"I have traveled around the world. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes, the Alps, and the Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all."        
(Alexander Graham Bell) 

The Cabot Trail is a 300 km long highway in Northern Cape Breton, an area renowned for its spectacular unspoiled beauty. Cape Breton is an island located in the north of the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada. The Cabot Trail was named after John Cabot, the great navigator and explorer who first sighted Cape Breton Island on June 23, 1497. The Trail winds around the northern shore of Cape Breton passing through the magnificent highlands of Cape Breton National Park, one of Canada's most exceptional wilderness areas. You will find a rare blend of cultures, including Acadian, Scottish and Mi'kmaq, in these parts. 
 It is important to note that riding the Cabot Trail may not be for everyone! Although the views can be spectacular, they are often marred by low clouds. The terrain is rugged and some of the climbs are quite challenging. The Cabot Trail is devoid of paved shoulders. Although the vehicular traffic is not particularly heavy, it could be problematic for some cyclists. Finally, the condition of the pavement makes the Cabot Trail more suitable for cyclists on touring, rather than 'racing' bicycles. All that said, I highly recommend the Cabot Trail to you!
    One of the first decisions that you need to make has to do with the direction in which to cycle: clockwise or counter-clockwise. Although a couple of the climbs (Smokey and North Mountain in particular) are a little easier when approached in the clockwise direction, my preference is to ride in the other direction as this puts one closer to the water (and the views). There would also appear to be less vehicular traffic in this direction. However, in the final analysis, it probably does not make a great deal of difference! 

The Author
This web site has been compiled by Brian Hedney, an educator and avid cyclist living in Port Hope, Ontario.  If you have any suggestions for improving this route description, please contact the author by e-mail (president@freewheelers.ca). The material contained in this website is the intellectual property of Brian Hedney, and is intended to assist fellow cyclists. Feel free to link this website to other cycling and tourism sites. Cyclists may reproduce the material contained within this website for their personal use, but not for profit or gain. 

page updated on 08-May-2010