Road Trip Nova Scotia: Cape Breton, Cabot Trail, and More

I often write about bucket list road trips, I’m about to feature a whole section about it. It’s always been the way I’ve loved to travel most, and this road trip Nova Scotia is no exception.

In this trip we covered a New Brunswick and Nova Scotia road trip on an epic 10-day trip.

It was my first visit to Nova Scotia, which has long been on my road trip list! This article focuses on the things we did along the Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail part of the route. Cape Breton is a Bucket List Road trip, and I love to feature those.

We would be starting and finishing the trip in Halifax, which has direct flights from London. And picking up a rental car here and returning it to the same location. So, let’s get stuck into our itinerary.

Halifax

As mentioned, this trip would start and finish in Halifax. We wouldn’t have long here sadly, but I recommend at least an afternoon and night. Halifax has a great vibe to it and an interesting history. You have an incredible mix of architecture, some from the 18^th and 19^th century and some much more modern.

Did you know? Halifax is the historical capital of Atlantic Canada!

One thing I love is that it’s a city that can mostly be explored on foot. If you do have time, you can get lost in the galleries, museums and cafes. Not to mention the waterfront and new harbour development.

As we didn’t have long, we took the Harbour Hopper boat/land tour. The Hopper is an amphibious vehicle previously used to carry troops. It starts at a must visit viewpoint, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, before passing St Paul’s Church and Spring Garden Road.

And then, into the sea! As cheesy as I thought this would be, it is pretty cool to then be cruising along the harbour and getting a view of the Halifax harbour from the water. It can get chilly on the water so bring an extra layer!

Finally, Halifax is a great base for day trips to Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg, the most popular ones around, and I recommend booking soon to secure your spot.

Sleep here: The Prince George Hotel. A beautiful and clean hotel right in the city center near all the major attractions.

Eat here: We ate at the BG Halifax Beer Garden, easy going food at a good price. And great quality too, and pint and fish and chips were a great way to start off my Nova Scotian food adventure!

Half-Day Historical Tour of Halifax

If there’s a tour you don’t want to miss in Halifax is the historical trip around town. That’s right, Halifax is a city steeped in rich history and culture.

This small-group tour takes you on a journey through history to learn about the legendary Titanic and the mythical Halifax Explosion that shaped the city’s identity.

You’ll pass by over 40 stops in town, from Georges Island National Historic Site to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to Halifax City Hall and many more.

Transportation is also included in the tour, which means you can leave your car for a break from the road trip and let the driver do the rest!

WiFi is included onboard, so you can share the memories in real-time too!

Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, and the Annapolis Valley

If you have more time in town, this is definitely a day trip you should consider from Halifax.

This Nova Scotia Day Tour will take you through the stunning Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, where you can marvel at the picturesque views of the sea crashing against the rocky shore.

You’ll also visit Queensland Beach where you can work on your tan or go for a dip in the water.

After that, you’ll stop at the Lunenburg Historic District, where you can step back in time and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With our air-conditioned vehicle and the freedom to follow a loose itinerary, you’re sure to have a relaxed and adventurous day out.

Wine and Lunch Escape in Halifax

Have you ever heard the saying “wine not?” Well, we have the perfect response to that question. Join a guide on a scenic drive through Nova Scotia’s picturesque Annapolis Valley where you’ll taste some of the best wine and food around.

This small group tour takes you to the best wineries in the area to get a wine tasting and learn about the manufacturing and terroir of each winery.

You’ll also get to enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the second winery, served with your choice of beer, wine, or cider.

This wine and food tour lasts about 6.5 hours, which is a nice break from driving around Nova Scotia, and you’ll be ready for the rest of the trip after this!

Baddeck, Cape Breton

Today we covered a lot of distance as we wanted to centre the first part of our road trip around Cape Breton. And there were some stunning views along the way.

We were stopping at Baddeck to break up the journey and find a little peaceful part of Cape Breton before starting the Cabot Trail. Baddeck is right on the Bras d’Or Lake and the former summer home to Alexander Graham Bell, credited as the inventor of the telephone.

Speaking of Mr Bell, the Alexander Graham Bell Museum is a must visit, featuring models, replicas, photos, artifacts and films all about the work of Bell. And he didn’t just work on the telephone, he had a number or achievements and inventions.

