Cape Breton Island is one of the most beautiful islands in North America. I had longed to visit this area for decades, and when I finally travelled there, the striking beauty overwhelmed me. Home to the famous Cabot Trail, it is one of the top scenic roads in Canada, making it an extraordinary destination to explore the rugged countryside and coastline.
Getting to know the local people who have made this place their home enriched the adventure. It is said that, once you have made the journey to Cape Breton Island, “Your heart will never leave,” and, I definitely came away with this warm, endearing feeling.
We hope this planning guide to Cape Breton Island helps you plan your visit. Please share it and leave any comments, questions, or suggestions below.
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Trip Planning Travel Guide to Cape Breton Island
Is Cape Breton Island worth seeing?
Yes, absolutely! Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is, without a doubt, a must-see destination. Our Cape Breton Island travel guide will help you discover the best there is for an unforgettable trip. The island provides lots of wide-open outdoor exploration opportunities with a rich mix of unique, authentic Celtic, Acadian and Mi’kmaq cultural experiences to the area. The jaw-dropping scenery is spectacular, with endless rugged coastlines, ocean vistas, and picturesque fishing villages.
What is the best month to visit Cape Breton Island?
The best time to visit is from the end of May through October. Many facilities are seasonal and close during the winter months. The summer months are warmer, but it is also peak season. Reservations for accommodations should be made well in advance to ensure the best selection of properties. Travel in the fall features spectacular fall foliage.
What language do they speak on Cape Breton Island?
Many languages are spoken on Cape Breton Island, but English is the predominant language, with a unique dialect.
Scottish Gaelic, Acadian French, and Mi’kmaq can be heard depending on the community. Learn about the people of Cape Breton and their rich cultural heritage.
Celtic Heritage
People from Scotland began arriving in the 1700s, and by 1855, nearly 50,000 had made the journey, greatly influencing the culture of their new home. In fact, Nova Scotia, translated from Latin, means New Scotland. Many town names, such as New Glasgow, reflect similar names to those in Scotland.
With the Celtic culture, the immigrants brought age-long traditions and values from the Scottish Highlands. This rich heritage is carried out through the language, customs, music, food and crafts. There is even a Gaelic College to teach people of all ages and skill levels about Celtic culture. The college also offers hand-made kilts and tartans. The college is located in St. Ann’s on the Cabot Trail.
What is the difference between Celtic and Gaelic?
Celtic means both Irish and Scottish immigrants to Nova Scotia. Gaelic is the language spoken by these people.
Mi’kmaq Indigenous People
There are 13 Indigenous groups in Nova Scotia, with the Mi’kmaq having the largest population. Visit Goat Island to learn about the traditions of the Eskasoni First Nations Mi’kmaq on the shores of Bras d’Or Lake, an inland sea and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
It is important to note that the Mi’kmaq were among the first Indigenous people to have contact with Europeans. The Mi’kmaq developed a strong relationship with the French, helping them fight the British and adapt to their new home.
Traditional Music of Cape Breton
The foot-stomping folk and traditional music the island is famous for is found almost everywhere. Venues are varied, from pubs, parks, and restaurants to outdoor concerts on top of the mountain at Cape Smokey to what is known as a “kitchen party,” or as they call it in Cape Breton, a ceilidh (kay-lee).
Kitchen parties are a unique, rich cultural experience in the region. At a ceilidh, Scottish or Irish folk music is played. There is singing, traditional folk dancing, and storytelling.
If you are interested in music, plan to attend the annual Celtic Colours International Festival. The festival lasts nine days, starting on the Friday of the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend (October 10-18, 2025, and October 9-17, 2026). It features the best Celtic culture with dancers, singers, storytelling and some immersive experiences. In 2024, there were 50 concert performances scheduled in 200 plus Cape Breton Island community events.
7-Day Cape Breton Island Road Trip Itinerary
Our visit to Cape Breton Island was not long enough. We spent seven days exploring as much as we could but felt rushed. This time allowed us to take a few short hikes; however, a few days longer would have allowed us to have more immersive experiences.
If possible, I suggest flying into Sydney and out of Halifax. In my opinion, the drive should be done travelling counterclockwise to allow the best views.
The Cabot Trail
World-famous Cabot Trail is one of North America’s most spectacular scenic drives. The highway offers breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views along the coast as it twists and turns through picturesque fishing villages and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
The Cabot Trail scenic highway, named after the 15th-century Italian explorer John Cabot, is 298 km (185 miles) long. The trail starts and ends in the town of Baddeck.
Day 1 – Arrive in Sydney or Halifax
Sydney is the gateway to the world-famous Cape Breton Island and one of the most scenic drives in North America, the Cabot Trail. This historic 18th-century city is Nova Scotia’s second-largest city.
Top things to do in Sydney
Attractions: See the world’s largest fiddle and take a historic walking tour. The Sydney Waterfront District features a boardwalk, shops, cafes and buskers. Find out more about visiting Sydney.
Accommodations – I suggest staying at Simon Hotel Sydney.
Cossit House Museum, Sydney
Learn about 18th-century life at the Cossit House Museum. It is the oldest standing house in Sydney and one of the oldest homes on Cape Breton Island. The designated heritage site is a fine example of neo-classical Georgian architecture.
Museum staff dressed in period costumes demonstrate traditional skills like candle-making, lace-making and butter-churning. Learn more and view a photo gallery.
This museum is on the Historic Walking Tour of Sydney.

