While I didnt get to this museum on our trip, Ive heard so many good things, including from Cailin and small, tightly focused museums are my favorites! Neils Harbour is a quaint fishing village that most people probably drive past! Its easy! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Nova Scotia is waiting for you. Most of the cartoon-like curvy roads are along the 30-minute drive between the entrance at Chticamp and the Skyline Trail. We will drive through the North River and Tarbot area en-route to the coastal highway. Rather than tents, this campground is filled with geodesic domes (as well as three tipis). Just for laughs! You will bike through Wreck Cove, Skir Dhu and Breton Cove as you make your way to Englishtown, your final destination. are they restrictive on that? Ohhow I wish I could have some of that delicious lobster! Both have easy hikes located close to them as well. You can also walk the short trail through a 350 year old sugar maple forest! He called it the Mountains and Oceans course, and its currently sitting at #9 in Canada according to ScoreGolf Canada. We stayed close by and checked out White Point, including the Normandy-esque white cliffs above. Cabot Trail (3 to 4 days) - Chticamp, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Skyline Trail, Fishing Cove Trail, Pleasant Bay, Jack Pine Trail, Ingonish, Franey Trail, Baddeck Bay of Fundy (2 to 3 days) - Burntcoat Head Park, tidal bore rafting, Five Islands Provincial Park, Parrsboro, Cape D'or, Cape Chignecto Provincial Park, Joggins Fossil Cliffs Find lodging options at the start and end: Since this road trip itinerary includes driving, hiking, and photography youll need a little of everything! I did a black and white and pink design. Perfection! Not a big deal just a long day. Oysters and mussels are grown at the Top of the Island, and mussels are raised in St Ann's Bay. What Direction Should You Drive on the Cabot Trail? If you do decide to stay late on the west coast of Cape Breton before heading back to Baddeck, you can stop at any point in Margaree for some truly spectacular views of stars. Cabot Trail, a beautiful coastal road in Canada. - Roadstotravel The best known activity on the Cabot Trail is the Skyline Trail, a hike in the park best done at sunset. Yes, it all depends on what time you want to get to Halifax on that Day 4 . The Cabot Trail is about 300 km (185 miles) and loaded with scenic viewpoints, so it's not one you'd want to rush. Rates from $159 CAD ($120 USD). The rocks make a great texture, too. Daily Itinerary. You can also find more ideas here in my other articles https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/cape-breton-hikes-adventures/ Start your day with breakfast, then plan to hit up a lot of sights. Drive Distance from Sunset Point: 36 miles aprox 1 hr. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, Hopewell Rocks and Prince Edward Island National Park. 8 years ago. This 3.8 km loop takes around 1 - 2 hours to complete. Salty Roses is a beautiful shop featuring work by Nova Scotia artists. We came across this perfect sunset spot on accident actually but sometimes accidents are meant to happen! The white cottages perched atop the red-brown cliffs are spectacular, whether its sunny or rainy. Enjoy our culture, our music, and countless outdoor activities. And sharing it with an interesting group of travelers and Parks Canada guides made it even better. Cheticamp is the biggest town along the Cabot Trail, with a population of almost 4000 people. Watch on. Drive Distance from Middle Head Trail: 22.3 miles aprox 35 min. More Information: The Rusty Anchor Website, Drive Distance from Rusty Anchor Restaurant: 18 miles aprox 31 min. In fact this town of 700 residents has over 600 rooms for you to stay in! The other stops were much shorter. If youre coming from outside of Cape Breton, you might take Highway 105 to Baddeck and start there, or follow Route 19 The Ceilidh Trail to Margaree and start there! Let me know if I can be of any other help! However its is a very upscale course so I would guess they may require special shoes. like many travellers, your time is limited and you have many other places youd like to see; dont despair. Maritimes Travel & Tour Itineraries in Canada w/ Nova Scotia Is the drive scary for those who dont like heights. They really make an effort to do a simple breakfast well, and the breakfast room is airy and beautiful. Im not entirely sure but most of the stuff we did that I mention was all outdoors and I would think that dogs can join. Day 1: West Coast Its a nice break for your brain. You can also travel Cabot trail itinerary 2 days. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. On my recent trip to Cape Breton my friends, Pete and Dalene, and I set out to figure out the perfect one day strategy for driving the Cabot Trail. The view at the end of the hike is the whole reason to do it its incredible! Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. Love the 1 day travel hence we have decided to give it a try. One of the best Cape Breton hikes for beginners, this is a must on any Nova Scotia itinerary. Are the Vk Baths Icelands Best Geothermal Spa? Here youll find a small dock filled with small fishing boats, a few stone foundations, one B&B, and a few locals walking dogs. If you have time, you can drive all the way to hilariously named Meat Cove, near the northern tip of Cape Breton. If you arrive late at night spend the night and youre ready to explore the next day. As far as other places to stop you cant really fit any more in if you do the hike and follow this itinerary it is a FULL day. Its about a 45-minute drive from the Cabot Trail and you enter at Englishtown, near Baddeck. 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. Below is the itinerary we followed, covering the trails, the very essential cafe breaks and a few unique little stop offs. The Giant Fiddle in Sydney. This trail isn't challenging or arduous at all and only takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. This is a great way to lock up your valuables in your accommodation andI consider it the most important thing I pack. From the Canso Causeway to Halifax is about 2 hours 40 minutes. ~ Celebrate everything Day 1 - Halifax Day 2 & 3 - Mabou Day Day 4 & 5 - Ingonish Day 6 - Baddeck Day 7 - Halifax . Remember, you dont have time to waste on so-so views if you only have a day. On this day, everything changes. The freshest, most succulent, most delicious lobster. The almost 300km Cabot Trail is a popular tourist attraction in Nova Scotia. This is the first major photo opportunity so get out your selfie stick and snap a few! Now you are all fueled up for a short hike. We found your itinerary very helpful. Answer 1 of 4: Hi there, When leaving Sydney and driving to Cheticamp (driving around the island - Ingonish, Meat Cove, Pleasant Bay) How long of a drive is it not factoring any stops. 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. 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. Beware: it can be very busy here! Uncover the history and prestige of an iconic region of North America on a journey that takes you from the seat of democracy in Washington, D.C. to the majestic beauty of Niagara Falls and the bustling energy of New York City. The restaurant features classic Canadian and American dishes nothing too culturally significant, but a nice solid option. The Cabot Trail is mainly a scenic drive. I like to split it between a short hike and some beach time. Theyre especially known for their mussels and oysters. And be sure to get to the sunset spot I talked about! Cycling the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island | Hike Bike Travel The weather can change frequently, and almost every day I wore some kind of cardigan, long-sleeved shirt or fleece on top. 3 Days in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia | What to do on the Cabot Trail We drove the Cabot Trail in a counter clockwise direction starting in Baddeck and ending in Cheticamp. Bathing suit. Day 1 Halifax Itinerary: Explore Downtown Halifax Walk the Harbourfront Halifax Harbourfront Halifax has changed a lot since the last time I was there. The hike and dinner stop was maybe an hour and a half. While you can do this hike on your own, Parks Canada offers a guided sunset hikethat takes about three hours altogether. Five nights; five days of some of the best cycling in the world. The Perfect One Day Cabot Trail itinerary on Cape Breton Cabot Trail Itinerary - Nova Scotia Forum - Tripadvisor Can you do the Cabot Trail in one day? - KnowledgeBurrow.com Get out of the car, catch your breath and walk a little into the trails. Driving the Cabot Trail for four days will give you enough time to enjoy the best of this gorgeous part of Nova Scotia. Im obsessed with all things travel Airports make me happyI love a good spreadsheet & I want to show you that you can have your cake and eat it too, by paying off your debt and being financially free, youll have more money for the things you loveRead More, Join in on important conversations about money in Money Talks With Will