You could also spend a few hours here walking the shores of the Lake and exploring it’s small harbourside.

Sleep here: We stayed at the Inverary Resort, a lovely lakeside property with an adventure centre offering kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding. The rooms are spacious, and they have an onsite bar with food and live music, as well as a lakeside restaurant.

Eat here: On the way to Baddeck stop off at Charlene’s Restaurant, a local’s favourite hotspot. This is a no fuss diner, with award-winning seafood chowder. It has a real family and local vibe to it, and a welcoming atmosphere. You can also dine at the lakeside restaurant at Inverary Resort above.

Best Tours in Baddeck, Cape Breton

The best way to discover Cape Breton is to join a tour with a local guide that knows everything about the area. If you have more time in the area, these 2 tours are 5-hour long, which is great as a half day experience.

Best of Cape Breton Tour from Sydney

Your adventure starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Sydney and you’ll drive around the city, showcasing some of Sydney’s must-see spots like St. Patrick’s Church and the Cossit House Museum.

Next, you’ll head off to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, where you’ll be transported back in time to the 18th century and discover history of the Anglo-French struggle for Canada.

Your guide will take you on a journey through the fortress, acting as your personal time machine to explore the events, architecture, and people who shaped this site, all while learning about life as it was centuries ago.

Once you’re done in Sydney, you’ll head off to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck, the place where the telephone inventor called home.

All in all, it’s a great tour to enjoy when in Cape Breton, and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

Baddeck & Bell Museum Tour

If you want to stick to Baddeck and see the highlights here, then this is a great option.

Baddeck is known for Alexander Graham Bell’s fascinating life, and you’ll tour his museum with a private guide, which is brilliant, as opposed to joining a big group.

As you wander through the museum, you’ll discover the genius inventions that emerge from Bell’s mind. You’ll get to see replicas of the Silver Dart Plane, the first successful plane in Canada, and the HD4, the world’s first hydrofoil.

After that, you’ll explore Baddeck with your guide. You’ll have plenty of free time to explore the charming little shops and cafes, all while taking breathtaking views around the village.

This is a good half-day tour in Baddeck to join when stopping on your Nova Scotia road trip!

Louisbourg

After a quick stop at the World’s Largest Fiddle in Sydney, we made our way to Louisbourg. If you’re planning to stop in Sydney, make sure to allow over 2 hours for this journey.

Our day was spent at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a place that truly brings history to life. As the largest reconstruction project in North America, it’s a hands-on experience that feels like stepping back in time.

The original settlement was founded in 1713 by the French and was heavily fortified to defend against British invasion. It was besieged twice and eventually destroyed in the 1760s, but today, it’s been meticulously reconstructed.

There’s so much to do here! We started with a traditional lunch for the villagers at Restaurant de la Marine (I had a delicious turkey pie). Then we enjoyed a tasting of local beer, cider, and fortress rum at La Taverne Storehouse.

In the afternoon, we caught a cultural demonstration at the Mi’kmaw Interpretive Centre and even witnessed an example of a typical shaming of a criminal! The highlight? Shooting a musket!

Sleep here: North Star, located on a beautiful peninsula overlooking the ocean and Louisbourg harbour, was probably my favorite stay of the trip. The room—and especially the balcony—was stunning. From North Star, you can also walk along the Lighthouse and Old Town Trails, both around 2km, offering a mix of history and incredible views.

Eat here: The North Star also boasts The Bothy, their onsite restaurant, which serves locally sourced produce and dishes that highlight the best of Cape Breton and the Maritimes.

Have you seen the rest of my articles on Canada?

The Cabot Trail

And now begins the bucket list road trip part of this adventure. This was probably the first pin on the map when we started to plan the trip, the Cabot Trail.

The Cabot Trail is a coastal highway and one of the most spectacular drives in North America. It meanders through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Think hiking, gondolas, vistas, stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, bald eagles, and the chance to spot minke or pilot whales!

This is the kind of place you could spend a week, we had a couple of days, so here’s the places I recommend you visit.

When driving on your Nova Scotia road trip, I recommend getting a Cabot Trail audio guide, which is available on both Viator and GetYourGuide.

This is basically an audio guide that you can listen while driving, and you’ll learn stories of the area, as well as different quizzes, which is not only fun but also educative!

