Rising from the sea and clinging to mountains, the Cabot Trail is a winding mix of coastal driving and stunning beauty that takes you from unreal ocean vistas to quaint fishing villages. Drive the trail and experience the winding turns and endless expanses of cliffs and coastline. The Cabot Trail is your guiding path to exploring all of Cape Breton Island’s immense beauty and many hidden gems.
Not just another pretty place. Here, you’ll find a lifetime of adventure packed on our 110-mile long island. Go hiking on one of our Island’s many trails, and take in all of the stunning views. Swim at the many pristine and sandy beaches. Experience a guided paddleboarding tour along the Margaree River or sit back and relax as you go tubing down the river instead. In Cape Breton the outdoor adventures really are endless, so get your hiking boots and paddles ready!
The Mi’kmaq have lived here since time immemorial and their culture continues to thrive with the legends, music and stories that have been passed down over generations. The Acadians came to the Island in the mid to late 1700s, adding their vibrant French culture and joie-de-vivre to the Cape Breton Island story. Additionally, from the mid-1700s to the late 1800s, the Island welcome Gaelic immigrants from Scotland who also brought their language and culture. Since then, Cape Breton Island has been home to many cultures from around the world.
Sweeping cliffs, majestic ocean views, and miles of green—Cape Breton Island was made for golf. Names like Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs – two of the most recognized courses to have opened in recent memory – sit on the west coast of Cape Breton, while the renowned Highlands Links, sits to the north. Adding to the great golf is Bell Bay in the quaint, seaside town of Baddeck and Le Portage in the charming Acadian town of Chéticamp. Find a course to suit every mood, from championship courses to Canada’s only true links.
Our Island is renowned as a hiker’s paradise, a challenging beauty that demands exploration. From the world-famous Skyline Trail, nestled in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, to the stunning Mabou Highlands, Cape Breton’s hiking opportunities are endless. Lose yourself in our wilderness and discover a little more of your heart with each trail.
A culinary capital of our own right. Experience world-class shellfish, locally grown ingredients, and award-winning sips that connect our heritage to our land. The culinary scene in Cape Breton is truly unlike anything you have experienced. With hundreds of cafés and restaurants to choose from and countless local producers across the Island, you are in for a taste sensation with every meal!
With more fiddlers per capita than anywhere else in the world, Cape Breton Island is a hot spot for Celtic Music and is also known for our famed songwriters and singers in many genres of music. Music is the heart and soul of Cape Breton Island and you will find tunes around every turn.
The Cabot Trail is known as a true rider’s paradise. With the winding and extensive Cabot Trail as your path, motorcycling becomes even more fun and is the perfect way to take in the sites. Feel the coastal breeze as you drive along the coast and take in all of the beauties first hand along your travels. Climb the mountains that rise from the sea and discover a journey that you’ll never forget.
Chart your own course for adventure. From perfectly sanded beaches and whale watching to kayak tours, fishing, and paddle boarding–Cape Breton is the perfect spot to host your coastal adventure. Through straits and passages, coastal communities and canals, get to know our corner of the Atlantic. We’re sure you’re going to love it!
With fog-free, sheltered waters, you’ll find unparalleled boating on Canada’s inland sea. Take part in a sailing charter or kayak the stunning lake. Whatever activity you choose on the lake, it is sure to be smooth sailing—much like the rest of your Cape Breton Island vacation.
There are direct flights to Sydney from Toronto and Montreal and from other North American and European cities via Halifax. If traveling by ground, the Trans-Canada Highway 104 leads to Cape Breton Island.
Getting Here and Around