Cabot Trail

Cape Breton's clifftop highland crossing through a national park.

The Cabot Trail's most celebrated stretch threads the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, climbing from the Acadian village of Cheticamp over French Mountain, the route's high point at 455 m, then switchbacking down MacKenzie Mountain before crossing Cape North and descending Cape Smokey to Ingonish. Completed in 1932 and named for explorer John Cabot, this paved primary road pairs sweeping clifftop ocean views with forested highland plateau. The Skyline Trail headland walk leaves the road at French Mountain, and the Keltic Lodge marks the eastern end near Ingonish. Mind the steep grades, tight switchbacks, sudden coastal fog and gusty winds, and moose on the plateau at dawn and dusk.