Cape Smokey & Ingonish

Atlantic Canada’s first and only Gondola. This is the latest resort development, and the top has 3 separate viewing platforms and a cold Cape Smokey pilsner! But you need to earn it, you can do the short hike to a lake at the top.

Ingonish is another place you could spend days not hours. There are a number of picture-perfect beaches, lush green valleys and rugged headlands and viewpoints. This is also where you’ll enter the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where you’ll need to pick up a pass from the visitor centre.

The next couple places are inside the National Park, but it’s really worth noting that we just scratched the surface of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, so consider spending a few days here if you have the time.

Skyline Trail

As you drive along the Cabot Trail, be ready to hit the brakes often—there are some incredible viewpoints you won’t want to miss.

One spot to definitely add to your list is Beulach Ban Falls. The car park is conveniently located right by the falls, but if you’re up for it, there’s also a longer hike to get there.

I’ve known about the Skyline Trail for a while now, especially since it’s often listed as one of the best short hikes in Canada. It’s about 6.5km and typically takes around 2-3 hours, but if you keep a good pace, you can finish it in under 2. This loop hike offers stunning views over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, complete with a purpose-built viewing deck. Keep your eyes peeled for Moose, Bald Eagles, Bears, and other birdlife.

Sleep here: Cornerstone Motel is right on the edge of the National Park, surrounded by nature. This family-run motel has friendly, helpful owners and offers private walking trails along the Cheticamp River.

Eat here: L’abri is a real local favorite, and you’ll need to book in advance to get a table. Created by two locals with a passion for seeing their village thrive, “The Shelter” offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with classic food, cocktails, and stunning ocean views.

Cheticamp

The Cornerstone Motel is just a few minutes’ drive from Cheticamp, so the following day we were keen to find out about some of the Acadian history and traditions in this French Acadian fishing village.

Our first stop was the Elizabeth LeFort Gallery and Museum at Les Trois Pignons. LeFort was the first person in the world to make portraits from hooked rugs! And her gallery is fascinating and even features our very own late Queen Victoria and King Charles, as well as portraits of US presidents.

There is also a gallery and collections from Marguerite Gallant, featuring hundreds of antiques reflecting the daily life of the Chéticamp settlers.

I also recommend a stop at Inverness on your way to the Glenora Inn & Distillery.

Glenora Inn & Distillery

Glenora Inn & Distillery is home to North America’s first single malt whisky distiller. It was started in the 1800s when Scottish immigrants flocked to Cape Breton, it’s said they settled here as the landscape resembled that of the Highlands.

You can take distillery tours between 9am and 5pm and it last around 20 minutes. The tour could use a bit of updating, but do you get taste the whisky at the end!

Alternatively, grab yourself a spot at the bar or some lunch. We sat at the bar, sipped a whisky and watched the live musician, I felt right at home!

Glenora is also part of the Ceilidh Trail, a coastal drive between Margaree Harbour and Port Hastings.

Judique

The final stop in Cape Breton Island is Judique, where you could have lunch at the Celtic Music interpretive Centre. The centre was built to share the culture of Cape Breton, and professional musicians are always there to give demos.

There is an exhibition and museum you can tour, and if you make sure you’re there between 11:30am and 3pm there will be live music!

Mini-Cabot Trail

A little bonus tip as you head south and leave Cape Breton Island is to drive the ‘Mini-Cabot Trail’. It’s essentially a short detour from the main road, heading north on the #337 from Antigonish, before picking up the #245.

The scenery was great, and you can stop and admire the views at Cape George Lighthouse. But my favourite spot and the reason for adding this detour was the Steinhart Distillery.

Thomas Steinhart has a tradition of craft distilling in his family for over 300 years. And he has brought that experience and tradition to Nova Scotia distilling a variety of spirits. But what I really loved was the atmosphere and community developed here.

We sampled gin, whiskey and vodka before enjoying one of the 9zero2 beers outside, watching live music with views over Prince Edward Island. Perfect.

Sleep here: We were heading south and over to New Brunswick, so the perfect pitstop was La Digue Suites. They are located in a nice area and have very clean rooms. And if you’re feeling brave, why not go for a morning sea swim to wake you up?

This concludes the Nova Scotia leg of this epic road trip. Have you been to Nova Scotia? Is there anything you would add to this list? Please let me know in the comments below.