January 30, 2012
The Cabot Trail
Cape Breton Highlands National Park was formed in 1936. Encompassing an area of 950 sq. Km (366 sq. Mi.), its purpose is to offer protection to the coastal wilderness and highlands along Cape Breton's northern tip.
One of the most popular attractions in this Nova Scotia park is the Cabot Trail. The 298 kilometers (185 miles) long trail loops around the Cape Breton Island coast. The trail isn't completely in the park, but the great majority of it is accessed from within.
You can traverse the trail clockwise (inside lane) or counterclockwise (outside lane). There are many trails to choose between , but for the best view of the sunset, you should check the western horizon. You may see an enormous variety of animals from the trail, including the moose, whales and birds.
If you're driving, go to Ceildh Trail (Trunk 19) by Port Hawkesbury up to Dunvegan. Keep going until you get to Route 219 and make a left. The trail's T-junction will appear after you go through Margaree Harbor. Go left near the coast. You then go to Cheticamp and head to Baddeck.
The entry charge for an adult is $7.80. For seniors it is $6.80 and for kids it is $3.90. Family/group costs $19.60. It costs $6.80 per individual for a commercial group. These are prices during peak season. They are going to be slightly lower during low season.
Apart from the trail, the national park has communities from Pleasant Bay to Neil's Harbour. Here you can experience the culture of the Highland folk. A couple of information centres are located at the ends of the park.
You can acquire a fishing license there. Info regarding camping and going on the trail is also available. First time visitors should check them out.
The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia can be visited year round. But the most suitable period is between May and Sep. If you'd like to go whale watching, do it before the boats come around. Your best chance of seeing the whales is also between May and Sep.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is definitely one of the nicest parks, but you will also find plenty more pretty national parks in the Bay of Fundy area.
Filed under Whale Watching Tours by jenny