is the cabot trail scary to drive
See part 1 here. While they look goofy in photos, these are strong, sturdy, agile animals who wont hesitate to protect their young and should never be approached. You cover a lot of ground if you do this whole itinerary as I wrote it AND do the hikes and stops! This mountain climb has 4 unique look offs with 1 in particular that steals the show. Guard rails and wide road so not to worry unless bad weather. At 185 miles, the Cabot Trail is longer than most people think. Re: scary driving 17 years ago Save Why don't you go around the Cabot Trail clockwise? This is when the oohs and aahs start. It is NOT the Amalfi Coast drive (that one scares me and usually I am too dumb to be scared). Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Some other places I heard good things about are Coastal Restaurant, and Salty Roses & the Periwinkle Cafe, which looked super cute. Take a seat on the outdoor patio and do some whale watching as you wait for your lobster feast. I HIGHLY recommend this two hour hike. Some of the more popular Cabot Trail stops include: If you have extra time, plan to drive up to Cabot's Bay (the presumed site of John Cabot's landing in 1497) and Bay St. Lawrence. The Cabot Trail also goes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, a superb hiking destination. This also means for the parts of the drive that go right along the coast, youll be on the outside lane of the road with the best views! Photo Credit: David Li. It may look very plain, but why disturb the taste of the lobster with lettuce and other tidbits? This also means a more gradual climb along Cape Smokey. Coming into North Sydney on a cruise ship how far into the Cabot trail can we get between 9 AM and 4 PM? And be sure to get to the sunset spot I talked about! The curves are sharp, the grades are steep, and the other drivers may not be experienced mountain drivers. Ive been there before. The patio overlooked the water, which was nice. Vanessa Chiasson is an award-winning freelance writer, editor, and blogger from Canada bringing warmth and depth to travel and human interest narratives. The Cabot Trail, a scenic roadway that takes you around the greater part of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, is one of the most famous drives in Canada. Just as obvious is the fact that the Township built public facilities into the fire station. We will ne leaving Halufax area on a Monday and have ferry reservations for Wednesday afternoon in North Sydney. The Cabot Trail makes a loop around Cape Breton Island, cutting across the top of the island and closely following the western and eastern coastlines. Next:This Nova Scotia Island Is Free To Explore, But Not For The Faint-Hearted, Lianna boarded a plane by herself for the first time at the tender age of 12 to traverse nearly 9,000 miles halfway across the world. more. You could easily spend several days along the route, enjoying slow travel at its finest. Most of the trail is not Cliff Side, the road is wide.so not sure what the hype is about. However before you pop out onto the coastal cliffs, stop at the Wreck Cove General Store. There are plenty of whale watching companies in Ingonish, Bay St Lawrence, Pleasant Bay and Cheticamp. Plus the atmosphere at Charlenes is like having breakfast in your grandmothers house, and who doesnt love that! This is a buffet of coffee, tea, sweets, and sometimes light sandwiches and is especially common at ceilidhs designed as community fundraisers. I have consistently found the best rental car prices on RentalCars.com (international and at home) and use them when I have to rent a car. Other areas of the drive are heavily forested with old-growth trees. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Alternatively, driving allows visitors to explore the island of their own volition, making any stops they want along the way. But you could get up and see the top tip for sure. Im not entirely sure but most of the stuff we did that I mention was all outdoors and I would think that dogs can join. On Cape Breton Island, a ceilidh can be a casual affair of neighbors gathering for music and drinks at home or a more-organized event at a community center, church hall, or cafe with a slate of musicians, a host, and a small admission fee. How Do You Get to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia? Its the beginning of summer there so I would expect decent weather and cool nights. The town of Cheticamp is one of the largest French settlements in Nova Scotia. You do have to pay entrance fee to National park but pass is good for 24 hours so we could use it to drive on day 2.Day 2 we drove western half . If you plan to drive to Meat Cove, one of the northernmost points on the island, be aware that the road is a combination of gravel, dirt, and mud. Time to get out and stretch those legs! Im not a golfer so Im not entirely sure. Get off the Trail at Neil's Harbor on New Haven Road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Joe's Scarecrows, Cabot Trail. Rusty Anchor remains our top spot for a lunch. Many of the turnoffs into Cape Breton Highlands National Park are right turns if you travel clockwise. However - the trail is gorgeous.and I have a feeling it doesn't matter which way you choose. You can find a comprehensive list of Cabot Trail restaurants here, including information on hours of operation and menu choices. Trips are available during CATA's regular service hours. I still highly recommend getting out on the water if you have time! There are narrow roads, plus plenty of big bends and dips. Seafood and especially shellfish are the undisputed stars on local menus. Hello, this itinerary is great, thanks for sharing! They work with all of the major car