Cossit House is the oldest standing house in Sydney and one of the oldest houses on Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Historic Colonial homes along the walking tour in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Many are designated as a heritage property. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The World’s Largest Fiddle
Take a photo of the world’s largest fiddle. The solid steel fiddle stands about 60 feet high. Its design represents the rich Celtic heritage and their love of folk music.
The fiddle is located at the Joan Harriss Cruise Ship Pavilion. Browse inside the pavilion at the Big Fiddle Market. The market, which features over 50 local artisans and crafters, is only open on cruise ship days.

The world’s largest fiddle can be found at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in the harbour of Sydney, Nova Scotia. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Sydney Waterfront District
Stroll along the 1.5 km walkway from the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion. Visit the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, featuring 90 local professional craft producers from Cape Breton Island. Take a brewery tour and a tasting in the taproom at Breton Brewery, or learn about mining history at Cape Breton’s Mining Museum and take an underground tour of the Ocean Deeps Colliery.

Tribute to Mariners lost at sea, Sydney, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Day 2 – Louisbourg – 1 night – 3o mins from Sydney or two nights if you choose the 5-hour drive from Halifax
Map 1: The drive from Sydney, Nova Scotia, is 30 minutes to Louisbourg. Start the day early and spend one night.
Map 2: Most international flights fly into Halifax. If the journey starts here, it will be a five-hour drive, not counting stops along the way. To get the most out of your visit, staying two nights in Louisbourg is suggested.
Map 1
Map 2
Attractions: Explore the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, the largest historical reconstruction in North America, and Lighthouse Point, where Canada’s first lighthouse was built in 1734.
Accommodations: North Star Inn, owned and operated by Colin and Justin, the international TV celebrity designers; Louisbourg Harbour Inn, a charming bed and breakfast; or search for other hotels in the area.
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site is the largest historical reconstruction in North America and explores French colonial life as it was in 1744.
Once the largest European settlement, the French built the fortress in 1713 as an essential military base, trade center and thriving cod industry. The site prospered and grew until the British destroyed most of it in 1758. The fortress reconstruction started in the 1960s.
The site provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the region’s history and the important role that Louisbourg played in the development of Canada. Walk through the streets and homes of the colonial town and experience life in the 18th century through costumed interpreters and interactive exhibits.
The smell of freshly baked bread enticed us to find the King’s Bakery. Soldiers’ bread, made daily is baked in wood-fired brick ovens. The dense bread weighs a whopping 6 lbs and was used to make up part of an 18th-century French soldier’s food rations. A soldier would receive one loaf every four days, along with salt meat and dried vegetables. Today, the bread can be purchased by visitors.
When visiting Louisbourg, the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail is very close by. Canada’s first lighthouse is near the trailhead.

