Cape Breton in the footsteps of the Scots
On our numerous Travel through Canada We have been to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island several times. Monika has travelled the region as a tour guide for 17 years. The two of us have also been there several times as travel bloggers on research trips. The Cabot Trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful routes in Nova Scotia for a road trip Canada. He is named after John cabot, an explorer commissioned by the King of England. We explored it for two days on this road trip and followed in the footsteps of the Scots who settled Cape Breton in the 18th century.
We take a little more time for this tour to get to know the people and their way of life. Cheticamp we are initially in an Acadian enclave, where the residents uphold their French heritage to this day. It was they who were the first European settlers to set foot on Canadian soil in Nova Scotia. In the turmoil of the colonial disputes between the French and the English for supremacy over the North American continent, they were defeated.
The Acadians in Nova Scotia
Most of their people were expelled in 1755, and only a few managed to survive in remote areas such as the coast of Cape Breton Island. Even today, the northwest coast of Cape Breton Island, where the Cabot Trail runs along the coast, is sparsely populated.
On the one hand, this is because small groups of Acadians had settled in the section between Margaree Forks and Cheticamp. On the other hand, the Cabot Trail from Cheticamp runs through the nature reserve of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park with its steep mountain slopes that drop down to the coast and are densely covered with forest. It is not until Pleasant Bay that we come across a small settlement in which mainly fishermen live.
Map of Scottish settlements on the Cabot Trail
Fishing on the Cabot Trail
Fishing plays a big role in the small towns along the Cabot Trail. Pleasant Bay, White Point and Neils Harbour have lovely harbours where fishing boats bob in the water. On land there are piles of lobster traps, colourful buoys and fishing nets waiting to be repaired. Screeching seagulls watch us curiously from the quay walls, looking to see if we have anything edible for them.
These places are quiet retreats off the main route on the Cabot Trail and give a good impression of how life is for the people here. During the short fishing season, when certain species of fish can be caught, their catch must be large enough to live off of it for the rest of the year. If that is not enough, they must earn some extra money in tourism or in the city.
hiking trails on the Cabot Trail
For detailed hiking recommendations on the Cabot Trail, these routes are particularly suitable:
- Skyline Trail – An easy to moderate circular walk with spectacular cliff views. Ideal for sunsets and wildlife viewing.
- Middle Head Trail – Moderate 3,8 km route suitable for visitors who want to enjoy sea views and coastal scenery.
- Franey Trail – A challenging 7,4 mile trail with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Clyburn Valley.
Each route offers unique perspectives on the region's landscape and wildlife and is suitable for a variety of fitness levels and schedules.
You can find more hiking trails on the Cabot Trail at Park Canada.
This has to be in the suitcase for hikes on the Cabot Trail
- When hiking we wear solid hiking boots, They also are good on uneven paths. hiking socks also ensure comfortable walking.
- On a hike you need a backpack, in which you have drinks, snacks, a jacket and store odds and ends.
- Check our hiking checklistwhether you have packed everything you need for your hike. One lunch box and other practical utensils for hikers can be found here.
- Use our checklist for a beach vacation and pack everything you need for a swim in the suitcase.
Crafts on the Cabot Trail
The same is true of the art galleries and pottery shops that we see on the way. The painters, sculptors and potters make their living during the summer tourist season. In the winter, they have to live on the earned money or look for another income. Not a simple life that guides people on the Cabot Trail!
Staying in a Scottish setting on the Cabot Trail: the Keltic Lodge
Things get Scottish when we arrive at the Keltic Lodge. The hotel, which is located in a beautiful spot on a peninsula from which the view stretches far along the coast, reminds us of a Scottish manor house with its furnishings. Tartans in red, green and blue transport us to another world.
The name itself says that this hotel celebrates the influence of Scottish immigrants. The Hotel is located in the National Park and is one of the Nova Scotia Signature Resorts, which includes the Digby Pines Golf Resort heard that we met a few years ago. It is best to stay here for several days to enjoy the surroundings, the golf course, the beach and above all the view.
With the cable car to Cape Smokey
The landscape is also reminiscent of Scotland with its bays, the mountains that drop down to the sea and the roads that make the Cabot Trail a ride that takes your breath away. On the other side of the bay, you can take the cable car up to Cape Smokey. The gondola has space for eight people and transports them from sea level to the summit of Cape Smokey in four minutes. The difference in altitude is 320 meters.
From the top you will have a magnificent view of the Atlantic and the Ingonish Beach peninsula with the Keltic Lodge. Take your time on the trip so that the drive up is worth it. Pack a picnic or get snacks from the Summit Shack. You can enjoy these at one of the three viewing points.