companies; check out their prices and see what you think. In the meantime we made two other stops at stores only to see the same posted sign. Plus, there are little hiking trails that will take you right to the edge for some spectacular pictures. Then drove north of Ingonish to a drive off the Cabot Trail at Neil's Harbor taking the Smelt Brook drive out to White Point for a scenic view! It puts her further inside next to the roadside (scaredycat). Since the Cabot Trail snakes its way around a majority of the island, it's easy enough to find good accommodations depending on a variety of budgets. About 1500 feet up the road will be a firehouse with a red roof on your right. This is some of the most scenic parts of the Cabot Trail and they are glowing in golden sunlight at this time of evening. The Cabot Trail is located on the island of Cape Breton in stunning Nova Scotia. Need ideas for more hikes around Cape Breton? I didnt stop there on this particular one day journey but you certainly could. I recommend at least 4 days for the Cabot Trail drive, though 3 or 5 would also work. This half definitely has the spectacular views! On our first day driving the Cabot Trail, we drove from Pictou, Nova Scotia, so we arrived at our first stop on the trail at midday. My best friend and I chose to drive the Cabot Trail COUNTER-CLOCKWISE so that we could be closer to the ocean and pull off to the lookouts easily. The Cabot Trail is a 185 mile loop of jaw-dropping beauty in the northern part of Cape Breton Island (roughly two-thirds of the Cabot Trail is Atlantic coastline). Post author: Post published: December 10, 2022 Post category: private label sprinkle manufacturers Post comments: is nessebar worth visiting is nessebar worth visiting So happy you like the Cabot Trail and that you stopped at Rusty AnchorI have missed lobster this summerI must go back! overstated scary drive - Review of Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island However you could easily do the skyline trail instead of sunset. Drive Distance from White Point Harbor: 35 miles approx 1 hr. Then head toward Meat Cove Campground for views that youll never forget. There are literallyhundredsof things to do on Breton Island at any one time, but here are some to consider factoring into a road trip. What the map does not tell you is that this time is calculated without any stops. Cape Breton Island - Travel guide at Wikivoyage If youre planning a trip to Nova Scotia, here are 10 important things you should know about driving the Cabot Trail. Ultimate Cabot Trail Guide (+23 Epic Things to Do) Be prepared that the Skyline trail is a HIKE. CATA route reduction sends students on a cold, lonely walk. You can take a whale watching trip here (allow two to three hours) or enjoy the maritime scenery. Clockwise- start on the Cheticamp side and make your way around to Ingonish side. Take a deep breath in and out. No need to worry yourself about it. But dont get too carried away with the atmosphere because for the next stop, timing is everything! Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia | Roadtrippers For the second day of your Cabot Trail itinerary, you'll experience increasingly dramatic coastal and cliff views. How is the weather on the Cabot trail between June 14 and June 18. Use extra caution if you are driving the Cabot Trail in fog, mist, or rain, all of which are common on Cape Breton Island. Staff at the park can advise on the best wildlife viewing areas. And theres no better place for this than family owned Rusty Anchor Restaurant in Pleasant Bay. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. You can check out my Amazon travel gear recommendation lists for hiking, photography, and road trips but here are some key items you wont want to forget! Along the trail, youll find cottages, rental properties, campgrounds, motels, old-fashioned bed and breakfast properties, and a few elegant inns and holiday resorts (mostly privately owned and operated hotels by the Bras dOr Lakes). If you and/or your readers are interested, here is a link to my post and video for other parts of Nova Scotia. It isn't scary to drive the Cabot Trail. My wife was dying and ready to kill me!Obviously, this is a huge problem, or every store would not post the sign. With heavy snow hitting Michigan State University's campus this week, students have no choice but to walk in the bitter cold because of bus shortages. Hotels in the summer can be hard to find, so book as early as you can! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-2990520', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cabot trail last year, and while not a nervous driver, I wouldn't say it was either particularly steep or troublesome. We found your itinerary very helpful. Required fields are marked *. CABOT TRAIL - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) Pay attention as you enter and exit the scenic look-off areas. It has amazing views of both sides of the ocean. There is a little turnoff between two little lakes/ponds and theres room for a few cars to park. From here, walk along Water Street for great views of the harbour and all of the boats. The Cabot Trail, a scenic roadway that takes you around the greater part of Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island, is one of the most famous drives in Canada. Report inappropriate content ab0si We discovered that the Coastal Trail starts/ends here, so we did a quick hike just before sunset, which took us to the top of the waterfall and along the cliffs. It is not that bad. Check out this 164.7-mile point-to-point trail near Nyanza, Nova Scotia. The 298-kilometer-long scenic cabot trail drive is a combination of roads, paths, and stairs. Suggested duration More than 3 hours Suggest