We are thankful to call Cape Breton Island home for the past year. We thoroughly explored the entire island, and we'd absolutely recommend a visit to anyone. Combined with Banff and Gros Morne, we think Cape Breton is one of the most beautiful parts of Canada, and one of the best road-trip spots in the world.
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👉 Check out the best accommodations for your visit.
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1 Week Itinerary of Cape Breton Island
Straight to the point - if we only had one week to explore the whole Cape Breton Island, this is what we'd recommend:
- 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.
Check out our guide on the top 20 things to do in Cape Breton to help customize your itinerary.
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).
Here is how we would spend a 1-week itinerary in the Highlands Park:
- 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)
As you can see, it's easy to spend 1 week or more just in Cape Breton Highlands Park. Obviously you won't be able to do each one of the recommended trails and activities, but we wanted to highlight all the top options so you can choose which one is best for your itinerary.
Where to Stay in Cape Breton
Here are some top accommodation options in the main towns of Cape Breton island:
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.
Happy travels!