Cape Smokey
38696 Cabot Trail
Ingonish Beach
Nova Scotia, B0C 1L0
+1 902 517 0371
info@capesmokeyholding.com
Get to know Gaelic culture at Gaelic College in St. Ann's
If you have time, you can learn Gaelic at the Gaelic College in St. Ann's, for example. If you don't have enough time for that, the summer courses offered by the college offer other opportunities to learn about the culture of the Scots on the Cabot Trail. At lunchtime, lunch is served with Celtic music. If you want, you can also try Gaelic crafts. Of course, you can also learn about the history of the Scots, their way of life and their Celtic identity.
The shop has tartan fabrics, for example. If you want, you can even have a kilt made there. Instead, we browse through the collection of Scottish-Celtic music CDs recorded by artists from the region. With this musical accompaniment on our road trip through Cape Breton, the trip along the Cabot Trail becomes an experience with Scottish flair for us too! But I also love the lace blankets. So I'm bringing a piece of Gaelic culture home with me, which now adorns my living room.
The Gaelic College
51779 Cabot Trail,
St Ann's, Nova Scotia
B0C 1H0
info@gaeliccollege.edu
(902) 295-3411
What Destination Canada says about the Scots in Nova Scotia
"It does not take a lengthy historical investigation to recognize the connection between the Canadian province of Nova Scotia and its Celtic roots - the name 'New Scotland' alone makes the cultural heritage more than clear. The pride in the cultural origins, which the name of the province testifies to, is also reflected in the many Celtic traditions that are preserved and cultivated to this day."
Source: Destination Canada
How to make your visit to the Cabot Trail sustainable
Sustainable tourism on the Cabot Trail protects nature. It also promotes local culture. When you explore the trail, you can support regional providers by staying in small, family-run accommodations or eating in local restaurants. This way you can experience authentic cuisine and help the community.
In addition, use the designated hiking trails to protect sensitive nature. Find out about proper waste disposal and follow the "Leave No Trace" principles. Bicycles and e-bikes are an environmentally friendly alternative to the car. They also offer you a more intensive experience of the landscape.
Tips on the best time to travel the Cabot Trail
The best time to visit the Cabot Trail is June through October. In June, expect fewer visitors and nature awakens. July and August are ideal for summer weather, but it can get busier. September is often less crowded and the weather remains pleasant. October brings the leaves and spectacular views, but temperatures drop. Spring is quieter, but some attractions open later, so plan accordingly and check hours.
Our Travel on the Cabot Trail gave us an insight into the life of the Scots on Cape Breton Island. We therefore recommend that you go looking for clues yourself and experience what is Scottish in Nova Scotia.
Learn more:
- Highland Village Museum
- Cape Breton Island
- Tastes of Scots: Scots in Cape Breton
- Nova Scotia Archives
- National Geographic
Questions and answers about a road trip on the Cabot Trail
What is the best time of day to explore the Cabot Trail?
Early morning is a good time to experience the Cabot Trail. The roads are emptier at this time and there is a better chance of clear views. The afternoon can get busier, especially at popular viewpoints.
Can you visit the Cabot Trail in winter?
In winter, the Cabot Trail is partially covered in snow, making some sections difficult to access. Some accommodations and restaurants are closed, but the winter landscape offers a special experience. If you love winter activities such as snowshoeing, it can be an interesting option.
What special species of animals can I see along the Cabot Trail?
On the Cabot Trail you can see whales, eagles and black bears, among other things. The coastal areas are particularly good for whale watching, while bears are more common in the forests.
Are there any guided tours that are worth it?
Yes, guided tours offer you exciting insights into the history, nature and culture of the region. Providers offer hiking, cycling or boat tours that give you a new perspective on the trail.
Can I camp well along the Cabot Trail?
Yes, camping is a popular way to experience the Cabot Trail. There are designated campgrounds with basic amenities as well as fully equipped campgrounds for tents or RVs.
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Getting to the Cabot Trail:
Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement). Air Canada, Condor and Icelandair fly from Germany to airports in eastern Canada. There you can then rent a rental car or a motorhome. From Halifax The best way to reach the Cabot Trail is by rental car or motorhome.
Car rental for the Cabot Trail:
Cheap car hire - book quickly and easily!
Hotels:
Hotels along this route * and on Cape Breton Island * you can, for example, book through our partner booking.com.
If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.
Do you like to travel by motorhome?
- Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you will find information and a selection of booking options.
- Be sure to check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
- In Cape Breton Highlands National Park, for example, you can do this Campgrounds stay.
Do you know this?
- Typical Scottish food and drink
- Finance Holiday - Travel Blogger Tips
- Ottawa Winterlude
- Ottawa Winterlude hotels
- Road trip Canada
Source: on-site research. We would definitely like to thank Tourism Nova Scotia for supporting this trip. However, our opinions remain our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Unsplash
Video © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
