Bras d'Or Lake - Baddeck
Sightseeing
The picturesque island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia is home to beautiful highlands and coastline, providing the perfect backdrop for a range of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and whale watching.
The world-famous Cabot Trail is the islands’ most popular attraction. The 298 km road is the best way to see the highlights of Cape Breton as the route does a loop of the northern tip of the island.
The Cabot Trail is one of the most popular Canada destinations and one of the best-known driving routes in the world. Here, you can travel to a variety of seaside communities and see some stunning coastal views around every corner. Read on for our top recommendations on unmissable places to stop along the route.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cabot Trail
Cabot TrailThe picturesque island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia is home to beautiful highlands and coastline, providing the perfect backdrop for a range of outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and whale watching.
The world-famous Cabot Trail is the islands’ most popular attraction. The 298 km road is the best way to see the highlights of Cape Breton as the route does a loop of the northern tip of the island.
The Cabot Trail is one of the most popular Canada destinations and one of the best-known driving routes in the world. Here, you can travel to a variety of seaside communities and see some stunning coastal views around every corner. Read on for our top recommendations on unmissable places to stop along the route.
Regarded as one of Canada’s most captivating parks as the mountains meet the sea.
The route of the Cabot Trail winds through the national park and you’ll be driving through lush river canyons one moment and along rugged coastlines the next.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to a number of fantastic hikes, but one trail that Helen Suk from the travel blog Not Without My Passport highly recommends stopping at is the Skyline Trail.
“A visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park wouldn’t be complete without a gentle hike on the famous Skyline Trail, which is the spot for sunset viewing and one of the most iconic images of Nova Scotia.”
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Nacional de las Tierras Altas del Cabo Bretón de Canadá
37637 Cabot TrailRegarded as one of Canada’s most captivating parks as the mountains meet the sea.
The route of the Cabot Trail winds through the national park and you’ll be driving through lush river canyons one moment and along rugged coastlines the next.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to a number of fantastic hikes, but one trail that Helen Suk from the travel blog Not Without My Passport highly recommends stopping at is the Skyline Trail.
“A visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park wouldn’t be complete without a gentle hike on the famous Skyline Trail, which is the spot for sunset viewing and one of the most iconic images of Nova Scotia.”
1hr 50 min From Baddeck - Seen as the halfway destination along the Cabot Trail, this bay is known for being the whale watching capital of Cape Breton.
Here, pods of Atlantic pilot whales spend their summer hunting for squid. Other whales such as finback and minke whales have also been seen here, while there is also a large population of seals in the area.
Pleasant Bay is a great place to stop off at and go whale watching. Below are some of the best tour operators located in the area.
•Captain Mark’s Whale & Seal Cruise – They offer some of the best whale watching experiences on the Cabot Trail and their work with whales has been featured on local news specials.
•Guaranteed Whales – With this tour operator you can explore Cape Breton’s rugged coastline and its sea life. Their Highland Vessel is Cape Breton’s only double-decker whale watching tour vessel and it is great for catching a glimpse of the resident whales, seals, birds and other marine wildlife.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pleasant Bay
1hr 50 min From Baddeck - Seen as the halfway destination along the Cabot Trail, this bay is known for being the whale watching capital of Cape Breton.
Here, pods of Atlantic pilot whales spend their summer hunting for squid. Other whales such as finback and minke whales have also been seen here, while there is also a large population of seals in the area.
Pleasant Bay is a great place to stop off at and go whale watching. Below are some of the best tour operators located in the area.
•Captain Mark’s Whale & Seal Cruise – They offer some of the best whale watching experiences on the Cabot Trail and their work with whales has been featured on local news specials.
•Guaranteed Whales – With this tour operator you can explore Cape Breton’s rugged coastline and its sea life. Their Highland Vessel is Cape Breton’s only double-decker whale watching tour vessel and it is great for catching a glimpse of the resident whales, seals, birds and other marine wildlife.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is regarded as one of Canada’s most captivating parks as the mountains meet the sea.