Save For Travel on Facebook. And now, after a fun-filled day of exploring and eating you will arrive back in the Baddeck area. Answer 1 of 15: Are they often seen on the Skyline Trail? If youre doing the Skyline Trail, which is pretty level, you can get away with sneakers or athletic sandals; if youre doing anything more intense, youll want hiking boots. Hop on a short nonstop flight to Halifax from New York or Boston. NS: Cabot Trail Bike - Freewheeling Adventures The Cape Breton Highland Links golf course is on the same property and was designed by Stanley Thompson. Driving The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, NS Get a bag! Where the Land Meets the Sea. Day 1 - Onto the Margarees. Its easy to get to the Cabot Trail with daily direct service from the NYC area to Halifax! Time for lunch and the best chowder there is this is not a joke, I have tried A LOT of chowder in my day and this chowder really is the best! Justin Trudeau even brings their chocolate as gifts to other world leaders. Distance & Speed The Cabot Trail Loop is 186 miles (298km). Its much more dangerous than hitting a deer. The Ultimate One Day Cabot Trail Itinerary. You've asked. CABOT TRAIL, CANADA. The parking lot is just steps away from the bottom of the falls. Its a long day so youll want to fuel up for the journey. We did not take a tour this time around (we did have a great experience whale watching on Brier Island in southwest Nova Scotia though). More Information: Cape Smokey Picnic Park, Drive Distance from Cape Smokey Picnic Park 8.3 miles aprox 16 min. This was SO MUCH FUN! You'll witness breathtaking coastal views, historic woods, glacier-carved rock, and the Cape Breton Highlands. There is a full museum at the Mi-Carme Centre that shares the history of the event. I recommend you stay overnight in the cute town of Whycocomagh just outside of the start of the Cabot Trail. For an early dinner, I recommend Labri a relatively new, very queer-friendly restaurant that the locals cant stop raving about. Kayak @ Cabot Trail Adventures. After climbing MacKenzie Mountain, youre heading south toward Cheticamp, but you must do one last hike to finish off your day the Skyline Trail. This also means for the parts of the drive that go right along the coast, youll be on the outside lane of the road with the best views! Ive walked this trail dozens of times and Ive seen moose almost every time. The Skyline Trail is the best place on the Cabot Trail to see moose, so keep your eyes open! You can explore indigenous Mikmaq culture, Acadian culture, and Gaelic culture all on this same island. The sun will be down as you pull in and get ready to rest your weary head after a long day! Halifax and the surrounding area. Why Youll Fall in Love with Newfoundland, Quebecs Best Islands: Iles-de-la-Madeleine, My Favorite Experiences Cruising Atlantic Canada. Hike the Gypsum Mine trail and stay the night in Cheticamp or drive back to Baddeck. Are they dangerous? The artist who worried about the impact of Airbnb on young Cape Bretoners being unable to afford homes. Mi-Carme was celebrated as early as the Middle Ages, but sadly it has died out everywhere but a few communities in French Canada. What I really liked was the sound the water made as it ran over the rocks such a gentle whisper. The views are amazing at the end, and you can swim in the lake in the summer. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Sometimes special arrangements can be made on weekends. If you hike with poles, bring them. Artist Elizabeth LeFort was one of the most gifted hooked rug artists, and she was particularly talented with hooked rug portraiture. I often see foxes and eagles when I drive this way, but if youre pressed for time you can make a gamble and take the ferry. Day Six 46-56 km (moderate) Follow the Cabot Trail over Cape Smokey, with a descent that will have you gasping with delight. The Cabot Trail makes a 185-mile (298-kilometer) loop around a sizeable chunk of the island, passing through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park at its northernmost point. We were supposed to go whale watching, but it ended up being too rainy. You never know when youll need it, and you never know if there will be a jacuzzi somewhere. Going up the mountain as a passenger (as I always am) you have the pleasure of feeling as though you might fall off a cliff at any given moment as you follow the winding road to the top. To be honest, I rolled my eyes at her exultations but then I tried it and WOW. There is a little turnoff between two little lakes/ponds