View of Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Making bread at the 18th century French Colonial Fortress of Louisbourg. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Lighthouse Point on Lighthouse Trail Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Day 3 – Baddeck – 1 Night – 2.5-hour drive with three highlighted tours
Today will be filled with rich cultural experiences along the scenic Bras d’Or Lake drive as you head towards Baddeck, the start and end point of the famous Cabot Trail.
Attractions: Take an Indigenous experience at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys on Goat Island, learn about Celtic culture at Baile nan Gàidheal/Highland Village and visit Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
Accommodations: Stay at the Inverary Resort, and for dinner, the Freight Shed Waterside Bistro is a good option with views of Bras d’Or Lake.

Inverary Resort in Baddeck on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Bras d’Or Lake
Bras d’Or Lake is a stunning, unique inland sea and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy the tranquil lake setting, view marine wildlife and sea birds, hike, kayak, or take a chartered lake tour.
Eskasoni Cultural Journeys on Goat Island
Eskasoni is home to the largest Mi’kmaq First Nation population in the world. The Mi’kmaq people have a rich cultural heritage and traditions, including a strong spiritual connection to the land they have roamed for over 10,000 years. Take a guided experience featuring Mi’kmaw culture through storytelling, traditional drumming, dancing and singing as you stop along the 2.4 km trail on the scenic shores of Bras d’Or Lake.
Learn about hunting and fishing techniques, participate in a smudging ceremony, cook a four-cent cake on an open fire, try basket making, and more.
Self-guided tours are also available.

Visit Goat Island Eskasoni Cultural Journey to learn about the culture and traditions of the Mi’kmaq of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Why is it called Goat Island?
It is called Goat Island simply because, at one time, many goats lived on the island. This is no longer true.
Highland Village Museum Baile nan Gàidheal
Highland Village Museum Baile nan Gàidheal is a 40-acre site in Iona on Cape Breton Island. Explore the village’s 11 historic buildings to experience what it was like to live in a Gaelic settlement in Nova Scotia. Costumed animators brilliantly step into full character, demonstrating all roles found during that time period. See blacksmithing, weaving, wool-dying, and more.
View the Highland Village webcam.

Views from Baile nan Gàidheal Highland Village in Iona near Baddeck on Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Baile nan Gàidheal Highland Village in Iona near Baddeck on Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Norvik-Carr©
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site examines the significant contributions made by the famous inventor Alexander Graham Bell. The scientist, born in Scotland, is most well-known for inventing the telephone. Bell also contributed to aviation, helping with Canada’s first powered flight and building giant kites. He and his wife created the hydrofoil.
The museum is located in Baddeck, Nova Scotia.
Depart in the morning and head past St. Ann Provincial Park. A scenic view overlooks a salt marsh and bay. A 500 m trail meanders by the water, offering opportunities to view various waterfowl and other birds.

A scenic view overlooks a salt marsh and bay new St Ann Provincial Park Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Day 4 – Ingonish – 1 Night – 1 hr and 30 min driving time – 108 km
Attractions: Be on the lookout for visits to artisan shops like Cabotto Chocolates and the Glass Artisans Gallery along the route from Baddeck to Ingonish—experience Cape Smokey Gondola, Atlantic Canada’s first eight-person gondola. See impressive views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
Accommodations: Stay at the Keltic Lodge, William’s Beach House, or the Seascape Coastal Retreat where we stayed. For dinner, stop at the famous diner Coastal Restaurant.

