Discover the world famous Cabot Trail
Take in spectacular maritime views as you drive along the world-famous Cabot Trail. We dare you not to fall in love with one of Canada’s most enchanting places, where the mountains meet the sea.
Take in spectacular maritime views as you drive along the world-famous Cabot Trail. We dare you not to fall in love with one of Canada’s most enchanting places, where the mountains meet the sea.
Day 1 - Learn about world-famous inventor Alexander Graham Bell
Day 2 - Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline in Cape Breton Highlands
Day 3 - Drive along the breathtaking Cabot Trail
Day 4 - Spend the day at the beach in Ingonish
Day 5 - Visit (and spend the night at!) the Fortress of Louisbourg
Day 6 - Explore an 18th century town
Day 7 - St. Peters Canal National Historic Site
615km round trip on Cape Breton
Day 1 - Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Your Cabot Trail adventure begins in Baddeck! Visit Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and get a glimpse into the heart and mind of this world-famous inventor. Pull the curtain back on his interests and inventions, spanning airplanes and kites, to deaf education and artificial respiration. Feel his legacy come to life as you explore remarkable artifacts, photos and full-scale replicas that mark his masterful career as an engineer, inventor, scientist and humanitarian.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of Alexander Graham Bell and his wife Mabel Hubbard Bell on the White Glove Tour. Discover their interesting backstory, including Bell’s personal notebook and walking stick. Hold history in the palm of your hand and learn how they are conserved for future generations to enjoy.
Day 2 - Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Chéticamp
Discover a place where forested river canyons carve into ancient plateau, edged by mystical rust-coloured cliffs. Let the beauty of the world-famous Cabot Trail sweep you off your feet as you wind through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Climb above the Chéticamp River on the Acadian Trail for panoramic views of the coastline, the river valley and the park's highland interior, resting at benches along the way to bask in the scenery. Enjoy an incredible view of the Cabot Trail as it winds its way down the mountain and marvel at how small the vehicles look from above. Be on the look-out for black bear and moose! End your day by marvelling at the sunset splendour, admiring not only the magnificent ocean views, but also bald eagles and whales!
Day 3 - Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Embark on a scenic drive along the breathtaking Cabot Trail and explore over 100 km of rugged, wave pounded cliffs and sheltered coves. Every twist and turn will inspire you to take a photo! Challenge you and your family to complete 10 short hikes in one day. This is definitely the place to do it!
Not tired yet? Reserve your spot on the Lantern Walk Through Time tour and watch as the tales, myths, and legends of the Mi’kmaq, European visitors, and Irish, Scottish and French settlers come to life. Or, book the Seeing in the Dark tour and peek under the cover of night as you enjoy a symphony of owls, loons and toads on a one-of-a-kind guided hike into the vibrant nocturnal world.
Day 4 - Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish
Start your day off on the right foot as you golf at the famous Highland Links Golf Course, ranked among the top 100 in the world! After a morning of golfing, don’t miss your opportunity to visit the stunning North Bay Beach. Enjoy saltwater swimming in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean then relax on stretches of white sand with Ingonish Island off in the distance. After a day of fun at the beach, make sure to pay a visit to the local artisan shops in the area and admire their unique creations.
Day 5 - Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
Discover what life was like 300 years ago as you spend the day interacting with authentically-dressed “residents” at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, an 18th century French fortress that was once one of the busiest harbours in North America. Want a taste of history? Savour Fortress™ Rum and a delicious meal at the Storehouse Tavern. Discover the living culture of Unama’ki through songs and stories at the Mi’kmaw Interpretive Centre. Become one of the city’s residents for the night as you end the evening under the stars, sleeping within the safety of the fortress walls in a period-style house.
Day 6 - Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
After a good night's sleep, explore beautiful beaches and scenic hiking trails nearby. Discover the secluded Kennington Cove, a white sand beach steeped in history. Head out for an afternoon stroll at what locals call ‘Old Town’ and enjoy the impressive views of the fortress and the surrounding harbour. Snap a selfie at Louisbourg Lighthouse and follow a trail that runs along a rugged coastline with unsurpassed vistas and crashing waves. Visit Royal Battery National Historic Site and uncover a place where the foundations of the French defence tell a story of battles long ago, or walk through the ruins of the original 18th century town… there are so many opportunities to see how nature and history connect!
Day 7 - St. Peters Canal National Historic Site
Take the scenic route back to Baddeck, along the Bras d’Or Lake, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, and make a pit stop at St. Peters Canal National Historic Site. Watch in fascination as boats navigate through the tidal lock, the oldest of its kind in North America. Learn about the diverse history of this cultural meeting place, which was originally a Mi’kmaq portage site and later a French trading post. Walk along the canal’s winding paths and pack a picnic to enjoy at Battery Park.
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