Settings -
£
$
¥
$
¥
HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaCanadaEast CanadaNova ScotiaCabot Trail
Nova Scotia

Cabot Trail Road Trip

Baddeck - Dingwall - Pleasant Bay - Margaree Harbour

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Wildlife Wildlife
Road conditions Road conditions
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Cabot Trail Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km290 h/stage1.1

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Cabot Trail Road Trip in Nova Scotia?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 135EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 352EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 606EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 741EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 162EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 550EUR eat & more 324EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 924EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,086EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 216EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 792EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,299EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,515EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 675EUR drive & more 75EUR sleep & more 165EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 456EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,131EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
Share this link.

Cabot Trail Itinerary

Embark on a memorable road trip through the picturesque Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada. The route is approximately 300 km long and takes around 3 days to complete. It is best to visit during the summer months when the weather is warmer and the roads are in good condition. The route starts in Baddeck, a small town on the Bras d’Or Lake, and passes through the towns of Dingwall, Pleasant Bay, and Margaree Harbour. Along the way, you will be able to take in the beauty of the stunning landscapes and nature that Nova Scotia has to offer. The roads are partly curvy and partly narrow, so it is important to pay attention to the road conditions. The Cabot Trail is an unforgettable experience. It is suitable for all drivers and can be managed with any budget. Please be aware that seasonal road closures due to weather can occur. Enjoy the adventure and make sure to take lots of photos to capture all the wonderful memories.
number of days 3 number of days
route length 290 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Baddeck

Distance 290 km Driving time 4.2 h Pace: fast 86.9 kWh Airports YQY
[detailsContainer]
Baddeck is a small, charming town situated on the eastern coast of Cape Breton Island in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. It is a popular starting point for the renowned Cabot Trail Road Trip, a scenic drive along the coast of the island. There are plenty of things to do in Baddeck. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, an interactive museum dedicated to Bell's inventions and life in Baddeck. Take a boat tour around the Bras d'Or Lake, the largest inland sea in Canada, and explore the unique islands and coves. Or, take a stroll along the shore of Baddeck Bay and see the iconic Keltic Lodge. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, camping, and hiking. The closest international airport to Baddeck is the Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). Car rentals are available at the airport, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. Start your Cabot Trail Road Trip in Baddeck and explore the beauty of Nova Scotia. From the stunning lakes and forests to the historic sites and activities, Baddeck is an ideal destination for a memorable road trip.

1 Baddeck - Cape Breton - Dingwall

Distance 128 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: fast 38.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! accommodation options attractive landscape camper parking available camping sites
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Baddeck, Canada! As you drive through the picturesque landscapes of Cape Breton, make sure to pay attention to the scenic road. Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, while in other sections the road is very winding and narrow. This 138km journey will take you fewer than 2 hours to reach your destination, Dingwall. With its breathtaking views, this stage of your tour will be one to remember! Don't forget to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

2 Dingwall - Pleasant Bay

Distance 33 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: fast 9.9 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! camper parking available camping sites
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a 33 km road trip from Dingwall to Pleasant Bay and be mesmerized by the beauty of the scenic road! The drive will take you less than an hour, but it’s worth taking your time to appreciate the stunning views. Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, and the road is very winding in some sections, and narrow in others. Enjoy the sights of hills, valleys, and lakes, and don’t forget to take some pictures! You will also pass through several small towns, so be sure to take your time to explore them and find some hidden gems. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a wonderful road trip!

3 Pleasant Bay - Margaree Harbour

Distance 66 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: fast 19.7 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options camper parking available camping sites
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the beautiful road trip stage from Pleasant Bay to Margaree Harbour! This route will take you through some of the most scenic parts of Canada, with plenty of opportunities to explore and relax along the way. The drive takes around an hour and covers a distance of 66km. The road is narrow in sections, so make sure to pay attention while driving. You will be rewarded with stunning views of the coast and the surrounding forests. Your first stop should be Pleasant Bay, where you can take a stroll along the beach or take a boat tour around the bay. You can also visit the nearby museum and learn about the history of the area. As you drive along the coast, you will also have the chance to spot some local wildlife, such as whales and dolphins. Your next stop should be Margaree Harbour, where you can explore the nearby nature trails and take a walk along the waterfront. You can also visit the local lighthouse, which offers breathtaking views of the harbour. This is just a small part of your road trip, so make sure to check out the itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

4 Margaree Harbour - Baddeck

Distance 63 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 18.9 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road accommodation options camper parking available
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Margaree Harbour to Baddeck road trip stage! This 63 km journey will take you less than one hour to complete, but you'll want to take your time and enjoy the scenic road. Start your journey in Margaree Harbour, where you can explore the beautiful beaches, go fishing, and take part in the local culture. Then, move on to the charming village of Baddeck, where you can visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and take a stroll along the waterfront. As you drive, take in the breathtaking views of the Bras d’Or Lakes. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the area, so make sure to take advantage of them! When you're done, you can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Baddeck