edits to improve what we show. Actually I didnt start in Baddeck because there was no lodging available there. Now many of these towns have changed more into touristic towns. Gas up before you start driving. The Cabot Trail, a scenic roadway that takes you around the greater part of Nova Scotia Cape Breton, is one of the most famous drives in Canada. I would guess they would have club rental though since its mainly travelers who come to play the course. Cabot Trail Virtual Tour | Destination Cape Breton - CB Island For more information on what we did before and after the Cabot Trail, check out my blog post, The Ultimate 7 Day East Nova Scotia Road Trip., Pingback: I love Nova Scotia and the Johnsons. While this direction is less popular (it's billed as the direction for the brave driver), it may be easier to handle if you dislike slow traffic, as fewer people travel counter-clockwise. If you want to go beyond Cabot Trail and do a road trip around Nova Scotia, then check out my Things to do on a Road Trip through the Province article. Because there are so many scenic overlooks, cultural heritage sites and hiking trails on the Cabot Trail, spending some time planning your excursion will make your road trip much more enjoyable. That must be written by someone who has not driven mountain roads. There is a little turnoff between two little lakes/ponds and theres room for a few cars to park. Drive Distance from Middle Head Trail: 22.3 miles approx 35 min. Moose are common along the Cabot Trail, especially the portion of the drive that goes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Other dangers, like road safety and animal encounters, may be more of a concern. Id call them on both counts to be sure. Enjoy!! Then you'll be on the land-side of the road. Review of Cabot Trail Reviewed July 15, 2017 We are booked two nights in saint Anns. The Ultimate 7 Day East Nova Scotia Road Trip - Trips to Uncover on October 17, 2021, My name is Michelle. Enjoy the views, a beer, and a stretch of your legs at Big Spruce. The best part the view from our deck was incredible. Pronounced kay-lee, this is the Gaelic word for a social gathering or kitchen party, and its a word youll hear a lot of along the Cabot Trail, no matter what language youre speaking! Yes that is actually all possible in a day it is a long day though! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-2965443', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cabot trail with worrying about driving off the cliff. After lunch at Le Gabriel in Cheticamp, we gassed up knowing that there were no gas stations along the route. Many visitors to Cape Breton set aside an entire day - or two, three or four days - to see the sights along the Cabot Trail. There are a lot of great golf courses in and along the route for the golfing enthusiast and boating opportunities galore for fishing or whale watching. Students were recently told that the CATA buses would be reducing . Head toward the Neil Harbour Lighthouse for some ice cream (served in the lighthouse!). The island itself is home to more things than could fit in a single week, so for those looking to get the most out of their island activities, driving is definitely the way to go. If you crash into one, the best you can expect is an extended hospital stay. Echoing the oceanside coastline comparable to that of Maine, Breton Island offers seaside views with dramatic cliffsides that one could only dream of. The drive this way climbs up steep slopes, so go slow and take in the views. The drive from Rusty Anchor to this secluded point is gorgeous as the sun is going down. Accommodations for a One Day Cabot Trail Itinerary, Stop 1: Charlenes Bayside Restaurant and Cafe, Stop 8: The Normaway Inn and the Barn Music Center. 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.. We took two days to drive the Cabot Trail. I hope you enjoy your time there! You can easily drive the Cabot Trail in a day, even taking into account the slower traffic and plenty of scenic stops. CATA closes for Memorial Day holiday; resumes modified summer service May 26 Lansing, Mich. - In observance of Memorial Day, the Capital Area Transportation Authority will be closed Monday, May 25, 2020. And reserve early. The Cabot Trail is one of Canada's ultimate scenic highways. Margaree Harbour and villages in the Margaree River valley, for fishing, the Salmon Museum, and water sports, Chticamp, the largest village on Cape Breton Island's Acadian coast, Hiking trails and scenic viewpoints ("look-offs") in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish and the surrounding beaches, for water sports, golf, and scenery, St. Ann's, for the Gaelic College and local art studios, Baddeck, for the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, golf and summer ceilidhs (Celtic music and dance events). This year we are definately doing it enroute from Labrador to NL. Understand . Which way should you drive around the Cabot Trail? Hit the Cabot Trail Road and make your way toward Ingonish. If you are driving your own car, be sure the brakes are in good shape before attempting this drive. If you have more days then consider Inverness its a lovely place to stay and stop along the coast. overstated scary drive - Cabot Trail - Tripadvisor This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Novia Scotia, which you'll soon realize after you start driving and maybe even do a hike, like the Skyline Hike at sunset. The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway in the northern part of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. My husband is playing highland links and I think I'll ride along. hi, did you guys stop at the Skyline Trail? Strong preferences are part of the local culture, and there