📷 Photo by Thomas Lipke on UnsplashCabot Trail
A loop road around northern Cape Breton Island, with about a third inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park. An RV guide describes sections as steep and narrow, which matters for large motorhomes.
- Region
- Nova Scotia, Canada
- Length
- nearly 300 km
- Start / end
- Loop around northern Cape Breton
- Best season
- May–mid-Oct (park season)
Before you go
- About 106 km of the Cabot Trail run inside the national park. The scenery differs depending on whether you drive clockwise or counterclockwise.
- Parks Canada lists Broad Cove Campground near Ingonish with fully serviced sites. Reservations are site-specific in the main season, and the shoulder seasons are first-come, first-served.
- The park's services run mainly from May to mid-October. The road itself stays open year-round according to one RV guide, but services are limited outside the season.
Planning
The national park lies on northern Cape Breton Island and is entered via Chéticamp on the west or Ingonish on the east. From the Canso Causeway it is about two hours by car, from Sydney about two hours and from Halifax about five. Parks Canada admission rules and passes change, so check the official page before you go. The trail has many stops, so allow time accordingly.
Camping
Broad Cove Campground at Ingonish operates from mid-May to late October. It has full three-way service sites (electrical, water, sewer) and unserviced sites. Site-specific reservations are made through the Parks Canada Reservation Service during the main season. In spring and fall the campground works on first-come, first-served self-registration. Other national park campgrounds exist, so check the Parks Canada page for dates, services and RV limits.
The drive
An RV guide describes the Cabot Trail as having steep and narrow sections that are a challenge for larger motorhomes. It suggests towing a smaller car to explore further. Chéticamp on the west coast and Ingonish on the east coast are the usual bases. Meat Cove at the northern tip is reached by a dirt road, which is a point to weigh for large vehicles. Dogs are allowed on a leash in the park.
FAQs
How long is the Cabot Trail?
Parks Canada gives nearly 300 km for the whole loop, of which about 106 km are inside the national park. How much time you need depends on how many stops you make.
Is the Cabot Trail suitable for a large motorhome?
It is possible, but an RV guide notes steep and narrow sections. Drive slowly and use low gears on descents. Limits for vehicle length at campgrounds vary, so check them with Parks Canada.
Can I stay at a campground with full hookups?
Yes. Broad Cove Campground near Ingonish has full three-way service sites. In the main season the sites are reserved individually through Parks Canada. Book early for summer.