The route of the Cabot Trail winds through the national park and you’ll be driving through lush river canyons one moment and along rugged coastlines the next.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to a number of fantastic hikes, but one trail that Helen Suk from the travel blog Not Without My Passport highly recommends stopping at is the Skyline Trail.
1 hr 30min from Baddeck - “A visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park wouldn’t be complete without a gentle hike on the famous Skyline Trail, which is the spot for sunset viewing and one of the most iconic images of Nova Scotia.”
64 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Skyline Trail
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is regarded as one of Canada’s most captivating parks as the mountains meet the sea.
The route of the Cabot Trail winds through the national park and you’ll be driving through lush river canyons one moment and along rugged coastlines the next.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to a number of fantastic hikes, but one trail that Helen Suk from the travel blog Not Without My Passport highly recommends stopping at is the Skyline Trail.
1 hr 30min from Baddeck - “A visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park wouldn’t be complete without a gentle hike on the famous Skyline Trail, which is the spot for sunset viewing and one of the most iconic images of Nova Scotia.”
Meat Cove is the most northerly settlement in Nova Scotia. The route to this scenic fishing village is incredible with spectacular views of the coastline.
The Chowder Hut restaurant is located here, and you can get some great views of the beach and coastline from this elevated location. If you’re feeling peckish, the restaurant serves delicious seafood and if you want to stay around Meat Cove for a bit longer, there is a campsite across from Chowder Hut.
Helen Suk from Not Without My Passport also thinks Meat Cove should be on your to-do list.
2 hrs 30 min from Baddeck - “I also highly recommend Meat Cove, a rural fishing community on the northernmost tip of Cape Breton Island. This off-the-beaten-path location offers a stunning panorama of rolling hills and the Gulf of St. Lawrence below.”
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Meat Cove
Meat Cove is the most northerly settlement in Nova Scotia. The route to this scenic fishing village is incredible with spectacular views of the coastline.
The Chowder Hut restaurant is located here, and you can get some great views of the beach and coastline from this elevated location. If you’re feeling peckish, the restaurant serves delicious seafood and if you want to stay around Meat Cove for a bit longer, there is a campsite across from Chowder Hut.
Helen Suk from Not Without My Passport also thinks Meat Cove should be on your to-do list.
2 hrs 30 min from Baddeck - “I also highly recommend Meat Cove, a rural fishing community on the northernmost tip of Cape Breton Island. This off-the-beaten-path location offers a stunning panorama of rolling hills and the Gulf of St. Lawrence below.”
46 min from Baddeck - Margaree Harbour is another must-visit destination nestled along the Cabot Trail.
It is a major attraction for anglers the world over with it being a hotspot for salmon and trout fly fishing, but there’s more to do here than just fishing.
One reason the Margaree Harbour Beach is known as a great destination is because of its sunsets, and either before or after watching the sun go down you can enjoy the fine cuisine on offer here.
The Dancing Goat Café & Bakery is a bustling roadside eatery offering soups, artisanal sandwiches and salads. It is a culinary gem tucked away in the hills of the Margaree Valley.
Margaree Harbour
46 min from Baddeck - Margaree Harbour is another must-visit destination nestled along the Cabot Trail.
It is a major attraction for anglers the world over with it being a hotspot for salmon and trout fly fishing, but there’s more to do here than just fishing.
One reason the Margaree Harbour Beach is known as a great destination is because of its sunsets, and either before or after watching the sun go down you can enjoy the fine cuisine on offer here.
The Dancing Goat Café & Bakery is a bustling roadside eatery offering soups, artisanal sandwiches and salads. It is a culinary gem tucked away in the hills of the Margaree Valley.
Food scene
This is a must visit! Quality ingredients and quality craftmanship! Cool place with great ambience! Staff are very friendly too!
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Herring Choker Deli
10158 TCHThis is a must visit! Quality ingredients and quality craftmanship! Cool place with great ambience! Staff are very friendly too!
