Tom and I started our visit to Nova Scotia with a drive along the “World Famous Cabot Trail”. The Cabot Trail is a scenic loop around the north side of Cape Breton Island. We began our loop at the southern end near Bras d’Or Lake and drove clockwise.
Tom and I stopped for a break at Lake O’Law Picnic Park. Tom was happy to see several guys fishing along the bank. He had planned on fishing for salmon later that day on the Margaree River. But, after speaking with the local fishermen, Tom learned that the salmon weren’t running there. So, we continued our drive along the Margaree River and past Margaree Harbor without stopping.
As Tom and I followed the Cabot Trail along the coast, we could see clearly that it was lobster season. The coast was buzzing with lobster fisherman and Tom couldn’t resist the opportunity to eat a fresh lobster roll. We stopped for lunch at Le Gabriel in the town of Cheticamp.
After eating lunch, Tom and I walked down to the marina to get a better look at the fishing boats. As I walked toward the edge of the dock, a seagull started squawking and buzzing over me. The closer I got to the end of the dock, the more aggressive it became. I thought it just wanted food, which I didn't have. Two more seagulls joined it, getting closer and more angry. That’s when I saw several babies walk out from behind the rocks. The seagulls weren’t hungry, they were protecting their young.
After lunch, Tom and I continued our drive along the Cabot Trail... but we didn't get far. Immediately after leaving the town of Cheticamp, the Cabot Trail entered Cape Breton Highlands National Park and crossed the Cheticamp River. Along the edge of the river, within the national park, we discovered Cheticamp Campground. The campground had plenty of sites available and was, conveniently, within biking distance to town. So, in addition to exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park, we enjoyed an evening of traditional Cape Breton fiddle music at Le Gabriel.
After our night camping at the west entrance to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, we continued our drive along the Cabot Trail. As the Cabot Trail follows the northern coast of Cape Breton Island, it crosses in and out of the national park many times. We enjoyed stopping at the scenic pullouts in addition to exploring Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
At times the road was quite steep with signs indicating a 12% grade. And, as the Cabot Trail crossed in and out of the national park many times, we noticed a trend regarding road conditions. The pavement within the park boundary is smooth and well maintained. Outside the park, the road is rough and rutted.
Tom and I saw many moose crossing signs but no signs of moose. We did however, see many beautiful lupins along the road.
Just before exiting the east side of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Tom and I stayed a night at Broad Cove Campground. From there we continued our drive south on the Cabot Trail stopping at Cabotto Chocolates for us and a rocky beach for Aly. It wasn’t as nice as a sandy beach but better than nothing.
Tom and I unintentionally detoured off the Cabot Trail and onto the Englishtown Ferry. Even if it wasn’t intended, it was enjoyable. We drove down the east side of St. Anns Bay and reconnected with the Cabot Trail at the south end of the bay. We continued clockwise on the Cabot Trail through Baddeck and along Bras d’Or Lakes. Our three day drive along the Cabiot Trail ended at Bras d’Or Lakes where we camped our third night.
You can view a few photos from our drive along the Cabot Trail on the Carpe Diem Facebook page by clicking on the image below.
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