Cabot Trail is one of the most famous coastal roads of Canada

Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada, is one of the most scenic drives in the world. This scenic roadway is located in northern Victoria County and Inverness County on Cape Breton Island, in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail is more than a magnificent world-renowned drive – it is an experience… One to delight in…one to be savoured.

Cabot Trail

How long is Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia?

The loop drive is 298km (186mi) long. It’s open all year round and completes a loop around the northern tip of the island, passing along and through the scenic Cape Breton Highlands. Besides the natural beauty to be found here, the Cabot Trail immerses you in the still vibrant Gaelic and Acadian cultures of Cape Breton. The surface of the road is asphalted. It’s considered one of the World's Most Scenic Destination Areas and was named after the explorer John Cabot who landed in Atlantic Canada in 1497.

Is Cabot Trail worth it?

This scenic roadway is one of the most famous drives in Canada. It will drive you around the greater part of Nova Scotia Cape Breton. Green mountainous peaks and crisp-clear blue ocean water dominate this gorgeous drive, where travelers can feel free to stop and admire the ocean or take a break in the wildlife-thriving woods. It’s considered one of the world's best road trips due its dramatic, rocky coastlines, waterfalls, vibrant bays and beaches galore. It’s one of the best coastal drives in the world.

How long does it take to drive the Cabot Trail?

The drive is definitely worth it. There are many excellent photo opportunities here. Don’t forget your camera! Because there are so many scenic overlooks, cultural heritage sites, whale watching and hiking trails on the Cabot Trail, spending some time planning your excursion and accommodations will make your road trip much more enjoyable. If you travel in a clockwise direction, you'll be on the "inside" lane as you drive along both coasts. Because the road goes up and down steep grades and curves, the clockwise direction is better for drivers (and passengers) who dislike driving next to steep drops. Many of the turnoffs into Cape Breton Highlands National Park are right turns if you are traveling clockwise. Driving counter-clockwise may give you a better view of some of the more spectacular ocean vistas along the way. 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. The entire Cabot Trail drive takes approximately five hours without any stops but it’s a 3-5 days experience. Plan several days to experience the journey of a lifetime along one of the world’s most scenic drives—you’ll need it.