Our trip to Maine and back has now turned into “Nova Scotia and Back” as we push across New Brunswick and up to Cape Breton.

A lot of people have been asking me where Cape Breton is. Basically it is as far east as we can get before we’d have to hop a ferry to get to Newfoundland. (In fact, we looked at doing this but $2000 in ferry fees and a lack of time stopped us.)

I look at Google Maps and we are closer to Greenland then we are to home.

That is a huge pill to swallow.

But I am so very glad we decided to adventure out here with our friends the Currens from Currently Wandering! It is rugged and beautiful, with steep green mountains angling directly down into the ocean. There are dozens of hiking trails, beaches to swim at, and coastal villages to explore.

Camping at Chéticamp

There are a variety of places to camp both on the island and within Cape Breton National Park. We chose to camp at Chéticamp, basically because sites were available a week out when we finally decided to make the trek out. 🙂 (Another great option would be to camp at Ingonish Beach, on the southern end of the Cabot Trail. Word is the overflow camping is right on the beach.)

The campground is adjacent to the Visitor Center, which offers group hikes, classes, concerts, and campfires daily throughout the summer and fall months.  Chéticamp is a great place to launch or complete your time on the Cabot Trail. It isn’t so great if you are looking to work on the road and need good cell signal. If you are in that boat, I’d suggest the Ingonish side.

Skyline Trail

Have you ever emerged from the thick forest, near the end of a hike and had the breath exhale from your lungs in amazement? When we got to the end of the Skyline Trail, I literally had to stop and just take it in. 

The most popular trail at Cape Breton National Park (and perhaps on the whole island) is the Skyline trail. The 4.2 mile/6.8 km trail starts high on the ridge and walks out onto the barren mountainside overlooking the ocean and coastline. The most popular time to do this hike is at sunset as it is perfectly situated for an amazing view.

The trail is easy, mostly flat, except for the hike back up the stairs and board walk on the return journey. It is smooth and well maintained throughout.

Driving the Cabot Trail

The main attraction on Cape Breton Island is the Cabot Trail, a 187 mile scenic loop, which clings to mountainsides, winds along rugged coastline, and is well known for being one of the most scenic drives in the world.  This trail takes you up into the furthest reaches of the island.

Not wanting to tow the trailers on the winding roads with 13% grades, we opted to complete it in one epic day of driving and hiking from our basecamp at Chéticamp.

The national park offers a challenge called the 10 Hikes in a Day Challenge, in which you complete 10 short hikes that showcase the different ecosystems and landscapes on the Cabot Trail, and you receive a free magnet. 

It never ceases to amaze me how a simple award can motivate people, especially kids. They were totally stoked to get that magnet! And so we began our journey!

While many people suggested traveling the Cabot Trail counter-clockwise, it worked better for us to travel it clockwise to Ingonish and then backtrack on the way home. We made all our hiking and sightseeing stops on the way out, culminating in swimming in the ocean at Ingonish Beach and eating dinner in Ingonish before the long haul back to camp. I think swimming at the beach was everyone’s favorite moment of the day. 🙂

Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site

We are always looking for good road schooling stops during our travels. Cape Breton is home to the Alexander Graham Bell Historic sight and is where he spent much of the later part of his life with his family.

This National Historic Sight is a great place for adults and children to learn about Bell and his many interests. Beyond inventing the telephone, you learn much about his work with deaf and blind people, medical inventions and the use of hydrofoils in military endeavors.