Cape Breton - Scenic Drive Question
 

The wife and I spending a week in Cape Breton at the end of June.

First night (after a long, long drive) we're staying at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St Peters. The second night at Lantern Hill & Hollow, Ingonish. I'd like to make the drive from St Peters to Ingonish as scenic as possible.

I'd appreciate input regarding the most scenic way to go with a stops along the way to see the local sights. We enjoy museums and hiking and are looking for a lunch recommendation along the way.

Thanks for all your help in advance!

Hmmm, one suggestion might be to head towards the east coast and eastern portion of the Cabot Trail but detour slightly to Baddeck on the way which would make a nice lunch stop (a number of bistros and cafes), also the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and Museum, scenic harbour and some nice shops. Or if you have more time you might circle around the western end of the Bras d'Or Lakes over to Baddeck (keep your eye out for the abundant Bald Eagles around the lakeshore). You will now be on the Cabot Trail and can continue counterclockwise on this to Ingonish - there is some nice coastal scenery enroute.

Another suggestion which would be a considerably longer drive (partly because of the multiple stops you would want to make along the way) is to head over to the west coast of Cape Breton and do the Ceilidh Trail through quaint fishing villages and rugged coastline, which eventually joins up with the Cabot Trail. Continuing in a clockwise direction on the Cabot Trail will take you to the Acadian village of Cheticamp (good lunch stop) and through the spectacular Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Ingonish is on the far side of the park. But maybe you're planning on touring the park anyway during your stay in Ingonish? There are lots of great hiking trails, check out:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ns/cbr...iv/activ1.aspx

Mat,

Funny you mentioned the Ceilidh Trail. Right after I posted the above query I starting thinking about taking the route you suggested.

The hiking link is excellent.

Thank you for helping me out........ Again!

You're welcome, and I would really enjoy having you post when you get back about your trip highlights and what you thought of Lantern Hill, etc. My spouse and I are off to Cape Breton ourselves late summer - our 4th vacation there, but it's been a few years since our last visit, plus we're always interested in new experiences.

If you take the Celidh Trail, I hear there are excellent hiking trails in the Mabou Highlands area which I have not yet tried. You should be able to google info on them.

If you don't want to do the route all the way to Cheticamp and across the top, you could cut across from the Celidh Trail through the Margaree Valley to Baddeck then to Ingonish. But really - there is so much scenery on this island to enjoy and if you're spending a week there you'll probably want to day-trip many of these routes anyway.

Where?what is the Ceildh Trail? I think we pass it on our way to Cheticamp. Is it a specific highway? Is there a link to hiking trails on it like the Cabot Trail map? (very helpful, thanks.)

NGail,

Go here for Ceilidh Trail info http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/ge...l/default.aspx

Novascotia.com has a ton of information. Don't bother with the Doer's & Dreamers guide, its 99% add.

Matt,

I'll definitely post a trip report and before I leave will post my full itinerary for comments.

Just one more comment and maybe we should all email the Nova Scotia Tourism department with our views about this. The Doers and Dreamers Guide used to be great - an exceptionally informative complete tour guide, with routes and stops described in detail. This is why it has been recommended so frequently in this forum. Several years ago they changed it completely to what it is now - as LittletonDave says - pretty well all ads. It's somewhat useful for its relatively complete listings of accommodations, but everything else seems to mostly emphasize sites and attractions that have paid for space in the guide. On the one hand I suppose this has become a much better income source for the publishers. On the other - it is a shadow of what it used to be as far as being a good trip-planning resource.

Looking forward to your trip report Littleton Dave. Enjoy your vacation!

Mat54-
I so agree!
We sent for the Doers and Dreamers Guide a few years back and it weighed a ton and was full of ads. What I did order yesterday was just the brochure of Events and Festivals for 2010 which hopefully will be just the calender of events.
Thanks for the Ceilidh Trail link.

A nice stop near Mabou is Glenora Distillery. They offer tours and have great food.

Irecommend,

A distillery? Isn't that where they make Scotch?

Kidding, wouldn't miss it for the world. Its on the itinerary, day one.

How long does the tour last?