Views from Cape Smokey on Cape Breton Island. Even on a rainy day, the views of the coastline are amazing. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

View from the cabin at Seascape Coastal Retreat in Ingonish where we stayed. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Coastal views on the drive from Ingonish heading north to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Day 5 and 6 – Chéticamp – 1 Night or 2 Nights – 2 hours – 117 km
Depart Ingonish and travel along the Cabot Trail to Chéticamp. Chéticamp is rich in Acadian culture and maritime history and overlooks the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Attractions: Breathtaking vistas around every twist and curve along the world-famous Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. There are plenty of trails and stops at viewpoints to take advantage of. Watch for Beulach Ban Falls and Bog Trail. Be sure to factor in at least two hours of daylight to hike the spectacular Skyline Trail.
Accommodations: We stayed at Auberge Bay Wind Suites above a friendly restaurant and bar. To finish off a perfect day, we had dinner at Chéticamp’s L’abri restaurant. This is a popular spot, and reservations are suggested.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers spectacular scenery, including rugged coastlines with incredible ocean vistas, rolling highlands, and canyons. The Cabot Trail scenic highway winds through this beautiful national park.
Explore the enticing shoreline, but be aware of the lurching dangers of unexpected large waves and strong undertows. Watch for whales along the coastline. You may also see seals, porpoises, and a variety of bird species in the area.
The park has wildlife, including black bears, moose, white-tailed deer, coyotes, red foxes, bobcats and 40 different types of red squirrels, deer mice, and snowshoe hares. Never approach wild animals. Be prepared by reading Parks Canada animal safety guide.
National parks protect and preserve the natural beauty of this wilderness area for all to enjoy now and in the future. Taking any item out of the park, including fossils, rocks, wood, plants, and animals, is illegal.
Explore some of the 26 hiking trails in the park. Notice the three distinct types of forests in the national park: Acadian, Boreal and Taiga.
When is the best time to see whales?
June through October are the best times to see some of the 12 species of whales off the coast of Nova Scotia. Look for Humpback, Minke, Pilot, and Finback whales, along with a variety of seabirds, white-sided dolphins, and Harbour porpoises. Find out about whale watching adventures.
Green Cove
Stop at Green Cove to see prime examples of rocky bluffs and shallow coves with hardy vegetation growing in a harsh coastal Atlantic Ocean environment.

A wooden walkway allows access to better coastline views in Cape Breton Highland National Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Green Cove in Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Black Brook Beach
Black Brook is located along the road between Ignonish and Neil’s Harbour and is one of the most popular beaches along the Cabot Trail. While standing on the beach, look for the small waterfall to the north.

View from Black Brook Beach of one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Neil’s Harbour
The historic Neil’s Harbour lighthouse, built in 1899, was designed to endure harsh maritime weather. Constructed primarily of wood with a stone base, it displays the typical architecture of 19th—and 20th-century lighthouses. Next to the lighthouse, stop at the Chowder House Seafood restaurant to enjoy chowder or a sandwich.

Neil’s Harbour Lighthouse along the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The fishing village of Neil’s Harbour. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
St. Paul Island Lighthouse and Museum in Dingwall
The historic St. Paul Lighthouse, built in 1912, was relocated to Dingwall in 2012. This lighthouse was a significant maritime aid to navigating the terrifying storms caused by overlapping currents that dominate the waters surrounding St. Paul Island. Three hundred twenty shipwrecks have been documented in the waters off the island known as “The Graveyard of the Gulf.”

St. Paul Island Lighthouse and Museum, Dingwall Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cape North
Known as the “Top of the Island” by locals, Cape North is located at the northeastern end of Cape Breton Island, where you can expect some of the best views.

Stunning views from Cape North on Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Stunning views from Cape North along the scenic Cabot Trail. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Pleasant Bay
The Aspry Fault lies about halfway between Cape North and Pleasant Bay, a small fishing community on the western coast of Cape Breton Island on the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The Aspy Fault cuts a deep 40 km crevice through the middle of Cape Breton Highlands National Park out to the ocean. There are many canyons and faults in the park. About 300 million years ago, Cape Breton Island was located in the tropics, near the equator. At that time, it was at the center of the newly formed supercontinent Pangaea. The collision of continental plates that created Pangaea also initiated movements that formed the Aspy Fault.
What is a fault?
Faults are caused by the movement of the earth’s continental plates when they push, pull and slide against each other either slowly or forcibly. Rare in Cape Breton National Park, earthquakes occur when the pressure beneath the surface builds up along the faults and is released suddenly.

