I could make you wait a minute or two before digging into the list of eight great reasons to drive Nova Scotia’s world-famous Cabot Trail with a long intro paragraph but I’d rather not.
Let’s put this article in drive, or first gear for the manual transmission drivers out there.

The Artisan Trail Map

The Cape Breton Artisan Trail is a wonderful way to explore both Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail. Over 20 local artists and creatives encase the island from painters, weavers, glass blowers, sculptors and more. Some stops even offer lessons, demonstrations and hands-on experiences so as you map your route of this special part of the world, consider including a few art stops on your journey. 

It’s a Multi-Award-Winning Destination

National Geographic Traveller named Cape Breton as one of the world’s “20 must-see places.” 
National Geographic named the Cabot Trail as one of “Canada's 50 Places of a Lifetime.”
USA Today named the Cabot Trail as the “best scenic drive in Canada” from a readers choice poll.
It’s also won the Jay Kana award for one of the 10 best scenic drives in Canada.

Other articles you’ll find in your research may not have them as “award winning” but they still rave about how captivating the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton is.

Meat Cove

I found Meat Cove completely on a whim. I had left Arts North in Cape North and realized I had a few hours before dinner. After a quick peek at Google Maps, Meat Cove was only a 40 minute drive away and the most northern point of Nova Scotia that I could access.

Very few places in the world have left such a mesmerizing impression on me as Meat Cove did. 

It’s peaceful. It’s serene. It’s soundtrack is a collaboration between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of the St.Lawrence. The winding dirt road drive was enthralling and the views magnificent. 

You can hike, grab a quick bite and most importantly, stroll to the waterfront and feel like you’re at the edge of the earth. 

The Fantastic Food

The culinary scene here is oh-so superb; take it from a guy who spent a week here and ate a different establishments for every meal! From fresh seafood throughout to local gem Tom’s Pizza in Baddeck to Coastal Restaurant and Pub and The Periwinkle Cafe in Ingonish to Aucoin Bakery in charming Chéticamp and more. How much more? Lots! Make sure you visit Freya & Thor Cafe, also in Chéticamp and be kind to your sweet tooth at Cabotto Chocolate Shop.

Also, The Glenora Inn & Distillery, while a touch off the Cabot Trail and on the Cleideh Trail, also serves up some wickedly wonderful food, so be sure to see them. 

You’ll be Supporting Local Artists & Entrepreneurs

The majority of attractions, restaurants, businesses and stops along the Cabot Trail are seasonal. As you rack up the kilometres making memories, know that when you stop to purchase anything, you’re supporting the local economy and more importantly, the artists and entrepreneurs. Whether you find a cute trinket, a special sculpture or perhaps a new piece of wall art, every penny invested counts. The same goes for restaurants and hotels/motels/inns. Please strongly consider supporting them opposed to the new-wave rental accommodation by owner model. 

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Photo credits: novascotia.com

The outdoor jewel of Cape Breton sits at the top of the island. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is where the sea meets the mountains and sprawls across nearly 1,000 square kilometres. 

The 26 gorgeous trails are worth the time to explore and the driving route itself is simply stunning. You’ll experience some of the best views of Atlantic Canada here. If you can, stop at every single look-off as each graces you with picturesque panoramic scenery. The vivid views make me thankful for digital storage as I’d fill up a few dozen rolls of traditional film creating my memories.

Plenty of Pull-offs for Pictures

Aside from the aforementioned pull-offs, there are plenty of other places to soak in the views. There are pull-offs both on the shore and inland side and for safety’s sake, I suggest doing the Cabot Trail counterclockwise. That way, the water views are on your right side and it’s easier to pull over to the pull-off. If you do the Cabot Trail clockwise and you want the ocean views, you’ll have to turn left into the pull-off and from a vehicle safely standpoint, if you’re stopped waiting to turn left, your risk of a collision is increased from behind and you’re crossing a live lane of traffic. 

Now if you want inland pull-offs only or primarily, do the route clockwise. 

Whichever you decide, there are many narrow and winding portions of the Cabot Trail so please put road safety above everything else. If you miss a pull-off, you can find a safe place to turn around and visit it. 

The Atlantic Gondola at Cape Smokey

Atlantic Canada’s first an so far, only gondola is at Cape Smokey in Ingonish. The up-to eight passenger per gondola brings you up 1,130 metres to experience splendid views of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Cabot Trail, the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains. 

The ride itself is a bit under 10 minutes and there are hiking trails in addition to the views waiting for you. Plus, there are kayak rentals at the top plus a cool Smokey Sessions concert series on select dates. 

Since views are a big part of the Cabot Trail, I’d put this on your short list of must-do things on the Cabot Trail. 

Plan your visit to make new memories at novascotia.com