Points of Interest
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Cabot Trail
Description
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
The Cabot Trail is considered one of the world's most scenic destinations and the accolades for this natural and man-made wonder keep growing. Not a rugged trail but a highway, the Cabot Trail edges along the steep cliffs and through the picturesque countryside of Cape Breton Island's rugged northern highlands. National Geographic's Drives of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Spectacular Trips and Lonely Planet have each proclaimed that it's one of the best road trips in the world.
So spend the day discovering its majesty during an adventure that takes you from Sydney all the way along Cape Breton's Atlantic coast and ends at Ingonish Beach. Although your tour reveals only a portion of the 185-mile island loop, it still captures the unforgettable, majestic beauty of the region. Ideal for those who prefer little or no walking this sightseeing excursion offers photo stops (so bring your camera) and a delicious lunch (so bring your appetite).
From the pier you'll travel northwest along the highway. As you gaze out your window you'll witness miles of unspoiled beauty, rolling hills and a craggy shoreline. With so many welcoming wonders it's no surprise that Travel & Leisure magazine named Cape Breton, "The number one best island to visit in the continental United States and Canada."
As your transportation makes its way along, your friendly on-board guide will share his history of the trail, which begins with the Micmacs, the area's first inhabitants. They were here to greet explorer John Cabot in 1497. Cabot's discovery of the island led to its eventual settlement by Europeans, mainly by the Scots, Irish, French and English who settled on what is now the Cabot Trail. The scenic highway you'll travel along was completed in 1932 and connects eight major communities around the island.
Along the way, your transportation will climb 985 feet to the top of Kelly's Mountain and stop at St. Ann's Lookoff. Once you step out and stretch your legs you can soak up the stunning vistas of St. Ann's Bay, the Cabot Trail, and the magnificent Cape Breton Highlands.
Then, you'll return to your transportation and continue traveling. By the time you get to the town of Ingonish, you'll be ready to sit down for a satisfying lunch before continuing on your journey
Following lunch, you'll reboard your transportation for the ride to Ingonish Beach, part of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Have your camera handy and watch out for the whales that frequent the waters every summer and the bald eagles that fly over the park.
Then, you'll wind your way back to your ship in Sydney, refreshed and ready to plan your next adventure.
Special Notes:
Drive to destination and back is two hours each way with a few scenic stops.Child Price:
12 & under reducedDetails
Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.
Depart pier for St Ann's Look off
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 01:00
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- No
Free time to explore Ingonish Beach
- Transport type:
- Walking
- Time at site:
- 00:20
- Free time at site:
- 20
- Inside visit:
- No
- Air conditioned:
- No
- Walking distance:
- 100
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- No
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Return Drive to Ship
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 02:00
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- No
Photo stop at St Ann's Look off
- Transport type:
- Walking
- Time at site:
- 00:20
- Free time at site:
- 20
- Inside visit:
- No
- Air conditioned:
- No
- Walking distance:
- 50
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- No
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Drive to Gaelic College
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 00:10
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- No
Gaelic College washroom break and souvenir stop
- Transport type:
- Walking
- Time at site:
- 00:30
- Free time at site:
- 30
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Air conditioned:
- No
- Walking distance:
- 100
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- Yes
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Drive to Keltic Lodge
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 01:25
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- No
Photo stop at Keltic Lodge
- Transport type:
- Walking
- Time at site:
- 00:20
- Free time at site:
- 20
- Inside visit:
- No
- Air conditioned:
- No
- Walking distance:
- 100
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- Yes
Scenic Drive to Lunch
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 00:10
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- No
Lunch
- Transport type:
- Walking
- Time at site:
- 01:10
- Free time at site:
- 70
- Inside visit:
- Yes
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Walking distance:
- 50
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- Yes
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- No
Drive to Ingonish Beach
- Transport type:
- Air Conditioned Transportation
- Transport Capacity:
- 50
- Travel time:
- 00:05
- Air conditioned:
- Yes
- Steps:
- 3
- Wheelchair accessible:
- No
- Restroom available:
- Yes
- Shopping available:
- No
- Photo/video restrictions:
- No
- Photo/video opportunity:
- No