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I was born and raised in Nova Scotia but it wasn’t until I was an adult that I visited the Cabot Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands. I had actually never spent time on Cape Breton island, nonetheless the Cabot Trail. People always told me how beautiful it was and how it was one of their favorite places to visit. I just never had the opportunity. It was a friend’s wedding that finally took me on a Cabot trail road trip and opened my eyes to the incredible nature found along the route.

Within Cape Breton Highlands National Park are 26 trails for all abilities, not to mention all the other options for exploring this park. But the best way to experience the park is to slow down and spend some time there. This Cabot Trail itinerary is something everyone should do.

Where in North America is it?

Nova Scotia, and specifically Cape Breton Highlands National Park is in Atlantic Canada, on the east coast surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. You can access the main road, with the entire Cabot trail being a 300km scenic drive and the best-known feature of the park, from either the town of Baddeck or the trans Canada highway.

It’s one of the most famous drives in the country with lots of scenic stops along the way. Many of the stops have great hiking trails giving a different perspective to this beautiful place and the possibility of seeing some of the areas wildlife and boreal forests.

When to visit

The best time to visit is during the summer months and fall. Nova Scotia has some of the best fall foliage in the country and the Cabot Trail is a highlight. Though it might be a great time to visit, it will also be fairly busy, so keep that in mind. Nova Scotia can have fairly harsh winters, so visiting this area during wintertime can have its challenges.

Best Hikes along the Cabot trail

Skyline Trail

The Cabot Trail offers lots of hiking opportunities. The most popular hike being the skyline trail and is a must visit if it is your first time here. The loop is 5.1 miles and is considered easy. You get the most spectacular views of the trail, the ocean and the wildlife the grace this area. From the look off bald eagles soar over your head and within the trees moose are seen grazing off the bushes and even the possibility of spotting black bears. A better view than from your car, you can even gaze out to the Gulf of St Lawrence and spot whales. The area is absolutely bursting with life.

Being such a popular spot means lots of tourists milling about trying to get that perfect photo. Peak summer crowds can take away from the beauty of the place but if you go in the shoulder season you are sure to be wowed by the immense beauty of the place. Fall being one of the best times to visit the province for some of the best fall foliage in the world. It’s a good idea to head out early morning to make sure to get a spot in the parking lot and for the best chance to see wildlife.

Bog Trail

This short hike uses a boardwalk to do a 0.3-mile loop around a beautiful wetland area, a great place to see pitcher plants, dragonflies, orchids and of course moose. This self-guided short trail is an easy stroll and wheelchair accessible. It is completely in tune with the parks mission to protecting the natural environment.

Like I said there are tons of opportunities to hike and some of the most popular trails, aside from the Skyline, include the Acadian Trail and Fishing Cove.

Acadian Trail

A 5.2-mile loop, this trail is considered moderate with elevations ranging from 65 to 1,200ft. It’s a tough climb over some rugged terrain but rewards you with the best views of the Acadian coastline.

Fishing Cove

Once the site of a Scottish Fishing community this is the only area with a designated wilderness campsite. The trail itself is 7.5-miles return (not a loop) with an elevation of 1,165ft. This trail is one of the best places to explore the beach, the Acadian forest and the grassy hills.

Hiking After Dark

The park isn’t just for exploring during the day. There are also several things to do while the sun is setting and once dark has fallen. There is a guided sunset hike along the skyline trail, a lantern walk, and a “seeing in the dark” experience. It is all very family friendly, with the exception of your fur-bearing friends. Dogs are not allowed.

Sunset skyline hike

This hike begins 2 hours prior to sunset along the Skyline Trail. This is a guided trail, where a park interpreter will help you navigate through 4.7 miles of trail. It gives you the chance to witness this spectacular trail from another vantage point as it changes from day to night. You will notice as the sounds of the bugs and the peepers begin to come out, the eagles soar overhead, and the crash of the waves, all while watching the sun set on the horizon.

Lantern Walk Through Time

This walk begins and ends on the sands of Ingonish beach. You will walk through the forest, and along a freshwater lake to Barrachois, part of the old Ingonish road, where travelers passed before the Cabot Trail was built. This same route was taken by the Mi’kmaq people and the Cape Breton settlers arriving from Scotland and Ireland. The walk itself takes place on what is known as the Freshwater Lake Trail.

Seeing in the dark

This guided walk takes place on the Warren Lake Trail, allowing you to experience a place that truly becomes dark. Allowing your other senses to guide you, as you listen to the waves crashing in the sea and the loons calling in the night. The park interpreter will guide you through the trail, helping your other senses come alive, from touch, smell and even taste. Giving you a completely new way of experiencing a trail.

Stopping in Pleasant Bay

If whale watching is something you want to do while visiting Cape Breton, Pleasant Bay is a small fishing village along the Cabot Trail and known as the whale watching capital of Cape Breton and is also the halfway point along the Cabot Trail, so a great spot to stop for lunch.

Concluding Thoughts

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is truly something special, no matter where along the drive you are, there are beautiful views everywhere. To fully appreciate the area, you need more than one day to explore. The 300km Cabot trail loops around the coastline, dipping into small towns. You can visit in a day trip or slow down and take as much time as you want, there is plenty to explore.

From there you can take the ferry from Nova Scotia over to explore Prince Edward Island, for a totally different nature experience.