Sunrise to Sunset. Cabot Trail Cape Breton Photo Essay

Cabot Trail Sunrise Baddeck
Sunrise over Cape Breton.

The Cabot Trail is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations, and it isn’t hard to understand why.

The following photos were taken on a recent trip clockwise around the trail. From the starting point near Baddeck we circled the trail over the course of a day July 2013. You might find yourself wanting to follow the same path this summer once you get a sense of the beauty that lies along the way.

CT Road Trip Tip Subscribe

On to The World Famous Cabot Trail we go

Cabot Trail Cape Breton
Cabot Trail Margaree River
Margaree River – bring your fishing rod.
Cabot Trail Cape Breton
The trail winds in and out of the landscape ahead.
Cabot Trail Cape Breton
There are plenty of vistas to enjoy along the way.
Chéticamp Cabot Trail
Chéticamp – the first major centre along the trail. Stop for a coffee and to stretch your legs. You enter the Cape Breton Highlands National Park shortly after leaving here.
Chéticamp Boats Cabot Trail
While in Chéticamp you might see the fleet prepped and ready for the next trip out.
Meat Cove Cabot Trail
Meat Cove
Meat Cove Kayaking Cabot Trail
A popular past time with visitors to Meat Cove.
Meat Cove Cape Breton
A little colour to help standout.
Dingwall Beach Cabot Trail
It isn’t all rock and steep cliffs. Some of it reminds you of more southerly climes. This is the beach near Dingwall – you have to park and walk a little, but it’s worth it.
Scotch Cove Cabot Trail
Scotch Cove, and if you look really closely…
pilot whales in Scotch Cove
…you might see a pod of Pilot Whales (and the odd seagull or two).
Near Neil's Harbour Cape Breton
Near Neil’s Harbour.
South Bay in Ingonish
South Bay in Ingonish. The Keltic Lodge is directly behind me, and the view from there is just as magnificent.
Ingonish Ferry
Ingonish Ferry
Ingonish Ferry view at Knotty Pine Cottages
Ingonish Ferry – this is the view at the Knotty Pine Cottages.
Cape Smokey
Cape Smokey – this shot was taken on a previous trip to the Island, but gives a good indication of just how high up you are when you ascend into the Ingonish area.
Sunset at Baddeck Cabot Trail
And we return to the Baddeck area in time for a beautiful sunset.

Something to consider if you are planning to visit Cape Breton (and I’m sure it’s on your list now) is that you are going to enjoy the journey and the adventure much more if you break up over a few days or more.

There are numerous places to explore, and the trails in the park are second to none. This series of photos has just barely scratched the surface of what you can find if you take your time… so slow down and enjoy the journey.
 

Have you visited the Cabot Trail? Do you have another place that’s special? Let us know about it in the comments section below.

For more Eastern Canada content, read:
– Photo Essay: Canada’s Sublime East Coast
– British Motoring Festival in Windsor, Nova Scotia

By Martin Wigginton

Martin Wigginton is a Nova Scotia based photographer / tech junkie / trainer who has seen as many movies on airplanes as he has in theatres. While not particularly a morning person he has been known to get up before the sun to get the right shot at the right time, and then share it immediately on the web. He loves the idea of people all over the world being able to see what he sees at virtually the same time.

19 comments

  1. Beautiful shots and accurately documented! I spent lots of time on the Cabot Trail and recognized most of the locations. I shared so the incoming motorcycle enthusiasts can get excited about NS! Thank you so much for letting us all enjoy and share! I find the Margaree Valley is almost magical it’s so beautiful. It’s all so awesome! Can’t wait for the snow to melt to let me ride there again!

    1. No time like the present Jenna. It’s also beautiful in the fall, so you still have lots of time this year to make the trip.

      : )

      Thanks for stopping by.

  3. Beautiful pictures! I grew up on Cape Breton Island, with family in Cheticamp, and I can highly attest to the delicious food of the area!

    1. These are just a few of the great things to see on the trail and in Cape Breton. BTW – the fall colours are beautiful, and will add a wonderful dimension to your visit. : )

      Thanks for stopping by and viewing.

    1. You are absolutely right Frances. There are lots of great places to visit on the trail, and I wish we could have visited them all, but I suppose you have to leave something for next time.

      Thanks for visiting, and for taking the time to share your thoughts.

  9. I love the colour of the rocks in Meat Cove. After seeing your photos, it would be easy to spend a couple of days or more exploring the trails. It looks like a lovely trip.

    1. You are certainly right about that Megan. There are so many trails that you can hike within the Park that a few days would still have you wanting to come back to explore more. I hope that one day you get the chance to visit for yourself, and share your experiences with us here.

    1. You will certainly enjoy the many trails and gorgeous scenery when you visit Cape Breton. It is such a special place. Be sure to share your experiences with us when you get back. Thanks for taking the time to visit.

Leave a comment