46 min from Baddeck - The bustling roadside café, Dancing Goat Café and Bakery, is a favourite stop along the Cabot Trail for locals and visitors alike. With delicious sweet treats, fresh breads, artisanal sandwiches and soups, and lattes that would rival any top coffee house, the Dancing Goat is a culinary gem tucked in the hills of the Margaree Valley. After lunch be sure to buy a package of Goat Cakes (oatcakes) and a Margaree Valley Fog for the road!
63 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery
6289 Cabot Trail Rd46 min from Baddeck - The bustling roadside café, Dancing Goat Café and Bakery, is a favourite stop along the Cabot Trail for locals and visitors alike. With delicious sweet treats, fresh breads, artisanal sandwiches and soups, and lattes that would rival any top coffee house, the Dancing Goat is a culinary gem tucked in the hills of the Margaree Valley. After lunch be sure to buy a package of Goat Cakes (oatcakes) and a Margaree Valley Fog for the road!
City/town information
Your starting point for this epic drive is the village of Baddeck and before you begin driving on the route, we’d recommend having a look around this fascinating place, which is famous for its iconic Kidston Island Lighthouse.
The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic site allows you to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Through films, interactive displays, artefacts, models and a large photo collection you will learn so much about the area.
Other great attractions in Baddeck you can visit include:
•Wagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre – Here you can buy authentic Mi’kmaq arts and crafts or enjoy seafood specials featuring fresh seafood caught by our local fishermen and women.
•Amoeba Sailing Tours – Go on a sailing tour from Baddeck around the Bras d’Or Lakes. You might even see a Bald eagle in its natural habitat!
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Baddeck
Your starting point for this epic drive is the village of Baddeck and before you begin driving on the route, we’d recommend having a look around this fascinating place, which is famous for its iconic Kidston Island Lighthouse.
The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic site allows you to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Through films, interactive displays, artefacts, models and a large photo collection you will learn so much about the area.
Other great attractions in Baddeck you can visit include:
•Wagmatcook Culture & Heritage Centre – Here you can buy authentic Mi’kmaq arts and crafts or enjoy seafood specials featuring fresh seafood caught by our local fishermen and women.
•Amoeba Sailing Tours – Go on a sailing tour from Baddeck around the Bras d’Or Lakes. You might even see a Bald eagle in its natural habitat!
On the Water
35min from Baddeck - Located just outside of Baddeck and they offer quality sea-kayak tours. There are guided half-day, full-day or even 3-day kayak tours on offer. By kayaking along the Cape Breton Island coastline, you can see its hidden gems and its wildlife.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
North River Kayak Tours- Cabot Trail
644 Murray Rd35min from Baddeck - Located just outside of Baddeck and they offer quality sea-kayak tours. There are guided half-day, full-day or even 3-day kayak tours on offer. By kayaking along the Cape Breton Island coastline, you can see its hidden gems and its wildlife.
1 hr 17 min from Baddeck - One of the first highlights on the Cabot Trail is Ingonish Beach, famed for its rugged headlands, sandy beach and countryside.
Ingonish itself consists of five different communities: Ingonish Ferry, Ingonish Harbour, Ingonish Beach, Ingonish Centre and North Ingonish.
What makes Ingonish Beach remarkable is the fact you can jump from saltwater at the beach to a freshwater lake in just a few, small steps.
There are lots of hiking trails to sample, like the 4km hike to the Middle Head Peninsula, and an iconic golf course in the form of the fabled Stanley Thompson’s Highlands Links course, which offers par-fect views of the coastline and countryside.
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ingonish Beach
1 hr 17 min from Baddeck - One of the first highlights on the Cabot Trail is Ingonish Beach, famed for its rugged headlands, sandy beach and countryside.
Ingonish itself consists of five different communities: Ingonish Ferry, Ingonish Harbour, Ingonish Beach, Ingonish Centre and North Ingonish.
What makes Ingonish Beach remarkable is the fact you can jump from saltwater at the beach to a freshwater lake in just a few, small steps.
There are lots of hiking trails to sample, like the 4km hike to the Middle Head Peninsula, and an iconic golf course in the form of the fabled Stanley Thompson’s Highlands Links course, which offers par-fect views of the coastline and countryside.
