World famous Cabot Trail
Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Alexander Graham Bell, Fortress of Louisbourg and St. Peters Canal National Historic Sites, NS
Distance: 615 km roundtrip on Cape Breton Island, NS
Take in spectacular maritime views as you drive along the world-famous Cabot Trail. This 6-day Nova Scotia itinerary will introduce you to the genius of Alexander Graham Bell, and transform you into a resident of the walled city of Louisbourg for a day… and night!
Day 1
Location: Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Baddeck
Distance: 350 km from Halifax, NS or 418 km from Moncton, NB
Your Cabot Trail adventure begins in Baddeck! Visit Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, put on your white gloves and discover the mind of a Canadian genius.
Day 2
Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Chéticamp
Distance: 94 km from Baddeck
Climb above the Chéticamp River and marvel at the splendor of an ocean sunset as you walk the Acadian Trail. Admire not only the magnificent view, but also the bald eagles, whales and moose who love to visit the area!
Recommended accommodation: 
oTENTik, Chéticamp campground
Day 3
Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish
Distance: 108 km from Chéticamp
Travel more than 100 km on the breathtaking Cabot Trail. Ride along rugged, wave-pounded cliffs and sheltered coves— every turn inspires a photo! Challenge your family to complete 10 short hikes in one day. This is definitely the place to do it!
Not tired yet? Go on the magical guided Lantern Walk Through Time or the Seeing in the Dark tour.
Recommended accommodation: oTENTik, Ingonish Beach campground
Day 4
Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish
Start your day off on the right foot as you golf at the famous Highland Links Golf Course, ranked among the top 100 in the world!
Want to take it easy today? Relax and enjoy the stunning North Bay Beach. Enjoy saltwater swimming in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean then relax on stretches of white sand with Ingonish Island off in the distance.
After a day of fun at the beach, visit local artisan shops and admire their unique creations. Get some rest and spend the night in a cozy B&B or inn.
Day 5
Location: Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, Louisbourg
Distance: 160 km d’Ingonish
Spend the day at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Discover what life was like 300 years ago from authentically-dressed “residents.”
Want a taste of history? Savour Fortress™ Rum and a delicious meal at the Storehouse Tavern. Discover the living culture of Unama’ki through songs and stories at the Mi’kmaw Interpretive Centre. Become one of the city’s residents for the night as you end the evening under the stars, sleeping within the safety of the fortress walls in a period-style house.
Recommended accommodation: Historic stay, Fortress of Louisbourg
Day 6
Location: Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
After a good night's sleep, explore the beautiful beach and scenic hiking trails nearby. Discover the secluded Kennington Cove, a white sand beach steeped in history. Head out for an afternoon stroll at what locals call ‘Old Town’ and enjoy the impressive views of the fortress and the surrounding harbour. Snap a selfie at Louisbourg Lighthouse and follow a trail that runs along a rugged coastline with unsurpassed vistas and crashing waves. Visit Royal Battery National Historic Site and uncover a place where the foundations of the French defence tell a story of battles long ago, or walk through the ruins of the original 18th century town… there are so many opportunities to see how nature and history connect!
Location: St. Peters Canal National Historic Site
On your way back, make a stop at the St. Peters Canal National Historic Site to watch boats navigate through the locks. Learn about the diverse history of this cultural meeting place, which was originally a Mi’kmaq portage site and later a French trading post. Walk along the canal’s winding paths and pack a picnic to enjoy at Battery Park.
Distance: Return to Baddeck, 120 km
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