How Long To Drive The Cabot Trail?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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According to the Cabot Trail tourism map, available at Nova Scotia welcome centers and various museums and merchants on Cape Breton Island, the entire Cabot Trail drive takes

approximately five hours

.

Can you do the Cabot Trail in one day?


You can definitely drive the Cabot Trail in one day

. And some people do end up driving the entire trail in one day, finishing the full 185 mile-loop (298 km). But, you’ll likely miss out on some cool hikes and highlights.

What is the best way to drive the Cabot Trail?

Since most of the views around the cabot trail will be on the water side, for the driver to have the easiest drive and take in the views a

clockwise direction

make sense. Anticlockwise is also good, so that the pullover spots are on the right side of the road.

What should I not miss on the Cabot Trail?

  • Baddeck. Starting point. …
  • Ingonish Beach. About 1 hour 17 minutes. …
  • Hiking along the Skyline Trail. About 1 hour 30 minutes from Baddeck. …
  • Pleasant Bay. About 1 hour 49 minutes from Baddeck. …
  • Meat Cove. About 2 hours 30 minutes from Baddeck. …
  • Margaree Harbour.

Is the Cabot Trail scary to drive?

From the description

it is a scary drive

. That must be written by someone who has not driven mountain roads. Guard rails and wide road so not to worry unless bad weather.

What is the best month to visit Nova Scotia?

The best time to visit Nova Scotia

The best season for visiting is between

May through October

. Some hotels and restaurants may close after October, but there are many fall festivals which offer music, food celebrations.

Do you have to pay to drive the Cabot Trail?

The Cabot Trail cuts right through the park, and you will not be able to avoid paying the fee to use the road. Daily fees (as of 2019) are Can$7.80 per adult, Can$6.80 per senior, Can$15.70 per family group (up to 7 in one vehicle), and under 17 free.

Which side of Cabot Trail is best?

Which Cabot Trail route is best? Popular opinion states that driving the Cabot Trail in a

counter-clockwise direction

provides the best views—plus, the coast will be on your side of the road so nothing can block your vantage point.

Which part of Cabot Trail is best?


The Skyline Trail

is the most famous stop on the Cabot Trail and with good reason. This 7.5 km loop is one of the longer hikes on the trail, but it is very easy and the scenes are worth every minute. We hiked at sunset which is highly recommended.

Are there bears on the Cabot Trail?

Along with the classic scenery,

those travelling along the Cabot Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands this summer are seeing more black bears

. “We’ve had a significant increase in the amount of bear sightings,” said Erich Muntz, the visitor safety co-ordinator for the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

How many days do you need in Nova Scotia?

Generally speaking, here on TA we advise Travellers to allow

2 to 3 Weeks

to explore any Canadian Geographic Region (The Maritimes – NB – PEI – NS being one)… so with just 4 or 5 Days… something has to give… you are not really going to see much. 1- Fly and maximize your time…

Is Cape Breton worth seeing?

A true natural beauty,

Cape Breton is consistently lauded for its outdoor attractions

—sprawling coastline and mountainous vistas among them. To see why the island has earned its share of accolades as a bucket list destination, head to the Cabot Trail.

Why is it called Cabot Trail?

The Cabot Trail is

named for explorer John Cabot

, who sailed to North America in 1497. Cabot’s exact landing spot is debatable, but his spirit of discovery lives on in travellers who take the journey along his remote namesake road.

Why is the Cabot Trail famous?

The Cabot Trail is considered one of the world’s most scenic destinations, with

stunning ocean vistas, old-growth forests, prehistoric rock scarred by glaciers, and the mysterious Cape Breton Highlands

.

How long should you stay in Cape Breton?

I spent a week in Cape Breton driving along the Cabot Trail and still didn’t have enough time to do everything that I wanted! Even though the Cabot Trail is just under 300km, most people recommend spending

3-5 days

driving it as there is so much to do.

Is the Cabot Trail open in winter?

The Cabot Trail is

open year-round

.

Can you hike the Cabot Trail?


This relatively easy eight-kilometre round-trip hike

brings you into the boreal forest, through meadows and up onto a cliff, where you can watch a breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of the St. Lawrence.

Can you fly from Halifax to Cape Breton?

Bus or fly from Halifax to Cape Breton Island?

The best way to get from Halifax to Cape Breton Island is to fly which takes 2h 37m and costs $120 – $490

. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $65 – $95 and takes 5h 50m.

What is the hottest month in Nova Scotia?

If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Nova Scotia, the hottest months are

July, August, and then September

. See average monthly temperatures below.

Can you see whales in Nova Scotia?

While Nova Scotia is almost completely surrounded by water,

there really are two areas that offer guaranteed whale sightings – the Bay of Fundy and in the Northumberland Strait/Gulf of St. Lawrence around Cape Breton Island

.

Can you swim in Nova Scotia?


There are many sand beaches along the coast of the province

, and waters are often warm enough for a longer dip in the ocean. However, for those who value warmth over everything else, there are also inland lakes throughout provincial parks that offer great options for swimming.

Do you need a park pass to drive the Cabot Trail?

The permit is basically your parking pass at park facilities. If you are spending a day driving the Cabot Trail, I assume you’re making stops at some trails or viewpoints along the way inside the park, so for that day

yes you’d need a permit

, but not for days you’re just driving from Wreck Cove to Meat Cove.

How much does it cost to go on the Cabot Trail?

*

Adult


$8.50

*


Senior


$7.25

*


Youth


free

*


Family/Group


$16.75

*


Commercial Group, per person


$7.25

How long is Nova Scotia?


Roughly 360 miles (580 km) long

but not more than about 80 miles (130 km) wide at any point, the province comprises the peninsula of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island (separated from the mainland to the southwest by the narrow Strait of Canso), and a number of small adjacent islands.

What color is Cabot Trail?

A

moody charcoal gray grounded with moss green undertones

.

Is Sydney Nova Scotia worth visiting?


The former steel and coal mining city is now a major tourist destination

, with remnants f its industrial past still being seen today. Sydney has some very unique shops and services that are found nowhere else on the island. It is also filled with historic sites and some stunning scenery.

What is Cabot Trail?

The Cabot Trail is

a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada

. It is a 298 km (185 mi) loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the Cape Breton Highlands and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.