Explore Cape Breton » Attractions » The Cabot Trail

The 106-kilometer long paved road that meanders through Cape Breton Island, The Cabot Trail was named after the famous explorer John Cabot, who was the first European to visit Cape Breton in 1497.

The northern section of the Cabot Trail passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the western and eastern sections follow the coastline providing gorgeous ocean views and the southwestern section passes through the Margaree River valley before passing along Bras d'Or Lake. The Cabot Trail is a must for any traveller to Cape Breton with it's breath taking scenery, rugged coastlines and winding roads.

There are four main ways to get to the Cabot Trail, after you cross the Canso Causeway.

1. Follow the rotary just after the Causeway, towards "Inverness/Cheticamp" on Route 19 (Ceilidh Trail).
2. Take the Trans Canada Highway (#105) (approximately 77 km from the Canso Causeway) turn left onto the Cabot Trail at the Red Barn Restaurant and Gift Shop (at Nyanza).
3. Take the Trans Canada Highway (#105) to St. Ann's and turn left onto the Cabot Trail (approximately 105 km from the Canso Causeway or 59 km from Sydney).
4. Take the Trans Canada Highway (#105) to the Englishtown Ferry turnoff (Route 312) (approximately 110 km from the Canso Causeway). Cross St. Ann's Bay on the Englishtown Ferry.