Aspy Fault near Pleasant Bay in Cape Breton National Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Aspy Fault near Pleasant Bay in Cape Breton National Park. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

True North Destinations is Nova Scotia’s only original 5-Star Eco-Resort with Luxury Dome Lodging. It is located in Pleasant Bay on the Cabot Trail. It is near the Rusty Anchor Restaurant, which serves the freshest fish and chips. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Skyline Trail
Take the easy Skyline Trail hike. The views will be spectacular. The hike is 6.5 km (4 mi) return and suitable for most fitness levels. Allow 2-3 hours to do the hike, and be mindful of the weather and the time of day. When we stopped here, a thunderstorm was brewing, and we had to change our plans.
The parking lot fills up fast, and waiting is not allowed. To avoid disappointment, it is best to avoid the peak times between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., as the trail will close when it reaches capacity.

Skyline Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Photo Credit: Parks Canada / Samuel Perrier Daigle©

Views along the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia from Petit Étang beach near Chéticamp. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Views along the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, near Petit Étang beach as you head into Chéticamp. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Stunning views along the Cabot Trail north of Chéticamp. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Acadian Lighthouse is located on the Chéticamp waterfront. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Stunning sunset views from Chéticamp’s L’abri restaurant. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The charming Acadian Villiage of Chéticamp’s boardwalk with ocean views. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Fields of Lupines Margaree Valley on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Day 6 or 7 – Chéticamp to Halifax – 1 Night or 2 Nights – 4 hrs – 366 km
Today is the time to stay longer in Cape Breton Island, head to the Halifax airport, continue exploring Nova Scotia or discover another Maritime province, beautiful New Brunswick.
Here are a few other articles to help you plan an extension to your trip: The Best Nova Scotia Road Trip Adventure – 14 Day Itinerary, Explore World Wonders on the Bay of Fundy Coastal Drive in New Brunswick, or Top 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe.
If you like to cycle, hike, or walk, the 92-km Celtic Shores Coastal Trail (part of the Trans Canada Trail) goes from Inverness to Port Hastings.
Food and drink on Cape Breton Island
Glenora Distillery
Cape Breton Island’s Glenora Distillery is North America’s first single-malt whisky distillery using traditional Scottish methods in copper pots. Tours are available from around the end of May through the end of October. Located one hour south of Chéticamp in Mabou, the distillery also offers overnight accommodations, a restaurant, and a pub.
Seafood
There is an abundance of fresh seafood available. I tried the Perfect Storm Lobster dish at the famous diner Coastal Restaurant in Ingonish, Cape Breton Island. This impressive offering brings together an authentic taste of Nova Scotia. A half lobster and Cape North mussels circle the large bowl of rich, creamy homemade seafood chowder chock full of shrimp, scallops, haddock, and salmon, then topped off with a generous portion of snow crab.

Perfect Storm Lobster dish is served at the famous diner Coastal Restaurant in Ingonish, along with the local Tidal Bay wine. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Delicious fresh seafood offerings at the Freight Shed Waterside Bistro in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Oatcakes
Traditional oatcakes in Scotland have been eaten for centuries. They are usually a dry, crisp staple served at breakfast. The immigrants from Scotland adapted the recipe in to a simple, sweeter version and today it’s almost like a shortbread cookie with oats.

Oatcakes at Cabatto Chocolates on Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Artisans of Cape Breton
There’s nothing finer than owning a handmade piece of work created proudly by a local. Stopping at any artisans along your tour will add an extra layer of culture and history and a chance to learn something new. These passionate artists are passing down cultural traditions and knowledge and are happy to share their love of their craft.
Many studios offer demonstrations, and some encourage workshop participation. Memorable experiences are offered, like fabric dying by the sea as lobster boats head out for the day or trying your hand, or should we say mouth, at glassblowing. The Artisan Trail Map will help with planning a visit. Be sure to call ahead to make sure the studio will be open for your planned arrival time.
We stopped at the following artisans and enjoyed wonderful demonstrations at each.
Cabotto Chocolate Shop and Art Gallery, 45943 Cabot Trail, Indian Brook.
Two sisters, Penny Steele and Deb Karn, own this delightful shop. Try the delectable, melt-in-your-mouth offerings of truffles, bars, moulded chocolates, and more. They’re some of the best confectionaries we have tasted, and the handpainted edible art should not be missed.