are plenty of arguments to back up each perspective! Some other restaurants in Cheticamp that were recommended to us are Labri Restaurant (reserve in advance), Le Gabriel Restaurant, and Harbour Restaurant. For dinner, The Freight Shed is a must the Haddock Parisienne Vin Blanc was delicious. Things to do on a Road Trip through the Province article, Amazon travel gear recommendation lists for hiking, photography, and road trips, Behind the Scenes of An Influencer or Blogger Campaign, How to Experience Cabot Cliffs Golf Course When You Dont Golf, https://www.mikesroadtrip.com/nova-scotia-road-trip-guide, https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/cape-breton-hikes-adventures/, https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/cabot-cliffs-golf-course-cape-breton-nova-scotia/, https://www.ottsworld.com/destinations/north-america/canada/nova-scotia/, Light hiking boots for Middle Head Trail. I really love to seek out the less crowded and lesser-known places so thats what I gave you. There's so much to see and do that most suggest reserving at least five days, preferably seven, in order to see all that it has to offer. From Glenora Distillery (see part 1) I headed to Baddeckright on Bras d'or Laketo take in the local color and get some rest . Photos (29) Directions. The Ultimate Cabot Trail Itinerary: Cape Breton Road Trip I can help you plan your trip with this 1-day Cabot Trail itinerary, so keep reading! Everyone tells you that you should plan for 3 to 5 days on the Cabot Trail a 185-mile drive around the tip of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, passing through the scenic Cape Breton Highlands. Print/PDF map. For the outdoor enthusiast this route in Nova Scotia is a must do! If you are driving in the dead of winter in ice and snow, then yes it is. The roads are in good condition and easily traveled with almost any type of vehicle. I really love the Middle Head hike and its a nice chance to get out of the car. However - the trail is gorgeous.and I have a feeling it doesn't matter which way you choose. The average rate is $33/night with an $11 reservation fee, plus a $16 daily admission fee for two adults. Then you'll be on the land-side of the road. ABSOLUTELY. Im trying to make a printable version too so people can take it with them! If youre like most travelers, though, you have limited time and your best bet is driving the Cabot Trail. Many visitors to Cape Breton Island set aside an entire dayor several daysto see the Cabot Trail's sights. Theres even a Hosteling International property in Pleasant Bay! I highly recommend staying here or at any Airbnb on the ocean! Great views. Construction going on currently but easy to handle. BUT, chances are you will be driving in the summer or fall months (the best time to go). Directly across the street from the site is an adorable little flower-lined boardwalk overlooking Baddeck Bay. This time you can just cruise and not stop for photos! We also saw a female moose near the parking lot! This was sort of a last minute trip. Note: This is where my Canadian friends introduced me to Cheezies which apparently is a Canadian drug masquerading as a cheese puff. A lot of fun. You deserve an ice cream after that big hike! 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. As you get to Margaree Forks continue following the Cabot Trail inland to the Normaway Inn; it is a great place to stay for the night. Read our. All individuals are eligible for free transportation service through CATA. The whole cape is filled with little fishing villages that once were booming, busy ports of fishermen and locals. Whether youre doing the Cabot Trail in one day or several, make some time for Pleasant Bay. Now its time to make this the quintessential Cabot Trail day and finish it off with some live Celtic music at the Barn Music Center next to the Normaway Inn! No matter which route you take, youre in for an amazing drive! how far away is Cape Breton from Halifax? We actually did this route and went back to Whycocomagh that night. What documentation do I require to enter Canada ? French is a local lingua franca as well, as a significant portion of the route goes through traditional Acadian French land in the north. 1 day in Cape Breton Island, Cruise Ship excursion ideas, Anne Green Gables Museum and Heritage Place, Non-Hiking Activities (due to wild fires). Cabot Trail 4.5 1,811 reviews #8 of 273 things to do in Cape Breton Island Hiking Trails Scenic Drives Visit website Call Write a review About One of the most magnificent loop drives in North America treats visitors to the spectacular scenery of the Cape Breton Highlands. Once past the General Store youll start to climb the cliffs along the coast and the views become pretty incredible. Cabot Trail : 35 Reviews, Map - Nova Scotia, Canada | AllTrails This isn't just a pretty drive, but rather one of the most famed roads in the world, renowned for its views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Breton highlands. Park and walk out on this secluded little beach and watch the sun dip down behind the rock formations. We picked up very yummy sandwiches from Rusty Anchor in Pleasant Bay for a picnic lunch on the Skyline Trail. Your first stop should be the historic Keltic Lodge at the Cape Breton Highlands Links golf course and the Middle Head Trail. From the lobster dinner at Rusty Anchor Restaurant to the magical landscape at dusk over the mountains, this is a road trip to remember for a long time. If you've got a week to explore, here's a sample Halifax to Cape Breton road trip itinerary: Day 1: Leave Halifax for Inverness, stay overnight in Inverness. Many drivers do not survive direct encounters with these large animals. We went the first week of August.