

Day Ten: Return to Halifax For Departure Flight

Day ten is the conclusion of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through Canada’s eastern provinces. Travelers will wake up in Baddeck on Cape Breton Island and drive four hours back to Halifax.

Upon arrival in the city, they can return their rental car and, if time permits, explore some of the area’s major attractions before heading to the airport for their flight home.

• Top Attraction: Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

A Toronto to Cape Breton road trip is a great way to explore Canada's East Coast, but there's plenty more to see in Canada, too—especially on a road trip.