The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is one of the major attractions in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The trail is not entirely in the park, but the majority of it is accessed there.
Location and How to Get to This Specific Site
The trail is actually a loop around the Cape Breton Island coast. The loop is 298 kilometers (185 miles). If you are driving by car, go to Ceildh Trail (Trunk 19) by Port Hawkesbury up to Dunvegan.
Keep going until you get to Route 219. Turn left. The trail’s T-junction will appear after you go through Margaree Harbour. Go left by the coast. You then go to Cheticamp and head right to Baddeck.
What to See There
History
Cape Breton Highlands National Park was created in 1936. Encompassing an area of 950 sq. km (366 sq. mi.), its purpose is to protect the coastal wilderness and highlands along Cape Breton’s northern tip.
Around 1940, the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia was rebuilt along the French Mountain. The late 1940s witnessed a new road between Neil’s Harbour and Ingonish appear. Paving of the trail was finished in 1961.
Cost
The entry fee for an adult is $7.80. For seniors it is $6.80 and for youths it is $3.90. Family/group costs $19.60. It costs $6.80 per person for a commercial group. These are prices during peak season. They will be slightly lower during shoulder season.
Other Info
Apart from the trail, the national park has communities from Pleasant Bay to Neil’s Harbour. Here you can experience the culture of the Highland people. A couple of information centers are located at the ends of the park.
You can obtain a fishing license there. Information about camping and going on the trail is also available. First time visitors ought to check them out.
The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia can be visited any time of the year. But the most suitable period is between May and September. If you want to go whale watching, do it before the boats come around. Your best chance of seeing the whales are also between May and September.
