Cape Breton island in Nova Scotia, Canada, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant wildlife. The rugged cliffs, dramatic coastlines that define its famous Cabot Trail, the serene inland sea of the Bras d'Or Lake, and the sounds of Gaelic and Acadian music are what attracts thousands of travelers every year.
We were lucky to call this place a home for more than a year. We explored several spots in this island including trails, beaches, historical and cultural spots, restaurants and tours. We created this guide to help you discover the best places in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, including our personal favorites, hidden gems and local recommendations.
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Best Places in Cape Breton Island
1. Cape Breton Highlands National Park
This national park is a jewel of Cape Breton, offering dramatic coastal cliffs, scenic hiking trails, lush forests, and panoramic views that would make you feel like you were transported to a different country. Prior to entering the park, purchase the Parks Pass or Discovery Pass either from Chéticamp or Ingonish. And the location to park your car is here. You can also get your trail map at the Visitor Center, note that there are also several unofficial trails around the map and our favorite is the Blueberry Mountain Trail.
2. Cabot Trail
One of the most scenic drives in Canada, the Cabot Trail offers 298 km of stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, rolling hills, and rugged highlands. Along the way, you’ll find several lookouts and access points for hiking and photography. This is perfect for having family members that does not want to do difficult hikes and still have amazing views. Make sure you download the Audio Tour while you drive around and take in the views.
3. Louisbourg Fortress
A historical gem, the Fortress of Louisbourg is a large 18th-century fortress that has been meticulously restored. Visitors can explore its streets, buildings, and learn about its history through interactive exhibits and reenactments.
4. Baddeck
A charming village located on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake, Baddeck is known for its picturesque scenery and historical significance. It’s also the home of the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, which highlights the inventor’s life and work.
5. Glace Bay
This town offers a glimpse into Cape Breton’s mining history at the Cape Breton Miners' Museum. Glace Bay is also a gateway to the beautiful Miners’ Museum Beach and the nearby scenic vistas of the Cape Breton coastline.
6. Margaree Valley
Renowned for its exceptional salmon fishing and scenic beauty, Margaree Valley is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The valley is dotted with picturesque farms, rolling hills, and pristine rivers.
7. Sydney
As the largest city on the island, and home to the main airport, Sydney offers cultural attractions such as the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design and the Sydney Harbour. It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding region and enjoying local dining options.
8. Ingonish Beach
Located within Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with clear waters and scenic surroundings. It’s ideal for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying a relaxed day by the sea.
9. Chéticamp
This Acadian community is known for its vibrant culture, arts and crafts, and stunning coastal scenery. Chéticamp is also a gateway to the northern part of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering excellent hiking and whale-watching opportunities. The nearby Gypsum Mine is a great trail and swim spot.
10. Meat Cove
This stunning spot is located at the northernmost tip of Cape Breton Island and the views are postcard-perfect. You can hike to the viewpoints or enjoy the beach. For the best experience, you can choose to stay in the campground overlooking the beach and the cove.
11. Dingwall
This part of the Cabot Trail road-trip is a favourite place to stay of many. Excellent beaches and great camping options.
12. Bird Island (bird tours)
Departing from Englishtown, boat tours for seeing puffins, seals, and bald eagles will be one of your most memorable experiences on the island.
13. Pleasant Bay (whale tours)
In addition to a pleasant beach and whale info center, many whale watching tours depart from these shores. We even saw seals while swimming on this beach.
13. Bras d'Or Lake
This UNESCO recognized biosphere is great for bird watching and scenic road-trip views.
14. Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park
One of the lesser-visited but most beautiful parks on the island for hiking. This 2.6 kilometer round-trip hike takes you through beautiful hardwoods to a spectacular 15 m waterfall in a granite gorge.
15. Isle Madame
This French Acadian island in the southern shore is one of the best spots for kayaking and biking with beautiful coastlines. Hike the provincial park and enjoy the cozy French cafes.
16. The Musical Coast
The north-western shore of the island, Inverness, is known for it's musical talent focused on Celtic music - be sure to check out a local performance.
17. Mabou
Mabou is a picturesque town on the Musical Coast known for it's beach park, hiking trail, Sunday farmer's market, and nearby Glenora Distillery.
18. Egypt Falls
This waterfall near Margaree may be the most picturesque falls on Cape Breton island.
19. Highland Village Museum
This interactive village museum takes you back in time to what life was like for Cape Breton's first settlers.
20. Summer Festivals
If visiting in Autumn, you'll find countless local events referred to as the Celtic Colours. Musical performances, arts, guided hikes and more. In summer, most large towns also have events, called Gathering Week. Here is Inverness', or check out more Cape Breton local events.
Why Travel to Cape Breton
Cape Breton is an exceptional travel destination due to its combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. The island’s landscapes range from dramatic coastal cliffs and rolling highlands to serene lakes and sandy beaches, offering something for every type of traveler. Cape Breton Highlands National Park provides diverse hiking trails and breathtaking vistas, while the Cabot Trail offers one of the most scenic drives in Canada.
