Â鶹APP

Top 10 Facts about The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, NS

A scenic lookout on the Cabot Trail on the way to Sydney, below is where you catch the Englishtown Ferry on St. Anna Bay. CREDIT: Dennis Jarvis.

The Cabot Trail is a very scenic highway located on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia in Canada.

The trail is a 298 kilometres loop around the Northern tip of this island that passes along and through the Cape Breton Highlands and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

The Cabot Trail was named after explorer John Cabot. He landed in Atlantic Canada in 1497.

Modern historians disagree with him landing on Cape Breton Island as they believe he landed in Newfoundland. The conclusion of the initial route was completed by 1932.

The Western and Eastern sections of Cabot Trail follow the rugged coastline with a clear view of the ocean.

The Southwestern part goes through Margaree Rover along Bras d’Or Lake. It is within the municipalities of Victoria and Inverness.

Below are the top 10 facts about the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, NS;

1. Named After Prominent Explorer

Cape Breton Highlands National Park on the Cabot Trail. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. Photo by: Tony Webster.

The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island was named after a prominent explorer known as John Cabot.

During his exploration missions across various continents, John Cabot is believed to have landed in Canada and found this trail.

There has been major disagreement on where John Cabot landed in 1497 but it is widely believed that he got to Atlantic Canada.

2. Cabot Trail Name was Brought On by Prominent Politician

A view of the Atlantic ocean from the Cabot Trail on the northeastern coast of Cape Breton Island. Photo by WabbitWanderer.

With the major disagreement on where John Cabot had landed, the Cabot Trail name had not been agreed upon.

However, Prominent Premier Angus L. McDonald was involved in the naming of the trail. Angus L. MacDonald wanted to re-brand Nova Scotia for major tourism purposes.

His efforts were very important in the creation of the names Cape Breton Highlands and Cabot Trail which were given to this route.

3. Beautiful Scenery Views along Cabot Trail

The different shades of green are great in the summer and in the fall the colours are truly amazing. Photo by: Dennis Jarvis.

The Cabot trail covers almost 298 kilometres. Along the trail are several beautiful scenic views. The Cabot Trail passes along and through the Cape Breton Highlands and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Along the trail near the coastline is a clear view of the ocean. In the Southwestern part of Cabot Trail is the Margaree Rover along Bras d’Or Lake.

4. Major Stops along Cabot Trail

Path_to_Mary_Ann_Falls. Credit: Dennis Jarvis.

The Cabot Trail passes through several scenic views that attract tourists who follow it. Other the views, there are several major stops along the Cabot Trail route from the South.
The stops include:

a) Baddeck where there is the location of Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.

b) Pleasant Bay. There is the possibility of whale watching.

c) Acadian fishing village of Cheticamp.

d) Small fishing village of Dingwall.

e) Cape North which is the northernmost point of the trail.

f) Ingonish which is the site of Ketlic Lodge resort and Cape Smokey Provincial Park.

g) Home of Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts- St Anns.

5. Driving Hours Across Cabot Trail

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Credit: Mike W.

The Cabot Trail is among the most frequented tourist destination in Canada. Some love to hike, while others like to drive across the trail.

Driving through Cabot Trail which is 298 kilometres takes approximately five hours. One will go through various centres and museums along the drive across the Cabot Trail.

6. Wonderful Uisge Ban Waterfall

North River. Photo by: Dennis Jarvis.

The Cabot Trail has several beautiful hike points for visitors to this area. Among the wonderful trails in the Uisge Ban Waterfall is an amazing attraction site.

The size of the waterfall is amazing as it is a tall three-tiered cascade.

Several trees grow along with the Uisge Ban Waterfall. Tourists can swim, soak in the bottom pools as well as take beautiful photos.

7. Glenora Distillery along the Cabot Trail

There are more beautiful sites and scenes along the Cabot Trail which have attracted visitors. The Glenora Distillery that is within Cleideh Trail along Cabot Trail is among the best sites to visit.

This is the first single malt whisky distillery that was found in North America. Several tourists make a stopover to witness how whisky is made as well as have tastings.

8. A Quirky Bakery Along Cabot Trail

There is a very attractive quirky bakery that is between North River Kayaking and Ingonish Beach along the Cabot Trail.

The bakery is known as the Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery. This is a stopover place for some delicious pastries as well as coffee.

Other than the meals at Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery, the site is good for having good photo moments. At this cafe and bakery, tourists can interact with the people of Nova Scotia.

They have been praised as friendly and open people to have conversations with.

9. Exciting Ingonish Beach

The Cabot Trail measures 298 km. Credit: Dennis Jarvis.

The Cabot Trail is amazing with several attractive natural sceneries that one can view from far and near. The Ingonish Beach is one of the excitements along the Cabot Trail.

The Ingonish Beach is located in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Tourists can engage in several activities while at Ingonish Beach.

Hiking, excursions, boat tours and kayak rentals are among the activities that are carried out by tourists at the Ingonish Beach.

10. The Middle Head Trail and Lakies Head along Cabot Trail

Rather than going through the Cabot Trail till you complete the 298-kilometre distance, one can go through the Middle Head Trail.

The Middle Head Trail is a 3.8 kilometres route. It takes visitors through forests and fields. They lead to high cliffs where the beautiful views of Ingonish Beach can be seen.

A walk through the Middle Head Trail takes at least two hours.

Along the Cabot Trail is also the rocky coast of Lakies Head. It is a shore that is amassed by rocky boulders.

Tourists can walk through the boulders as they explore the coast. There is also a bridge and boardwalk for clear scenery views.

The Cabot Trail is one of the best trails across the world that is frequented by millions of tourists yearly.

The beautiful sceneries and the sites make it one of the best places to visit while in Canada. There are more fun activities to do while on the Cabot Trail.