Penny Steele creator of Cabotto Chocolates and her business partner, sister Deb Karn handcraft delicious chocolates and other treats on Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Glass Artisans Studio and Gallery, 45054 Cabot Trail, North Shore.
Owner Wendy Smith has curated an impressive collection of over 40 glass artists using various techniques in her shop.
Stop by the on-site studio to meet resident artists, watch as they work on their creations, and learn about the glass-blowing process.

Meet resident artist Mervi Haapokospi at the Glass Artisans Studio and Gallery on Cape Breton Island. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Proud to be Lolas Hookers, 15359 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp
Since age 11, Lola has been passionate about hooking rugs. Her shop offers a wide selection of rugs from local Cheticamp creators. Come watch rug hooking demonstrations or buy one of the many rug hooking kits to create your own.
The Kilt Makers, 51779 Cabot Trail, St. Ann’s
Custom-made-to-order hand-sewn kilts and other unique clothing made from Scottish tartans can be found at The Kilt-Makers at Colaisde na Gàidhlig, Gaelic College.
How to get to Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia
Fly into and out of Halifax or to Sydney and out of Halifax, then rent a car. There are many factors to consider when making your choice.
1. Flights to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Check the cost of flights, flight times, and total travel duration to Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia.
2. Car Rentals for Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Check both cities for your desired car rental availability and the prices. Remember, there can be extra drop-off charges for picking up a vehicle in one city and dropping it off in another. Car rental companies still seem to have difficulty with inventory supply, and vehicles may be more challenging to come by in some destinations.
Tips for renting a car
Choose the right type of car to suit your driving needs. Can it comfortably accommodate the number of passengers and luggage? In advance, select other equipment like car seats. I usually select an SUV to ensure a vehicle has enough power to take me easily through mountainous driving conditions. Sometimes, at the check-in counter, you can ask for a complimentary upgrade.
- Tip: Most rental companies will allow you to make a reservation to hold the car without paying in advance. This will give you time to decide which city to fly in or out of.
- Tip: When checking rates, make sure the correct currency is displayed.
- Tip: Save on insurance charges. Is insurance coverage already provided through your credit card? Check to see if your current car insurance is transferable to the rental car.
- Tip: Sign up for a car rental loyalty program, as extra discounts are often applied.
- Tip: Additional discounts may be available if you are a CAA/AAA member. Some credit cards also offer loyalty discounts or free upgrades.
- Tip: When picking up the rental, ask at the counter if a complimentary upgrade may be available at no extra cost.
- Tip: Completely look over the rental for any damage and note it before taking possession of the vehicle to ensure you are not blamed for something you did not do.
3. Find accommodation for Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Next, check accommodation needs, availability during the selected time, and cancellation policies. During peak times and special events, accommodations can sell out fast in this area. Search for accommodations in Cape Breton Island using Booking.com, and any commissions earned will help keep this website running.
Fun Facts about Cape Breton Island
- Cape Breton Island’s Glenora Distillery is the first single-malt whisky distillery in North America.
- Fresh lobster is available all year.
- Bras d’Or Lake is Canada’s only inland sea. Its salt water is a blend of Arctic and warm subtropical oceans.
- Fort Louisbourg is the largest historical reconstruction in North America. The French originally built the fort in 1713.
- Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876 at age 29.
- The Cabot Trail scenic highway is 298 km (185 miles) long.
- Cape Breton Highland National Park has 26 hiking trails to explore.
- Sydney has the world’s largest fiddle. It stands 18.3 m (60 ft) high.
- There are 12 species of whales known to inhabit the coastal waters.
- Sydney was founded in 1785.
- Sydney became a city in 1904.