and theres room for a few cars to park. If you make minimal stops I think you could get quite far. We loved stopping into Bean There Cafe to grab a drink before wandering around the town. Pleasant Bay is a great place to go on a whale watching tour. Cabot Trail Canada Bike Tour | Cycling Holidays in Canada Im so glad I got over that. The Gypsum Mine Trail is a perfect option, and a local favorite, if you're looking for an easy hike with a scenic view that packs a punch. But I loved learning about Mikmaq culture and I especially loved learning from so many Mikmaq folks directly. It was definitely my favorite indoor activity, too! We grabbed some cinnamon rolls, a donut and an apple fritter and everything was delicious. The almost 300km Cabot Trail is a popular tourist attraction in Nova Scotia. The Perfect Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary I. When I was younger, I felt like the only destinations worth visiting were the most exotic ones. 1625 SINGLE SUPP. Cailin and I loved Labri so much that we went multiple times! The city has done a great job developing the waterfront and downtown core, which has an amazing atmosphere. Just wondering why you didnt stay the night in Baddeck initially? When you live in a city (especially New York City), you notice how much slower it is in the country. Cabot Trail Nova Scotia - Adventure Cycling Association If youre in the mood for a light snack and a great cup of coffee stop into the Salty Roses and Perinwinkle Cafe, you wont regret it! Even the place where we had lobster dinner we ate outside and Im sure you could have a dog there outside! If you follow my itinerary I would maybe skip the White Point Harbor if you think you are behind schedule. Thanks so much for sharing! I often see foxes and eagles when I drive this way, but if youre pressed for time you can make a gamble and take the ferry. I loved waking up to the sound of raindrops the next day. Day 1 - Halifax Halifax - Capital of Nova Scotia Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to downtown Halifax (30 minutes) to explore the waterfront region. Theyre all gorgeous areas steeped in culture, music and beauty. Driving the Cabot Trail on a motorcycle is one of the best ways to explore the untouched beauty of Cape Breton. You can buy all kinds of bath and skincare products here, and they operate a petting zoo when the weather is nicer. We were originally supposed to eat at at restaurant that was closed, and this was one of few options in the area. Its a cozy setting and they have board games. Ive heard nothing but amazing things about the Dancing Goat Cafe, but sadly we did not stop in. There are many places to stay (. Day 5: Baddeck * Day 6: Drive to Cheticamp (stopping along the way at Ingonish, probably, and then do the Skyline Trail). Map of the Cabot Trail Itinerary in 2 Days Day One: Baddeck to Ingonish and on to Pleasant Bay Start Cabot Trail road trip by driving from Baddeck to Ingonish. Domes from $180 CAD ($135 USD). Day 2: Drive to Ingonish in the morning and hike the Franey Trail, have lunch in Ingonish or wait to drive to Neils Harbour to check out Chowder House. This was sort of a last minute trip. Plus the atmosphere at Charlenes is like having breakfast in your grandmothers house, and who doesnt love that! The scenery around Iona is special. Thanks for sharing!! You can even eat amidst the piles of stuff for sale! 14 August 2022 Self-guided Cabot Trail Bicycle Tour | Pedal and Sea Adventures And theres no better place for this than family owned Rusty Anchor Restaurant in Pleasant Bay. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Day 1 - Port Hawkesbury to Pleasant Bay (night stay) I will be taking the Ceilidh Trail. But if you like hiking that Middle head hike is the perfect little break from the car to get out and stretch your legs! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But you could get up and see the top tip for sure. There are also restrooms and picnic tables here where you can sit and have that giant lobster sandwich while taking in the view! Home Blog Destinations North America Canada Nova Scotia How to do the Cabot Trail in a Day. So happy you like the Cabot Trail and that you stopped at Rusty AnchorI have missed lobster this summerI must go back! Get breakfast at Danenas Bakery and Bistro. