Beyond the Cabot Trail: Exploring Southern Cape Breton
Cape Breton Island, located in eastern Nova Scotia, is world renowned for its breathtaking landscape, rich Mi’kmaw, Celtic, and Acadian cultures, and outstanding hospitality. The Cabot Trail is usually at the top of the “must see in Cape Breton” list, and rightly so. At approximately 298 kilometers (185 miles) in length, this scenic road forms a loop around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, providing stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Cape Breton Highlands. The Trail takes travelers through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal cliffs to forested mountains. The journey typically takes several hours to drive, but many choose to take their time exploring hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and charming villages along the way.
Folks… just my 2 cents here, but do yourself a favour and plan a longer stay. Add another 3-5 days. There is SO much more of Cape Breton to explore!
Here’s a thoughtfully curated 5 day travel adventure through some of the most charming, off-the-beaten-path locations in Cape Breton, at a wonderfully relaxed pace, just for you.
Sunrise over Isle Madame. Photo courtesy of DCBA.
Beyond the Cabot Trail: 4 nights/5 days in Cape Breton
Day 1: Welcome to Isle Madame!
Traveling distance from the Canso Causeway (the entrance to Cape Breton) to Arichat (Isle Madame): 50km (31 miles), 40 mins
Welcome to Cape Breton! You've just crossed the Canso Causeway onto Cape Breton Island: drop in at the visitor information center, share this itinerary and ask for local tips or hidden gems.
- Make your way to Arichat on the beautiful island of Isle Madame.
- Visit LeNoir Landing and learn about our rich history in fishing and shipbuilding.
- Check into The Clairestone Inn in Arichat for your first of a 2 night stay.
- Enjoy a spectacular sunset at the Marache Point Lighthouse.
*Level 2 EV charging station available at the hotel.
Day 2: Explore Isle Madame
- Visit Acadian fishing villages like Little Anse and Petit de Grat, chat with locals, and explore the shoreline.
- Walk coastal trails and picnic in the Lennox Passage Provincial Park.
- Rent a kayak and experience the sheltered shores of our harbours.
- Enjoy an afternoon (or a whole day!) at Pondville Beach Provincial Park.
- Spend your 2nd night at The Clairestone Inn.
*Level 2 EV charging station available at the hotel.
Day 3: St. Peter’s and the Bras d’Or Lake
Traveling distance from Arichat to St. Peter’s: 37km (23 miles), 30 mins
- Depart Arichat for St. Peter’s.
- In St. Peter’s, visit St. Peter’s Canal National Park, rent a kayak at Canal Landing, and paddle through the canal. Enjoy walking trails in the National Park, visit Point Michaud Beach, rent e-bikes from Cape Breton e-Bike Rentals, or stroll the vibrant main street.
- Overnight at Pepperell Place Inn.
*EV charging stations at St. Peter’s Canal National Park
Day 4: Louisbourg
Traveling distance from St. Peter’s to Louisbourg: 118km (74 miles), 1.5 hours
- Enjoy the scenic drive along the Bras d’Or Lake to Louisbourg.
- Head to the Fortress of Louisbourg and spend 1-3 hours exploring 18th-century French colonial life.
- Hike the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail (1.6-mile loop, approx 30 mins).
- Check into accommodations (try North Star).
*EV charging station available at the Fortress.
Day 5: Eskasoni/Goat Island - Iona - Baddeck
Total distance Louisbourg to Baddeck, via Eskasoni: 173km (68 miles), total approximate driving time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Today you’ll travel from Louisbourg to Baddeck with a few stops along the way:
Louisbourg to Eskasoni/Goat Island: 72 km (45 miles), 55 minutes
- Experience the Eskasoni Cultural Journeys guided or self-guided tour (book in advance) for an authentic and unique Mi’kmaw cultural experience. Allow 1-2 hours.
Goat Island/Eskasoni to Iona: 26km (16 miles), 23 mins
- Visit the Highland Village Museum for a Gaelic cultural experience. Allow 1-2 hours.
Iona to Baddeck: 54km (34 miles), 1 hour
- Settle in for the night, visit the Alexander Graham Bell museum, and explore the waterfront as you prepare to continue your journey around the Cabot Trail or onto your next Nova Scotia adventure!
If you're adding this itinerary after your Cabot Trail travels, simply reverse the order and travel from Baddeck to Iona - Goat Island - Louisbourg - St. Peter’s - Arichat.
This itinerary offers a balanced mix of driving, exploration, and relaxation, allowing you to experience the diverse landscapes and attractions of Cape Breton Island outside the Cabot Trail. Adjustments can be made based on personal preferences and the time available for each destination.
We hope this helps in planning your upcoming trip! Feel free to reach out with any questions. We're always happy to hear from you and we hope to see you soon!