Considered one of the world's most scenic drives, the Cabot Trail is a 298 km (186 mi) highway that weaves through The Cape Breton Highlands National Park, rewarding travellers with spectacular valley and ocean views along the way. This drive is a must-do for those who haven't been to Cape Breton Island before. Ingonish is situated on the Cabot Trail, and we recommend doing the full loop on your way to or from Ingonish should time allow. Additionally, many of the places recommended below are along the Cabot Trail.
Ingonish is located in one of Canada's National Parks: The Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The park is full of amazing hikes and beaches, many of which we have included below. If you're driving or renting a car, you will need to stop at the National Park entrance booth for a park pass, as it will be needed to park at Keltic Lodge and throughout Ingonish/the Highlands.
Highlands Links is where Monica learned to golf, and one of our favorite courses to golf together as a couple. Ranked 8th in the country, this course will take you from the ocean to mountains over the course of 18 holes. We will be reserving tee times for groups to golf at Highlands Links on Friday, 8/2. If you're interested, let us know and we will be sure to include you in one of the groups!
For those who want the views, but don't want the hike: Cape Smokey is a ski hill in Ingonish in the winter, but offers scenic gondola rides to the summit in the summer. At the top, you'll find expansive views of the Cape Breton Highland National Park, the Atlantic Ocean, and Ingonish.
Off the Cabot Trail (~25 minute drive west of Ingonish) in Aspy Bay is Cabot Trail Outdoor Adventures where you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes. Located along the Aspy Fault, kayaking in South Aspy Bay Harbor offers stunning views of the Aspy Bay mountains and smooth waters. You can take your kayak to the edge of the ocean from the harbor, park it and enjoy a dip in the Atlantic before returning for the day.
Enjoy a 2-hour whale watching tour off the coast of Cape Smokey in Ingonish. Ingonish Whalewatching Tours offers an adventure where you may see whales, dolphins, porpoises, tuna, sea turtles, seals, bald eagles and more. This is also a great way to see Ingonish from the water. We also recommend the "whale watching capital" of Cape Breton, Pleasant Bay. If you're driving the Cabot Trail before or after the party, Pleasant Bay is a great stop and enjoy a whale watching tour!
The most popular trail in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Skyline Trail offers a friendly 7km trailhead that leads you to where the ocean meets the sky, and sweeping views of the Cabot Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and other wildlife as you walk to one of Cape Breton's most stunning views!
If you are a golfer, we highly recommend golfing at Cabot. Rated the #1 golf course in Canada and #10 in the world, we recommend golfing Cabot Cliffs if you can only do one. But whether you golf Cabot Cliffs, Cabot Links, the Nest or just stop by for a beer at the 19th hole Cabot Bar, you will not be disappointed. It is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Ingonish and a great addition to any Nova Scotia vacation.
Inverness is home to world renowned golf course, Cabot Links. However, it's still a great place to stop for non-golfers. Inverness Beach is one of the largest on the island with a long stretch of sandy shoreline, with a boardwalk that also runs along the entire stretch of beach. Our favorite places to eat in the area include Route 19 Brewing, Panorama Restaurant or the Cabot Bar. For those who are interested in a luxury dining experience and tasting a variety of Cape Breton's freshest seafood check out Woodroad Restaurant. Lastly, Inverness is near Glenora Distillery, home of Canada's First Single Malt Whisky which offers distillery tours as well as a great restaurant!
Owned by the Rankin sisters, the Red Shoe Pub and Mabou are a great place to experience Cape Breton music and culture. If you choose to visit the town of Mabou, we suggest visiting the Red Shoe Pub for local fare and live music, as well as checking out the Mabou area including West Mabou Beach, the Mabou Farmer's Market, and the Mull River Farm.
For guests flying in and out of Halifax, we highly recommend spending a day or two in the city. Halifax is Nova Scotia's capital and largest city, and offers a bustling downtown area. The waterfront is full of restaurants, bars, and live music. Some of our favorite spots to eat and drink along the waterfront include a Mano, Bicycle Thief, Pickford & Black, and the Beer Garden ("The BG"). Be sure to also stop by the Lower Deck for live east coast music (sea shanties, anyone?!)
Located about an hour from Halifax is Nova Scotia's wine region in the Annapolis Valley. The Annapolis Valley is home to Nova Scotia's wineries and a lovely place to spend a day if visiting the Halifax area. Our favorite wineries are Benjamin Bridge, Luckett Vineyard (great stop for lunch, too!) and Domaine de Grand Pre. While you're there, be sure to check out downtown Wolfville. A quaint town with lots of little shops, restaurants and more wine!
Perched on the Atlantic Ocean about a 45 minute drive from Halifax is Peggy's Cove. A picturesque fishing community known for its photogenic lighthouse. A visit to Peggy's Cove allows you to explore the small town as well as navigate the rocks leading up to the lighthouse - just don't go too close to the edge!