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Cabot Trail: Route Guide

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The Cabot Trail hugging Cape Breton's highland coast
Photo: Eric Van Lochem · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A self-drive loop from Baddeck around Cape Breton's highlands, with the Alexander Graham Bell site, Atlantic look-offs, a bounded national-park visit and Acadian Chéticamp. Wildlife, boat trips, live music and the Skyline Trail are possibilities rather than guarantees and need their own current conditions or reservations.

Cabot Trail is a 388 km loop (self-drive). It works best as 3–5 days; the plan below is the 4-day version for October, built from 65 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

3–5
days
388km
distance
4
Stops
65
curated stops

Plan your own version → 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 5-day plan · best time to go

The route

Baddeck→ 90 kmIngonish→ 60 kmCape Breton Highlands→ 60 kmChéticamp

What you'll see

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Explore exhibits and glimpse Bell's inventive spirit amidst historic settings.
Baddeck
Cape Smokey Provincial Park
Capture the island's dramatic, rugged coastline from this scenic spot.
Ingonish
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
You will see rugged coastlines, dense forests, and wildlife along the scenic Cabot Trail.
Cape Breton Highlands
Mi-Carême Centre
Learn about the centuries-old Mi-Carême celebrations and local Acadian culture.
Chéticamp
Black Brook Beach
Relax by a small waterfall and brook at the beach.
Cape Breton Highlands
St. Peter's Beach
Enjoy swimming and sunbathing on this beautiful sandy beach.
Chéticamp
Lone Shieling
Walk among ancient maple trees in quiet forest.
Cape Breton Highlands
Les Trois Pignons
Browse antique tools and hooked rugs that tell the story of Acadian life.
Chéticamp

Choose your length

3-day plan11 stops · 10.0 h transit3.7 stops/day · 3.3 h transit/daySee the full plan →4-day plan15 stops · 12.2 h transit3.8 stops/day · 3 h transit/daySee the full plan →5-day plan21 stops · 14.0 h transit4.2 stops/day · 2.8 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: June, July, August, September, October

Visitor services are operating, but confirm the Bell site, park facilities, trails, weather and road conditions for the exact date.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

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Plan your own version →