[detailsContainer]
Baddeck is a small town located on the Bras d’Or Lake on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is the ideal destination to end the Cabot Trail Road Trip, one of the most beautiful road trips in North America. Baddeck offers plenty of attractions and activities to do. One of the most popular is the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Park, which celebrates the life and accomplishments of the famous inventor and scientist. The park also has a beach and a museum, so you can enjoy the outdoors and learn about Bell’s inventions. Other popular attractions in Baddeck include the Baddeck and Area Museum, the Kidston Island Lighthouse, and the Uisge Ban Falls. You can also take a boat tour on the Bras d’Or Lake, explore the local shops and restaurants, or take a tour of the nearby Highlands National Park. If you are traveling to Baddeck by air, the closest international airport is the Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), located approximately two and a half hours away. At the end of your Cabot Trail Road Trip, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the many attractions of Baddeck. From the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Park to the Kidston Island Lighthouse, Baddeck has something to offer everyone.

Cabot Trail at a glance

We believe that our Cabot Trail Road Trip has become a superb inspiration for your future holidays.
Our tour can be used as a base that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting attractions.
If you are planning on travelling by car in Nova Scotia, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a number of elements to bear in mind to make your road adventure smooth. Considering hiring a vehicle or camper rental? These will definitely come in handy during your holiday experience.
In Nova Scotia, there are a number of road regulations to be remembered while driving. In Nova Scotia, if you are planning to drive, try to stay away from spirits at any cost. Holidayers ought to remember that the allowed level of alcohol in blood is low and cannot exceed 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 80km/h, which is the maximum allowed speed when driving around the urban areas. In undeveloped areas, travellers can travel at the maximum speed of 100km/h. On highways, 120km/h is the speed limit that you should never exceed. Having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in your car and driving with your headlights on at daytime greatly increase the safety of your passengers.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. Depending on the budget option that you’re interested in, the amount of money that you have to spend on your trip expenses may differ. A wide range of budget options is presented below.
If you go for the cheapest option, you need to spend the maximum of 38 EUR on gasoline to cover the planned 5 stages. Holidaymakers will have to pay the average of up to 352 EUR for economy accommodation. Holidaymakers who go for this option will spend approximately 216 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay about 135 EUR if they choose the budget car rental offer as well. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to roughly 606 EUR without vehicle rental and 741 EUR with car hire.
Holidayers who seek greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 50 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip. Cost amounting to 550 EUR can be expected by all drivers who are considering standard accommodation options. When opting for this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost approximately 324 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car can expect a cost of more or less 162 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 1,086 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle hire and 924 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding travellers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 1,515 EUR for holidayers who are considering vehicle hire and 924 EUR for those who do not need a hire car. Travellers who would like to cover the trip in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of about 216 EUR. If you are interested in the highest standard of the road trip, you have to spend the maximum of 75 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the road trip. Holidaymakers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their trip should expect to pay roughly 792 EUR for hotels and approximately 432 EUR for food and restaurants.
Our tour can be easily adjusted to the requirements of all camper lovers. Holidaymakers have to pay approximately 675 EUR for camper hire service. You will spend around 75 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the Cabot Trail Road Trip. Holidaymakers who would like to go for camper hire should expect to pay more or less 165 EUR for accommodation and approximately 216 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above-mentioned expenses in detail.
The part of Nova Scotia described in our Cabot Trail Road Trip is great to be explored between June and September. There are multiple picturesque road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if you like Cabot Trail Road Trip. Hopefully, the great variety of trips will definitely live up to the expectations of the most demanding travellers.

Facts for safer driving in Nova Scotia

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 80 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

Recommended trips

Trans Canada Highway Road Trip Trans Canada Highway Road Trip
Trans Canada Highway Road Trip
North America - Canada
7,528 km 89 km/h 28 days roadtrip
Eastern Canada Classic Road Trip Eastern Canada Classic Road Trip
Eastern Canada Classic Road Trip
North America - Canada
6,155 km 81 km/h 28 days roadtrip
Prince Edward Island Road Trip Prince Edward Island Road Trip
Prince Edward Island Road Trip
North America - Canada
830 km 64 km/h 7 days roadtrip
Newfoundland Viking Road Trip Newfoundland Viking Road Trip
Newfoundland Viking Road Trip
North America - Canada
435 km 85 km/h 3 days scenic
Old Canada Road Trip Old Canada Road Trip
Old Canada Road Trip
North America - United States
263 km 70 km/h 1 days scenic
Canada Road Trip Canada Road Trip
Canada Road Trip
North America - Canada
11,081 km 90 km/h 34 days roadtrip