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. In Baddeck there is the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and lots of places to eat. Experience the best of both on this three-day road trip across one of Canada's founding provinces. Some of the areas get buggy, and youll be glad to have the protection. Louisburg. Its best to plan ahead and double-check for opening days dont leave anything until the last minute! Insect repellant. Day One: Travel North to Ingonish and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park Pick up a take away lunch at the Main Street Caf or Clucking Hen Cafe Buy your Park Pass and Pick up a Park Map Now that youve had a snack and are back in the car, buckle up for a longer stretch of driving. Hi! Let me know if you have any specific questions! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Brake for moose. Theres no rule that you have to do the WHOLE Cabot Trail. Before you hit the road, know that today will be the most rural part of your Cabot Trail road trip. Sydney, Nova Scotia, 0 miles. Logical right? It is a museum dedicated to the life of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone and Baddeck summer resident. It is a pretty difficult hike because it is mostly uphill but the views at the top are worth it! Find deals on Baddeck hotels here and see all Baddeck Airbnbs here. You see a few little places where you can pull over and take a picture, however dont be temped by these places, they are crowded and the view isnt as good as what is to come. Stop along the way at some of the many viewpoints for stunning winter scenery. Consider driving the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The drive around St. Anns Bay is really beautiful! Climb almost 350 metres (1130 feet) to panoramic views of the ocean, the Cheticamp River valley and the village of Cheticamp. Option 1 - Drive to Louisbourg and visit the Fort. Now many of these towns have changed more into touristic towns. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world, and the views will not disappoint. Dont despair if rain is in the forecast! Look forward to visiting your future postings on other wonders of our land. 2022 Adventurous Kate | Powered by Reggio Digital. See Reviews of Normaway Inn and The Barn. Along the Cabot Trail road youll find lots of gift shops and local craft stores to stop into. Between the rocks at Ingonish Beach. It feels so different from where youve been, but thats the magic of the Cabot Trail. You will have to climb a bit for the classic views, but its worth it! https://www.mikesroadtrip.com/nova-scotia-road-trip-guide. These cookies do not store any personal information. There is plenty of parking at the trail head and dont forget your camera! Each contains two queen beds or a king bed. Its clear that you already make great life choices, but Im here to help you get the most out of your Cabot Trail adventure. Nova Scotia. So glad you enjoyed the Cabot Trail! A Perfect Cabot Trail Itinerary in Cape Breton Nova Scotia We checked into our accommodation at the Blue Bayou (see more on that below) and had lots of time to explore. I help you explore more with your family and have fun in the kitchen The reason I suggest the sunset spot I did and not skyline is just due to the amount of people at skyline. "Simply amazing - the incredible views, sounds of nature, and the smell of fresh air and ocean all combined to make this the most exhilarating and personally rewarding holiday.". This is by far the scariest part of the drive! Historic villages arent usually my thing, but I had a great time here (dont miss the rum tasting!) Once you drive into Baddeck youll realize just how many hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts there are. Cape Breton Island in 2 Days | Canada | Minute by Minute Traveller Halifax Pickup to Baddeck. Hitting a moose will likely kill you, as they are tall, weigh a ton, and will fall onto your windshield and crush you. Head to Baddeck and visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. At night, its much cooler, and youll be ready to bundle underneath the covers. And reserve early. Its about a 3.5-hour drive from the Cabot Trail and you enter at Hunters Point, also near Baddeck. Hotels in the summer can be hard to find, so book as early as you can! Itinerary. These beautiful scarves have a hidden pocket in them, which is great for holding onto valuables or cash without carrying a purse. Hello, this itinerary is great, thanks for sharing! How do you get to Cape Breton Nova Scotia? Re: Cabot Trail Itinerary. How much time should I take? Rates at Inverary Resortin Baddeck start at $159 CAD ($120 USD). Thank you! 9:30AM: We start off our 3 day hiking itinerary around the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton by driving 1 hour from Baddeck to