29 Things to Do On the Cabot Trail: An Epic List for Your Cape Breton Road Trip
Are you planning to pack your Cabot Trail road trip with all of the amazing things there are to do here?
Then let’s go! The Cabot Trail, on the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia Canada, is full of more natural beauty than any other road trip I’ve ever been on.
I’ve spent the last 5 years living 3 minutes off the Cabot Trail. Each season I’m on the road, getting to know everything there is to see and do in this spectacular place.
The coastal views themselves are stunning, and the hiking trails take you through towering forests, past icy cold brooks, and along the rugged coastlines.
There are so many ways to enjoy the beauty along the trail. Think kayaking, whale watching, and Ceilidhs (kay-lees – aka. musical gatherings), just to name a few.
And after all that, a lobster feed to end all feeds.
Join me below in exploring all of the sights and activities to be found on a bucket list road trip along the Cabot Trail.
What there is to do on the Cabot Trail
No matter how you’re travelling or who you’ve brought along with you, there are a ton of things to enjoy along the Trail.
For Everyone
1. Just Drive: Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic drives with stunning ocean views, rugged coastlines, and thick natural forests.
2. Cape Breton Highlands National Park (CBHNP): Take in all of the different landscapes, scout for wildlife, and enjoy the breathtaking viewpoints.
3. Whale Watching: Go on a boat tour – or 2 – to see whales, seals, and other marine life up close. Oshan Whale Watch and Guaranteed Whale Watching are 2 of the best!
Spring Activities
4. Bird Watching: Spot migratory birds returning to the region, especially around coastal areas and forests. (Blue herons are my favourites.)
Cape Breton Highlands National Park along the northern Trail is the perfect place for bird watching. Middle Head Trail, past the Keltic Lodge in Ingonish, and Benjie’s Lake Trail, between Pleasant Bay and Cheticamp, also have incredible birdlife.
5. Wildflower Walks: Discover blooming wildflowers along trails and in meadows. Wild lupines, black-eyed susans, and wild roses are just a few of the blooms that grow along the road sides.
Broad Cove Mountain Trail and Freshwater Lake Lookoff Trail, both near Cheticamp, are fantastic hikes to enjoy the flowers on.
6. Hiking: Trails like the Skyline Trail, in the CBHNP, and Franey Trail, south of Ingonish, have fantastic views. And hikes like the Franey Trail and Acadian Trail are beautiful even without the views from the top.
The trees and foliage are gorgeous, in any season, but particularly breathtaking in autumn.
Summer Activities
7. Beaches: The is no end to the fantastic beaches along the Trail. Keep an eye out for signs, and turn in to explore the treasures you’ll find.
Spend a day at Ingonish Beach or Black Brook Beach, perfect for swimming and picnics. Or track down the quiet town beaches in Neil’s Harbour and Margaree Harbour.
8. Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle through the calm waters and explore hidden coves. North Bay Beach is a quiet spot north of Ingonish Beach, is a perfect spot.
Or if you’re on the west side of the trail, paddle out on the Margaree River.
9. Festivals and Events: Enjoy local festivals like the Celtic Colours International Festival for music, crafts, and food.
Celtic Colours is a 9-day October celebration that takes place in towns and villages all around the trail. Find details for the 2024 Festival, and plan your fun!
Others include the mid-September Hike the Highlands Festival around the CBHNP and the weekly Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh in the town of Baddeck.
And don’t miss the Acadian Festival, or Festival de l’Escaouette, in Cheticamp. The music, dancing and cultural activities are unforgettable!
10. Golfing: Golfing with an ocean view just can’t be beat!
Play a round at the Highland Links Golf Course in Ingonish, one of the top courses in Canada. We love it for its ocean and mountain views, and the challenging course.
Or visit Le Portage Golf Club in Cheticamp for sublime vistas and a great design.
11. Local Markets: Browse farmers’ markets for fresh produce, local crafts, and baked goods. All with an Atlantic flare. Here are a few to get you started.
- Cape North Farmers’ Market – every Saturday from 9:30 – 12:30 at the Cape North Volunteer Fire Department, right on Cabot Trail in Cape North
- Baddeck Farmers’ Market – Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 26 Campbell Street in Baddeck
- The North Highlands Community Museum and Culture Center – Sundays starting July 14th 11am – 2pm, in Cape North
- Mabou Farmers’ Market – Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm from June to mid-October at the Mabou Athletic Centre in the village of Mabou. (But – Mabou isn’t technically on the Cabot Trail – but it’s close!)
Fall Activities
12. Fall Foliage: Drive or hike to see the stunning autumn colours. Trails and overlooks provide stupendous views.
My favourite autumn hikes are Franey Trail, south of Ingonish (and nearby Andrew’s Pizza nearby). And the Mica Trail Hike, between Cape North and Neil’s Harbour. Beautiful!
