Overview
The Cabot Trail Tour is Cape Breton’s most scenic and celebrated journey — a breathtaking loop that winds through dramatic coastal cliffs, fishing villages, and forested highlands. Named after explorer John Cabot, who landed in North America in 1497, the trail offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, Gaelic culture, and maritime charm.
This full-day (5–6 hour) guided excursion begins in Sydney and traces the route through St. Ann’s Bay to Ingonish, with stops at iconic landmarks such as the Giant Angus MacAskill Museum, Bird Islands, Gaelic College, and the stunning viewpoints of Cape Smokey. Each turn reveals another postcard view — a perfect harmony of ocean, mountain, and story.
Main Attractions
The Cabot Trail
Spanning 298 kilometres, the Cabot Trail circles the northern part of Cape Breton Island, linking the Gulf of St. Lawrence coastline with the rugged Atlantic shore. It is consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful drives, with its winding mountain roads, sweeping ocean vistas, and charming villages.
The route showcases Cape Breton’s diverse landscapes — from Acadian fishing communities to Gaelic-speaking hamlets, from lush forests to wind-carved cliffs. Wildlife sightings are common: bald eagles soar above the ridges, moose graze in forest clearings, and whales can sometimes be seen from the coastal lookouts.
The Gaelic College – Colaisde na Gàidhlig
Founded in 1938 at St. Ann’s, the Gaelic College celebrates the island’s strong Scottish heritage. It serves as both an educational institution and a cultural museum dedicated to preserving the Gaelic language, music, and traditions brought to Cape Breton by settlers in the 18th century.
Visitors can explore exhibitions of Highland dress, bagpipes, and weaving looms, or witness live demonstrations of step-dancing and fiddle music. The college’s Great Hall of the Clans displays family crests and tartans, helping visitors trace their ancestral roots.
The Gaelic College’s campus sits on a forested hillside overlooking St. Ann’s Bay, a fitting location for a centre devoted to language, art, and identity.
St. Ann’s Bay
The drive along St. Ann’s Bay offers some of the most tranquil scenery on the Cabot Trail. The bay’s calm, glassy surface reflects the surrounding highlands, creating an ever-changing palette of blue and green.
The bay was named after Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, and became one of the earliest French settlements in the region during the 1620s. Today, it’s dotted with craft studios and roadside galleries showcasing local artisans who continue Cape Breton’s tradition of handmade woodwork, pottery, and textiles.
Bird Islands Boat Tour
Off the coast near Englishtown, the Bird Islands — Hertford and Ciboux — are a protected sanctuary and a highlight for wildlife lovers. These craggy sea stacks rise from the Atlantic and serve as nesting grounds for more than 300 pairs of Atlantic puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, razorbills, and great cormorants.
Visitors often spot seals lounging on the rocks and, in summer, whales breaching offshore. Boat excursions from Big Bras d’Or and Englishtown provide close-up views and exceptional photography opportunities. The islands’ remoteness and abundant life make them one of the Cabot Trail’s most captivating natural stops.
Giant Angus MacAskill Museum
Located in the village of Englishtown, this museum honours Angus MacAskill (1825–1863) — the world’s tallest true giant, standing 7 feet 9 inches and weighing over 500 pounds. Born in Scotland and later settling in Cape Breton, Angus became famous for his strength and gentle nature, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
The museum, housed in a traditional wooden building near his original homestead, displays his enormous bed, life-sized clothing, and household items that give visitors a sense of scale. Personal stories and local folklore portray him as a beloved figure who symbolized both physical might and community kindness.
Cape Smokey & Ingonish
Continuing northward, the trail climbs through the Cape Smokey Provincial Park, offering panoramic lookouts over the Atlantic Ocean. On clear days, you can see the coast stretching for miles, the sea shimmering beneath towering cliffs.
The nearby resort area of Ingonish marks the gateway to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Sandy beaches, hiking trails, and the Keltic Lodge make this region a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Cape Smokey Gondola, newly opened, gives visitors an elevated ride over the forest canopy to a summit viewing deck — an unforgettable finale to the Cabot Trail’s scenic portion.
Additional Highlights / Scenic Stops
Englishtown Ferry
A short but iconic part of the trail, the Englishtown Ferry crosses the narrow channel of St. Ann’s Bay, linking the highway toward the Bird Islands and North Shore. The crossing takes just five minutes but provides fantastic views of the surrounding hills and sea.
Wreck Cove and Indian Brook
Along the route, travellers pass small fishing hamlets like Wreck Cove and Indian Brook, where traditional fishing boats line the shore. These communities preserve Cape Breton’s maritime roots through friendly locals, craft markets, and seaside cafés that capture the rhythm of coastal life.
Scenic Lookouts
Designated lookouts along the trail — particularly Sunset Point and Cape Smokey View Park — offer chances to stop for photography. Each provides a sweeping panorama that encapsulates the wild beauty of the island’s north coast.
Tour Experience
The Cabot Trail Tour is a day of awe and wonder — a seamless blend of nature, history, and culture. The drive from Sydney to Ingonish and back covers diverse terrain: from riverside valleys to dramatic mountain passes.
Travellers relax in comfortable vehicles while experienced local guides share stories of Gaelic settlers, shipwreck legends, and the evolution of Cape Breton’s industries. The tour includes rest stops at scenic lookouts, galleries, and small communities, allowing time to shop, walk, or simply breathe in the Atlantic air.
Whether you’re photographing puffins, listening to fiddle tunes at the Gaelic College, or standing atop Cape Smokey, this tour promises a true sense of Cape Breton’s spirit — warm, proud, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Duration & Availability
- Duration: Full day (5–6 hours including scenic stops)
- Availability: May through October (weather permitting)
- Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, and visitors seeking Cape Breton’s top scenic experience.
- Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Sydney Cruise Terminal or local accommodations.
- Includes: Guided transportation, commentary, and admission to featured attractions.
- Accessibility: Moderate walking required; most stops are accessible and provide rest areas.
