Cabot Trail
Photo: Jared Rover from Toronto, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a 298-km (185-mi) loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The western and eastern sections follow the rugged coastline, with views of the ocean. The southwestern section passes through the Margaree River valley before passing along Bras d'Or Lake.
UnderstandIt is named after the explorer John Cabot who landed in Atlantic Canada in 1497, although modern historians agree his landfall likely took place in Newfoundland and not Cape Breton Island.
PrepareAt less than 300 km, you could drive the loop in 4 hours, but you'd miss so much.
FeesBecause the Cabot Trail passes through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, you have to pay park fees from the end of May to the end of October.
DriveFollowing are some stops along the route, travelling clockwise from the south:
HikeThe Cape Breton Highlands National Park occupies one third of the Cabot Trail. There are 26 hiking trails maintained in the park, ranging in length and difficulty.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Cabot Trail" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Jared Rover from Toronto, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons