Cabot Trail- Cape Breton, NS

The Cabot Trail is perhaps the most scenic 186 miles you will ever drive. Breathtakingly beautiful, its everything a road trip should be.

Completed in 1932, it was created to connect remote Cape Breton Island to the rest of Nova Scotia, and promote tourism to the previously isolated but geologically dramatic area. The road would soon wind through the newly established Cape Breton Highlands National Park (1936), and many small Scottish, Irish and French villages, previous only accessible by sea.

Today, the area is less remote, but no less stunning. The vistas are humbling, and the hikes outstanding. Although tourism is the main draw here, it feels authentic. In late June, crowds were minimal, and the road open. A bit chilly at times, and almost perpetually windy, it was an absolutely unforgetable experience filled with fabulous golf, live music and hyperlocal seafood.