The Cabot Trail is a scenic drive located in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. It is a popular tourist destination that is known for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast, forests, and mountains. The Cabot Trail is named after the explorer John Cabot and is a 286-km (178-mile) loop that begins and ends in the town of Baddeck.
The Cabot Trail is a scenic roadway located on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. It was named after John Cabot, a famous explorer who landed in North America in 1497.
The construction of the Cabot Trail began in 1932 as a make-work project during the Great Depression. It was built to connect the remote fishing communities on the island’s western coast to the rest of Nova Scotia. The trail was completed in 1940 and originally measured 67 kilometers (42 miles) in length.
Over the years, the Cabot Trail has been extended to a length of 298 kilometers (185 miles) and has become a popular tourist destination. The roadway winds through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, forests, and mountains. It is also home to many species of wildlife, including moose, bald eagles, and whales.
Today, the Cabot Trail is considered one of the most scenic drives in North America, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation, as well as for enjoying the region’s unique culture and cuisine.
You can locate The Cabot Trail by looking for Baddeck on a map of Nova Scotia, Canada. From there, you can follow the loop of the Cabot Trail, which hugs the coast and travels through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
25 fun and best things to do in The Cabot Trail.
- Hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park – This national park offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of the Atlantic coast and the surrounding wilderness.
- Whale watching – Take a boat tour and look for whales, dolphins, and seals that frequent the waters along the Cabot Trail.
- Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site – Learn about the existence and accomplishments of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the cellphone, at his former summer property.
- Enjoy a round of golfing – Play a round of golf at one of the many publications along the Cabot Trail, inclusive of the arena-renowned Cabot Cliffs.
- Explore the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site – This reconstructed 18th-century French fortress offers a glimpse into life in colonial times.
- Visit the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts – Learn about the rich Gaelic cultural heritage of Cape Breton Island at this college.
- Take a scenic drive – Enjoy the views from the comfort of your car as you travel along the Cabot Trail.
- Go kayaking or canoeing – Paddle along the coast or on one of the many rivers and lakes in the area.
- Try traditional Scottish cuisine – Enjoy a meal of haggis, neeps, and tatties at one of the many restaurants along the Cabot Trail.
- Visit a local farmers’ market – Sample local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts at a farmers’ market.
- Explore the Cape Breton Miner’s Museum – Learn about the coal-mining history of Cape Breton Island at this museum.
- Visit a distillery or brewery – Try some of the locally produced beer and spirits along the Cabot Trail.
- Take a scenic boat tour – Enjoy the views of the coast and wildlife from the water on a boat tour.
- Attend a ceilidh – Experience a traditional Scottish gathering with live music, dancing, and storytelling.
- Visit the Cape Breton Island Aerospace Museum – Learn about the history of flight in the region at this museum.
- Go fishing – Try your hand at fishing for Atlantic salmon, lobster, and other local species.
- Explore the Marconi National Historic Site – Learn about the history of wireless communication at this historic site.
- Visit a lighthouse – See one of the many historic lighthouses along the Cabot Trail.
- Take a scenic drive to Meat Cove – Visit this remote coastal village at the northern tip of Cape Breton Island.
- Visit the Cape Breton Island Genealogy Centre – Learn about your ancestors and the history of the island’s settlers.
- Attend a concert or show at the Savoy Theatre – Enjoy a night of music, dance, or theater at this historic theater.
- Visit the Baddeck Public Library – Browse the books and historical records at this library located in the heart of Baddeck.
- Take a scenic drive to Ingonish – Enjoy the views and visit the beach in this charming coastal town.
- Visit the Highlands Links Golf Course – Play a round of golf at this world-renowned course located in Ingonish.
- Visit the Cheticamp Hooked Rug Museum – Learn about the traditional art of hooked rug making at this museum.
10 places similar to The Cabot Trail and their locations.
- The Icefields Parkway – Alberta, Canada
- The Pacific Coast Highway – California, USA
- The Great Ocean Road – Victoria, Australia
- The Garden Route – Western Cape, South Africa
- The Ring Road – Iceland
- The Amalfi Coast – Campania, Italy
- The Stelvio Pass – Lombardy and South Tyrol, Italy
- The National Route 7 – Patagonia, Argentina
- The Wild Atlantic Way – Ireland
- The Romantic Road – Bavaria, Germany
These scenic drives offer stunning views, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities to experience local culture and history. Each one is unique,however, all provide a hazard to get away from the hustle and bustle of regular existence and experience the beauty of nature.