the entrance of the National Park. Riders travel through the Gaelic heart of Celtic settlements in Atlantic Canada. It started as a private residence but in 1936 the Corson family sold the property to the Canadian Government to be turned into a luxury resort. The Skyline Trail seems mostly even, but you dont realize until you turn around and head back that the path had been slowly sloping downward the whole time. Park by the docks and take a little walk around the town. The Margaree Salmon Museum will teach you all about the famous Atlantic Salmon (sadly closed for the 2020 season!) The Ultimate Guide to the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Nova Scotia (with I will start trying to book accommodations around your suggestion. Stay at Silver Linings Inn one more night. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Tips For Driving The Cabot Trail In The Fall. We just completed a full day of visit to all the spots you mentioned here. Having a phone signal will make your Cape Breton road trip much easier, especially when youre navigating with Google Maps. Canada, Nova Scotia: Cabot Trail Bike Tour. Stop at the look offs and enjoy the great views along the way. The Ultimate Maritimes Road Trip in 10 Days It is considered one of the best road trips in the world. Earlier this year, I met representatives from Visit Nova Scotia and we decided to do a campaign together. The ferry can be the faster way to travel, but there is often a line up of trafficwaiting. The World Famous Cabot Trail! Im going to help you experience one of the most beautiful places in the world in just one day. . Its private land but all well marked. Check out her list of best things to do in Nova Scotia here. Cabot Trail in a day - East coast portion of trail. Private tour Do note that this is not a luxury glamping experience its cool-looking, but simple. Please suggest. I thought that would be the best sunset spot or would it make the drive really long? There is a 10km hiking trail that leaves from the same parking lot called Aspy Trail. Air-conditioned vehicle. Visit us in 2020 for one of our specialty Celtic Music tours during KitchenFest or Celtic Colours annual music festivals. DAY 2. $40 CAD ($30 USD) per adult and $20 CAD ($15 USD) per child under 10. And its available everywhere on the Cabot Trail. check out these Cape Breton Hikes! Spend the afternoon driving to Chticamp and get an early dinner. As you drive the Cabot Trail you will go in and out of the National Park. I dont think Ive ever seen such beautiful roads as I did in Cape Breton! Sometimes we stop at the beach for a few minutes (if you have never touched the Atlantic Ocean, this would be a good opportunity to do so! Cabotrail which direction to travel? - Cape Breton Island Forum Filte.. Sunglasses a must for the afternoon when you are driving into the sun. This is one of my new favorite parts of the world. Were planning our trip to NS and Cape Breton for June/July 2020. Consider a Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf. So glad its useful! Option 2: Drive straight to Baddeck (the town considered the start of the Cabot Trail), and go on a hike at Usige Ban Provincial Park Falls (a 20 minute drive from Baddeck). To continue on your Cabot Trail journey, you could leave Neils Harbour and get back on the Cabot Trail road, however we recommend taking New Haven Rd through White Point for better views (it only adds about 10 minutes to your trip). We are travelling with our pup and our curious if this is something that will work for us! Gampo Abbey, the Lone Sheiling, Beulach Ban Falls, the Bog Trail (one of my favourites) each offer something special if you find yourself with extra time. Cape Breton Island Cabot Trail Walking Tour | Guided or Self-Guided Hi Connie yes you can do it but it will be a long day and youll be driving back across in the dark. PLUSyou can carry on and carry home fresh lobster from the Halifax airport! This is why you get an early dinner! Dingwall Beach. In the same building you can order a delicious bite to eat and coffee from Periwinkle Cafe. If you only have one or two days, I recommend staying in the Chticamp area rather than trying to do the whole trail. So tempting. 3 Day Hiking Itinerary on the Cabot Trail: How to see EPIC fall foliage Is Cabot Trail worth it? I love the. After your time on the east coast of Cape Breton, its time to make your way across the highlands. Sherry. Hello! Answer 1 of 17: Hello All I need some help with the following two days on "what not to miss" in the two days I have given to Cabot trail.