1 hr 50 min from Baddeck - Seen as the halfway destination along the Cabot Trail, this bay is known for being the whale watching capital of Cape Breton.
Here, pods of Atlantic pilot whales spend their summer hunting for squid. Other whales such as finback and minke whales have also been seen here, while there is also a large population of seals in the area.
Pleasant Bay is a great place to stop off at and go whale watching. Below are some of the best tour operators located in the area.
•Captain Mark’s Whale & Seal Cruise – They offer some of the best whale watching experiences on the Cabot Trail and their work with whales has been featured on local news specials.
•Guaranteed Whales – With this tour operator you can explore Cape Breton’s rugged coastline and its sea life. Their Highland Vessel is Cape Breton’s only double-decker whale watching tour vessel and it is great for catching a glimpse of the resident whales, seals, birds and other marine wildlife.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pleasant Bay
1 hr 50 min from Baddeck - Seen as the halfway destination along the Cabot Trail, this bay is known for being the whale watching capital of Cape Breton.
Here, pods of Atlantic pilot whales spend their summer hunting for squid. Other whales such as finback and minke whales have also been seen here, while there is also a large population of seals in the area.
Pleasant Bay is a great place to stop off at and go whale watching. Below are some of the best tour operators located in the area.
•Captain Mark’s Whale & Seal Cruise – They offer some of the best whale watching experiences on the Cabot Trail and their work with whales has been featured on local news specials.
•Guaranteed Whales – With this tour operator you can explore Cape Breton’s rugged coastline and its sea life. Their Highland Vessel is Cape Breton’s only double-decker whale watching tour vessel and it is great for catching a glimpse of the resident whales, seals, birds and other marine wildlife.
1 hr 50 min from Baddeck - Our Zodiac Vessel is known for having a personal feel with the water and whales. We offer a chance to see various marine wildlife and spectacular coastal views of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. A tour with Captain Mark is a must for eco-tourists and photographers.
Capt. Mark's work with whales has been featured on local news specials and his tour has been chartered by the Discovery Channel. Capt. Mark has been offering whale watching tours off the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia since 1994. Thousands of visitors and residents have been introduced to the wonderful world of whales.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Capt. Mark's Whale and Seal Cruise
126 Harbour Rd1 hr 50 min from Baddeck - Our Zodiac Vessel is known for having a personal feel with the water and whales. We offer a chance to see various marine wildlife and spectacular coastal views of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. A tour with Captain Mark is a must for eco-tourists and photographers.
Capt. Mark's work with whales has been featured on local news specials and his tour has been chartered by the Discovery Channel. Capt. Mark has been offering whale watching tours off the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia since 1994. Thousands of visitors and residents have been introduced to the wonderful world of whales.
1 hr 50 min from Baddeck - Pleasant Bay is one of the most spectacular whale watching places in the world. Many different species of whales can be seen here including the Minke, Sperm, Blue, Humpbacks, and the world's largest population of Northern Long fin Pilot Whale. Feeding on Capelin, Krill and Squid along the coast between May and September, you can catch a glimpse of majestic mammals breaching the surface of the water and playing along our shores.
In addition to our Spectacular Whales, be prepared to adventure alongside Bald Eagles, Curious Grey Seals, Diving Gannets, Gigantic Leatherback Turtles, Sea Loving Guillemots, Sensational Sunfish and much more!
Guaranteedwhales.ca
130 Harbour Rd1 hr 50 min from Baddeck - Pleasant Bay is one of the most spectacular whale watching places in the world. Many different species of whales can be seen here including the Minke, Sperm, Blue, Humpbacks, and the world's largest population of Northern Long fin Pilot Whale. Feeding on Capelin, Krill and Squid along the coast between May and September, you can catch a glimpse of majestic mammals breaching the surface of the water and playing along our shores.
In addition to our Spectacular Whales, be prepared to adventure alongside Bald Eagles, Curious Grey Seals, Diving Gannets, Gigantic Leatherback Turtles, Sea Loving Guillemots, Sensational Sunfish and much more!
Golf
Cape Breton Highlands Links
247 Keltic in Rd