Cape Breton Island Travel Guide

There isn't much new in the northeastern corner of Nova Scotia and that's precisely the point; Cape Breton Island's reputation rests on simple pleasures and heartfelt hospitality. Spectacular scenery doesn't hurt either, and the very best of it is found on the Cabot Trail, a scenic 298-km (185-mi) stretch of road, winding along precipitous ocean-side cliffs, that is routinely counted among the world's most magnificent driving routes. This rugged terrain made the Highland Scots, who settled here in the 18th century, feel right at home and their influence remains obvious: North America's first single-malt whiskey distillery is on Cape Breton, as is its only college devoted to Gaelic language, arts, and culture.