Cape Breton Highlights: The Cabot Trail

Why the Cabot Trail is Worth Your Time

The Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic drives in the world – a 185-mile loop that can technically be completed in one day. But here's the thing: rushing through would be a crime. To truly enjoy it, plan time for scenic lookouts, hiking trails, local shops, fishing villages, and restaurants that serve up authentic Maritime flavors.

Our recommendation: Minimum 2 days, but a full week exploring Cape Breton Island is even better. There are plenty of vacation rentals to choose from, and trust us – you'll want the extra time.

Breaking Down the Trail: Think Rectangle

The best way to understand the Cabot Trail is to picture it as a rectangle with four distinct sections:

Baddeck Countryside

Section 1: Baddeck to Neil's Harbour 

Wide open ocean, endless cliffs, and dramatic coastline views

Section 2: Neil's Harbour to Pleasant Bay 

The trail tracks inland through trees and mountains – still beautiful, but a different kind of scenery

Section 3: Pleasant Bay to Margaree Harbour 

Rising and falling cliffs with unforgettable ocean views – this is our favorite section

Section 4: Margaree River Valley back to Baddeck 

Rolling valley views to complete the loop

Section 1: Baddeck to Neil's Harbour - The Ocean Spectacular

Baddeck: Your Perfect Starting Point 

This quaint village is considered both the beginning and end of the Cabot Trail. It's got restaurants, shopping, and that perfect "park and walk around" vibe where you can soak in the local people and culture.

Englishtown Ferry

Pro tip: If you're coming from the Sydney area, consider starting in Englishtown instead. You'll get nice beach access and a quick, free cable ferry ride across the 410-foot channel – a fun little adventure that saves you from backtracking through Baddeck.

Must-Stop Highlights Along the Way

The Clucking Hen (34 miles from Baddeck) 

Great views, good food, and they're famous for breakfasts and bakery items. Perfect fuel-up stop.

Glass Artisans Studio (across from Clucking Hen) 

This is one of my favorite shops! They create colorful glass items – everything from dishes to nautical hanging creatures, Christmas decorations, garden globes, and jewelry. You'll find other candy shops and gift shops along this route too.

Keltic Lodge

Keltic Lodge Area (24 miles further) 

The historic lodge is closed now, but you can still access the parking lot for the Middle Head Trail – check out our separate hiking review for details.

The Pull-Out Strategy 

We stop at almost every turnoff, and here's why: while the views might seem similar, the rock formations, cliffs, and ocean colors actually vary dramatically. Each stop offers something new to discover.

There are several beach areas with limited parking that offer great water access and beach walks – worth the effort to find parking.

Section 3: Pleasant Bay to Margaree Harbour - Our Favorite Side

We moved our RV base camp to Cheticamp at Waves End RV Park to explore the north side of the trail, and it was the best decision we made.

The Drive to Cheticamp 

Getting there via the bottom portion of the trail treated us to beautiful views of the wide Margaree River Valley. The mix of restored historic homes and a few charming ruins creates an authentic Maritime atmosphere.

Why This Section Wins 

This is where the Cabot Trail enters Cape Breton National Park and winds up and down through the mountains. The drive alone is spectacular, plus there are numerous hiking trails. We tried the Le Buttereau trail (it was okay) and the famous Skyline Trail (see our separate review – it's the #1 trail everyone comes for).

Cheticamp & Petit Étang: Bakery Heaven 

These charming towns are worth the stop, especially for Aucoin Bakery – possibly the best bakery in Nova Scotia. Family-owned and operated since 1959, it's normal to find long lines out the door during business hours.

Don't let the lines scare you off! They move surprisingly fast thanks to their well-organized team, and it's absolutely worth the wait. Plus, they're constantly baking and replenishing throughout the day, so you won't miss out.

The bakery itself is mostly a working facility with a small customer area up front, but there are nice picnic tables on the grassy overflow parking area for those who can't wait to dig in.

More Coastal Exploration 

We drove and stopped at all the pull-outs again – each shoreline walk offers a completely different experience and view. The variety never gets old.

Pleasant Bay Bonus: Whale Interpretive Centre 

Following the trail, we discovered this gem in Pleasant Bay. The quick but informative tour covers everything about whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Perfect educational break from all the driving and scenery.

Tourist Season:

Beginning of August appears to be peak tourist season for the Cabot Trail. Restaurants were busy, but we found the traffic manageable and there was always room at the pull-outs.

The crowds are worth it for the perfect weather and full access to everything.Bottom LineThe Cabot Trail delivers on its world-class reputation. Take your time, stop frequently, and don't try to rush it. Each section offers something different, and the memories you'll make at those scenic pull-outs and local stops are just as valuable as the drive itself.