The Cabot Trail

Contrary to many reviews we have read on the net and other places, this is a good trip but nowhere near the best or even the most notable we have been on. For one thing, the spoiler is a huge part of the northern trail is all construction, gravel and very rough roads. We decided to not take our 5th Wheel Trailer on this exploration and we were so glad we made that decision. I quite sure we would have damaged something on the rough roads. At the very least we would have emptied our cupboards onto the floor.We did the trip counter clockwise and were glad we did. The first aproximately half of the trip on the East side and the North side is mostly well off the shoreline and in the woods with very little to look at but rolling hills and trees, oh and don't forget the construction in the Canada Parks. They seem to be on a a mission to tear up every road and sometime in the future maybe repave them again. I am guessing at least two years before they are what I would call properly passable. I would strongly recommend not taking the East side of the trip at all. Now the West side of the Cape is a whole new story. There are a few short construction areas but they are very passable. The scenery and views are stunning and beautiful. If I had to do it again, I would go up the West side to visit the wonderful little shop in Pleasant Bay called Cardinal Points Gifts at 23324 Cabot Trail Road. They have great ice cream and are very friendly. After a break I would return on the same road thereby avoiding most of the construction and the tedious East and North side road. The road has many up and downhill climbs with many measured between 10 and 12% grades so if you are pulling heavy, your rig will be in for a workout.We did have a great trip in spite it all however I would not go back unless maybe to drive the West coast of the Cape again. Maybe in a few years after Parks Canada has complete road construction, it would be worth driving again.I shot a dashcam video of the complete trip if anybody is interested.

It was an incredible road trip doing all the cabot trail in 1 day. It took 4-5 hours to do this. There's so many trails, beaches, amazing lookout along the way. I highly recommend you to spend 2-3 days for a better trip, to have more time for the trails, waterfalls, beaches, lighthouse, restaurants. When you enter Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there's a fee. So make sure you have your Park Canada Pass. Enjoy nature!

Stunning highway around the cape Breton Highlands national park. It’s a great well maintained road with breathtaking views. We were in winter time and many places were closed. So prepare ahead of time driving with some food, water and a full tank of gas. All outlooks points are cleared and weather permitting the national park roads cleared and accessible.

I'm incredibly grateful to have driven this trail. I would try and allocate at least 2 days for it. There is tons of look outs and stops that are the epitome of picturesque. Plus there are a bunch of hikes and waterfalls along the way. I would do you're research and plan for the Cabot trail. It is a sight to see.

You must travel around the Trail if you are in Cape Breton. A must do. Lots of new pavement. Lots of improved bridges. A motorcyclist's dream road to ride especially if no RVs are in the way. Even driven in a SUV it is a fun drive. Lots of curves and elevation changes.

Grew up on the Cabot Trail. The simple beauty. The peaceful surroundings. The scenery, that never, grows old. An abundance of wildlife, the mountains, hills, and river valley's, all of this, and more, has the ability, to take you away, from whatever ails you. Drive it. An overnight stay may be in order, if you plan to do it right. Take your time, soak it all in, with a promise, you'll be back again.

Absolutely beautiful. I was on the east coast a few years back and always regretted not being able to drive the Cabot Trail - I'm so happy I went back to see these stunning views!

A must do in bucket list. We never have enough time to explore cabot trail no matter how many times we visit.

One of the most beautiful places I've been in my life, it is well worth the trip because it was an incredible drive

It's a nice drive when you're driving along the cliffs and get the gorgeous views of the water, however, a BIG part of it is forest driving which is no different than driving from baie Comeau to port-cartier, Montreal to Quebec, etc.So not very impressive.As soon as you enter the park you need to pay a fee, whether you're driving through or planning on hiking.The south side is a lot nicer than the north side. There are quite a few small towns you can stop in to admire the views, walk on the beach or try the chowder at a local restaurant.