Named after the famous explorer John Cabot, the Cabot Trail is one the most beautiful scenic drives in the world. Drive the winding highway, traveling from isolated, remote fishing villages to the top of the mountains, including Cape Smokey. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant in Cheticamp, overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park with its dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife and history that dates back to the Ice Age. Hike. Golf. Swim. Fish. Take many breaks along your drive to photograph the remarkable scenery and vistas. Admission charged to enter Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Open year round; full services available May-October.
Baddeck
Population: 907
Set on the shores of Nova Scotia's inland sea, the Bras d'Or Lakes, and the start/finish point of the famed Cabot Trail, Baddeck has lots to offer its visitors. Great walking, hiking and biking trails, an excellent supervised beach and the Bell Bay Golf Club - one of SCOREGolf's "Canada's Top 100 Courses - 2004" can all be found in Baddeck. You may also want to consider chartering a sailboat, setting out in search of puffins or kayaking the seas. A memorable time waits to be had in Baddeck.
While in Baddeck spend a few hours at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to learn the extent of Mr. Bell’s contributions to the world of science and engineering, contributions that in turn affected the entire world. Set on 10 hectares of landscaped grounds overlooking the Bras d’Or Lakes and Baddeck Bay, discover models, replicas, artifacts, photos and films that detail the fascinating life of this famous inventor at this aptly named site. Among the many exhibits, find the Silver Dart, with which Alexander Graham Bell broke the world speed record on the Bras d’Or Lakes. In addition to learning about Mr. Bell’s well-known invention of the telephone and his role in teaching the deaf, including Helen Keller, to speak, become aware of his numerous lesser-known inventions, such as the first seaplane. Also, as so much of Mr. Bell’s work involved children, a section of the site has been set aside for kid’s experiments, puzzles and kite-making workshops. Not only will you learn a lot with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, but also you will definitely enjoy the time spent here. Open year round. June, July and August open 9am-6pm.
Chéticamp
Population: 4000
Set above the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Chéticamp is a busy Acadian fishing village. Visit one of the local restaurants and perhaps sample traditional Acadian cuisine. An entrance/exit to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Chéticamp is also a craft center, particularly renowned for rug hooking and embroidery, and home to many interesting galleries. Experienced and amateur golfers alike will enjoy a round at Le Portage Golf Club near Chéticamp.
Ingonish
Population: 1250
A resort destination, Ingonish is where the Cape Breton Highlands National Park starts (or finishes) along the Cabot Trail. People from around the world come to Ingonish not only for the spectacular scenery, but the phenomenal hiking, deep-sea fishing, sea kayaking, whale watching and biking. Ingonish is also the home of the renowned Highland Links Golf Course, one of Canada’s top golf courses.
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