The Cabot Trail is a treat for the senses. This loop at the top of Cape Breton Island takes you along beaches at sea level, through mountain ranges where eagles soar overhead and along pristine rivers and forests. Take advantage of the experiences ahead and enjoy whale watching, fresh seafood, amazing scenery, historical sites and traditional Ceilidhs – meaning party!
You can join this trail from several points including the Ceilidh Trail at Margaree Harbour, the Bras D’Or Lakes Scenic Drive near Baddeck, and from the Metro Cape Breton area near the Seal Island Bridge.
Attractions are everywhere and include: the Margaree Salmon Museum at North East Margaree; the Margaree River Fish Hatchery at Margaree Valley; the Centre de la Mi Carême at St. Joseph de Moine; the Acadian Museum, the waterfront boardwalk; and the interesting Les Trois Pignons-Museum of the Hooked Rug & Home Life, at Cheticamp.
Once you enter the magnificent Cape Breton Highlands National Park at Petit Etang, take advantage of the look-offs throughout the entire park; the Skyline Trail on MacKenzie Mtn.; the Whale Interpretive Centre at Pleasant Bay; the Stupa at Gampo Abbey at Red River; the Beulah Bahn Falls at Big Intervale; the park & 4-mile beach at Cabot’s Landing; the remote, cliff top Meat Cove; the beaches at Dingwall; the cliffs and lagoons at Smelt Brook; the beach park at Black Brook; the pink granite shore at Green Cove; the Mary Ann Falls at Broad Cove; the Cape Smokey Park & look-offs; the giant MacAskill Museum and cable ferry at Englishtown; the North River Falls at North River Bridge; and the Hall of the Clans Museum and lunchtime Ceilidhs at the acclaimed Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts at South Gut St. Ann’s.
Completing the loop, Baddeck features the Alexander Graham Bell Museum & Historic Site; a busy waterfront; Kidston Island Beach; and the Uisage Bahn Falls at Forks Baddeck.