The island's cultural history, highlighted by attractions like the Fortress of Louisbourg and the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, adds depth to the visit. Cape Breton's wildlife offer opportunities for whale watching and birding.
1 Week Itinerary of Cape Breton Island
- Land in Sydney and enjoy the harbourfront, shopping and craft breweries
- Optional detour to Louisbourg, to step back in time and get a glimpse of history
- Hop on a puffin and seal tour near Englishtown, then spend the night in Ingonish
- Enjoy the western coast's many hiking trails and lookout spots, ending in South Harbour
- Hike the Skyline Trail or Blueberry Mountain, and enjoy incredible views on the way to Chéticamp
- Enjoy the scenery and a fiddle show near Margaree, along the musical coast
- Stop by Baddeck to visit an impressive historic site, on the way back to Sydney
This week would be busy; adding a couple days to slow down and enjoy your favourite areas for a little longer would be ideal. However this itinerary is a great plan to hit most of the highlights in as little time as possible.
Best Spots in Cape Breton Highlands National Park
If the highlands is your focus (as it is for many people), we'd like to highlight the must visit spots in Cape Breton National Park. Note that the below suggestions are organized in a typical road trip from the eastern entrance (Ingonish), to the west (Chéticamp).
- Ingonish
- Cape Smokey Gondola
- Ingonish Visitor's Centre (to buy Park Pass)
- Franey Mountain Trail (6km)
- Middle Head Trail (5.1km)
- Highland Links Golf Course
- Ingonish Beach (possible to spot whales!)
- Eastern Coast
- Broad Cove Mountain (2.4km)
- Warren Lake Trail (5.5km)
- Lakie's Head (coastal lookout spot - seals and whales are possible)
- Green Cove Trailhead (coastal lookout, short boardwalk)
- Jack Pines Trail (1.8km)
- Stop at Neil's Harbour Co-op for grocery, then head to Dingwall to camp
- Mica Hill (8.2km)
- Dingwall
- Any beach in this area is beautiful; Burton's Beach and Dingwall Beach
- Theodore Fricker Mountain Trail (3.7km)
- Cabot's Landing Provincial Park (beach and trails)
- Possible detour to Meat Cove, for their stunning coastline beach and campground
- If not, consider staying a second night in Dingwall to enjoy a relaxing beach day in perhaps the most peaceful camping areas in the highlands
- Pleasant Bay
- Stop at the many lookout spots along the highway between Dingwall and Pleasant Bay
- Aspy Trail (9.2km)
- The Lone Shieling (0.6km)
- MacIntosh Brook Trailhead (1.8km)
- Whale Interpretive Centre, a museum with whale tour boat options
- Western Coast
- Fishing Cove Trail (6km)
- Benjie's Lake Trail (2.9km)
- Bog Trail (0.5km)
- Skyline Trail (7.7km)
- Blueberry Mountain Trail (6.8km) - a great alternative to Skyline if it's at capacity
- Corney Brook Trail (6.6km)
- Le Chemin du Buttereau (6.8km)
- Acadian Trail (9.5km)
- The numerous official trails offers a lot of difficult choices of hikes, and this stretch of coastline offers the most impressive scenery as you drive. Take your time, enjoy the lookout spots, and consider staying at a campsite to explore this coast over two days.
- Chéticamp
- The town of Chéticamp is worth exploring, to taste some French flavour after several days of trails
- Do a Whale Tour
- Visit Aucoin Bakery
- See the cultural centre, church, and any of the excellent restaurants and ice cream shops
- Gypsum Mine Trail (2.6km)
Where to Stay in Cape Breton
Choosing the right accommodation can enhance your Cape Breton experience. Here are some top options:
1. Lantern Hill & Hollow (Ingonish Beach)
Located on the Cabot Trail, this vacation home offers luxurious rooms with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Breton Highlands. It features a full kitchen and bbq, and easy access to hiking trails and the golf course.
2. Lynwood Inn (Baddeck)
Situated in Baddeck, the Lynwood Inn offers comfortable accommodations and picturesque views of the Bras d’Or Lake. It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding area and features amenities like the marina, Alexander Graham Bell museum, and many excellent restaurants.
3. The Fortress Inn (Louisbourg)
Located near the Fortress of Louisbourg, this inn provides convenient access to historical sites and offers comfortable rooms and friendly service.
4. The Cabot Suite (Chéticamp)
For a cozy, comfortable experience, the Cabot Suite offers charming lodgings in the heart of Chéticamp, a charming French town. Located on the border of the western entrance of the park, this town is a must visit final stop before entering the wilderness.
5. The Simon Hotel (Sydney)
Located in Sydney, this inn provides modern accommodations and is close to local attractions, dining options, and the Sydney Harbour. It’s a good choice for those looking to explore the city and its surroundings.
Final Thoughts
Cape Breton is a destination brimming with natural wonders, cultural richness, and outdoor adventure. By discovering the best places in Cape Breton, understanding the reasons to visit, and choosing the ideal place to stay, you can make the most of your visit to this spectacular part of Canada.
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Happy Travels!