13. Photography: There’s no end to the views you’ll want to take home with you. From coastal views to mountain vistas to birds and wildlife.
Capture the dramatic landscapes and vibrant fall colours. This is a can’t miss activity – it’s an eminently photographable place!
14. Fishing: Try your hand at fishing! There are freshwater scads of freshwater fishing spots, like the Margaree River in Margaree Valley.
Or for costal and seas fishing, try Ingonish Beach and Pleasant Bay.
15. Local Art Galleries: Visit galleries like Colouratura Art Gallery to appreciate local art.
I also highly recommend the Glass Artisans Studio and Gallery in Indian Brook, and the Wildfire Pottery and Studio at North Shore.
Travelling with Friends?
16. Mountain Biking: Hit the trails for some adventure and fun. The Cabot Trail is a popular route for cyclists from around the world.
Come prepared to bike the entire trail, or parts of it. Contact Velomax and have them plan your cycling tour for you.
17. Live Music and Pubs: Cheticamp is especially known for live, traditional Cape Breton music. Sample some at the The Doryman Pub & Grill or Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge.
18. Boat Tours: Take a tour to explore the coast and nearby islands. A favourite is the Amoeba Sailing Tours in Baddeck – entertainment and a licensed bar!
For Couples
19. Romantic Sunset Picnic: Find a quiet spot along the trail to enjoy a picnic and watch the sunset.
Neil Brook is a pretty little site for a picnic, across the street from Buchanan Memorial Hospital in Neil’s Harbour. Another idyllic location is Corney Brook. Stop for some seafood takeout and enjoy (and bring along a little bug spray).
20. Spa Day: Relax and unwind at a local spa, like the one at Keltic Lodge. Their luxurious spa has decadent couple’s treatments, so you can relax, unwind, and enjoy a relaxing experience together.
Their romantic restaurant with its stunning ocean views offers gourmet dining that’s perfect for a memorable evening together.
21. Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants like the Chanterelle in Baddeck. Another great choice is the Le Gabriel Restaurant and Lounge in Cheticamp.
For Families with Young Kids
22. Beaches: Spend time building sandcastles and splashing in the waves. There is no end to your options when it comes to great beaches.
Some of the best ones for littles are Black Brook Cove Beach, between Ingonish and Neil’s Harbour. Black Brook has washrooms, a playground, and shallow areas for the kids.
Kidston Island Lighthouse and Beach is another spot to check out. It has a lighthouse a short hike away, a lifeguard on duty, and a crescent of sandy beach.
Plus, between Canada Day to Labour Day, a free shuttle boat daily will transport you the quick 300 meters over to the island.
23. Whale Interpretive Centre: Found in Pleasant Bay, this is a fun, interactive museum with exhibits on whales, porpoises, and local lobster fishing.
Kids can enjoy puzzles, toys, coloring pages, games, and hear whale sounds. It’s a fun place for the kids.
24. Family-friendly Hikes: Enjoy easier trails like the Freshwater Lake Trail in Ingonish. The MacIntosh Brook Trail in the northern CBHNP is another top choice.
Cultural and Historical Activities
25. Acadian Culture: Visit the village of Cheticamp for traditional music, crafts, and delicious cuisine. Visit the Les Trois Pignons cultural center and museum, and the Chéticamp Rug Hooking Museum, a traditional Acadian art form.
26. Gaelic College (aka. Colaisde na Gàidhlig): In St, Ann’s, along the west side of the Cabot Trail, you can learn about Gaelic culture, music, and language.
Visitors can participate in workshops, attend cultural events, and enjoy performances that highlight traditional Gaelic arts. This is a fascinating stop!
Unique Cabot Trail Experiences
27. Cabot Trail Relay Race: If you’re in the Baddeck area at the end of May, participate in or watch this long-distance relay race.
The race heads up over the mountains of the CBHNP, through the little towns and villages around the Cabot Trail, to the beautiful Margaree Valley.
28. Stargazing: Enjoy clear night skies for stargazing, especially in remote areas. With very little light pollution, the areas surrounding the Cape Breton Trail are incredible places to see the stars.
Remember to look up while you’re here!
29. Eat Lobster! Options for filling yourself up with lobster fun from casual takeout to fine dining with a view. My favourite is a sit down restaurant with a view – the Rusty Anchor, in Pleasant Bay. Wherever you end up, you can’t go wrong.
Summing it Up: Things to Do On the Cabot Trail
This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what you can so along the Cabot Trail. Whether you’re here to enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Breton, to experience the Acadian culture, or to gorge yourself on seafood – you can’t go wrong on the Cabot Trail.
Check in periodically to see the list grow, and the collection of photos expands!
Happy Travels!
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