Explore the Cabot Trail in two days - day 1

Cabot Trail

This is perhaps stating the obvious, but here are some tips and info on how to do the Cabot Trail located right in front of our driveway here at the Chanterelle Restaurant & Inn.

There has been a long debate on how it is best to do this 298 km (185 miles) drive. Clockwise or counterclockwise. In our opinion it is counterclockwise if you are going to do it in one day. We find you get better views.

However, we think it’s best to do it in two days. Go up from exit 11 to Ingonish and Meat Cove (not actually on the Cabot Trail but we get to that in a minute) on day one and visit Cheticamp on the next day.  In that order you can take as much time as you like in each spot you want to stop at and can even mark some down and do them on your way back.

Day 1

You will travel alongside a fairly flat and not super windy road for the first third of the drive. There are a few shops and things to do and see on that portion like the Judys quirky everything under the sun store called the OC, Wreck Cove General Store (also has gas!), The Caboto Chocolate Shop, the Glassblowers, Leather Works, Sew Inclined, a wood working place and more to stop and browse or get a souvenir if you want. Again, if you decide not to stop, you can always do it on your way back and already know what is there. 

Once you get to Ingonish via a very winding and sometimes steep ascent that has some of the best views on the Cabot Trail it is probably time for a snack and some coffee and there are many places to do so. The Periwinkle Café is our favorite but if we want Gelato we stop at the Groovy Goat. 

After the refreshment it is time to decide if you want to do a short (or long) hike here in the park. There are many to choose from of all lengths. Some are just walks and others are more of a challenge. The Highlands National Park visitors center is the best place to stop at to find out what is open, and its length and difficulty. You will need a park pass to stop anywhere in the park, so make sure you get this online or at the center.

Now you want to keep driving and instead of staying on the Cabot Trail you will turn off towards Neils Harbour to do the Coastal Loop. By now you might have seen all the trees you ever wanted to see and staying on the Cabot Trail will give you more trees with a side of trees. The Coastal Loop will take you – as the name suggests -along more of the coast and has some amazing views to offer. There is a lighthouse and The Chowder House if you are ready for lunch.

The Coastal Loop will lead you back onto the Cabot Trail and from here you can drive up to Meat Cove. This is a bit of a rougher trip up to the most Northern point of Cabe Breton since the road there is mostly a dirt road. We have done it in a sedan and had no problems, but there are definitely potholes and a lot of dust in the summer. The view and pebble beach make up for it though. There is a campsite perched on the bluff and a place to have a snack and something to drink as well.

Here you will have to take the same road back and come the Cabot Trail you can now skip the Coastal Loop and shave a few minutes of the driving time. I hope you made your notes on where to stop on the way back!

This trip will fill your whole day unless you don’t stop anywhere and just drive.