As you hug the world-famous Cabot Trail coastline, you’ll wind through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where lush, forested river canyons carve into the ancient plateau, edged by rust-coloured cliffs.
Bring your hiking shoes and explore stunning scenic trails. Picnic in quaint coves, and experience the friendly local culture in the welcoming villages along the Cabot Trail. There are sandy beaches and plenty of ocean and freshwater swimming. Enjoy cycling, ocean kayaking in sheltered bays, camping, golfing, and fishing; you might even catch minke and humpback whales breaching off shore.
100 km of the 300 km long Cabot Trail are located within the Cape Breton Highland National Park
Cape Breton Highland National Park offers 26 hiking trails and 12 look-offs located within the park
There are numerous accommodation and dining options available along the Cabot Trail
Travel the Cabot Trail in the fall to take in the stunning autumn colours
Top things to do
Town of Baddeck
Baddeck has been described as the beginning and the end of the Cabot Trail. Nestled along the shore of Bras d’Or Lake, the town offers dining, accommodations, and historic sites.
Celtic Culture
For hands-on cultural immersion, kick up your heels at a local ceilidh or square dance to learn about our Celtic history. Each fall, Cape Breton hosts the Celtic Colours International Festival.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
From guided sunset hikes along the Skyline Trail to lobster boils on the beach, Parks Canada offers an array of interpretation programs to enhance a visitor’s stay in
Explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park Virtually
Click and drag within the video to experience these 360° views!
Explore further with these itineraries
TRAVEL TIP
This is one of the world’s most breathtaking drives, so leave plenty of time to explore it. Plan to spend at least a day or two on the Cabot Trail to allow time to get out of your vehicle and really explore!
All visitors within the park are required to purchase a Parks Canada visitors pass.
