Cabot Trail Ride

A comprehensive guide to one of the most legendary motorcycle rides in the world

Contents

1. Intro

2. The Route

3. Planning Ahead

4. Fuel

5. Attractions

6. Restaurants

7. Lodging

💡 Intro

Get ready to hit the road and take on the Cabot Trail!

Welcome to the Cabot Trail Motorcycle Route Guide, where your 2 wheels meet the stunning beauty of Cape Breton Island. We're gonna twist and turn through some seriously epic coastal vistas, soak up some culture, and make memories that'll have your biker buddies turning green with envy. So, strap on your helmet and get ready for a two-wheeled adventure that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear. Let's hit the road and discover the Cabot Trail in all its heart-pumping glory!

There’s a ton to cover so I’ve done my best to split up info into their own sections. Keep in mind that a lot of the info below is based on experiences at the time and locations like gas stations, restaurants, and lodging should be double confirmed.

In general, I’d always prefer an Adventure bike for a trip like this due to increased fuel/luggage capacity and comfort but I am also planning on taking on this trip in my Ducati Streetfighter. I’m planning on side bags and extra fuel capacity.

🛣️ The Route

The route for the Cabot Trail is deceptively simple.

The Cabot Trail motorcycle route spans approximately 190 miles, leading you to the Canso Causeway, the connection point between Cape Breton Island and the mainland. Once you cross the causeway and enter Port Hastings, the bike-to-car ratio noticeably increases. While the Trans Canada Highway offers a more direct route to the Cabot Trail from Port Hastings, it's highly recommended not to skip Trunk 19, also known as the Ceilidh Trail. This 66-mile scenic road skirts the Gulf of St. Lawrence, starting in Port Hastings and ending at Margaree Forks, a southern point on the Cabot Trail.

The stretch between Petit Étang and Ingonish stands out as a personal favorite along the trail. From the breathtaking coastal views north of Petit Étang to the exhilarating long sweeping turns around the mountains and the challenging switchbacks before descending to Pleasant Bay, this section offers a diverse range of riding experiences. Numerous lookout points dot the trail, providing opportunities to stretch your legs, capture stunning photos, and soak in the awe-inspiring coastal panorama.

After reaching Cape North, the trail's northernmost point, you'll approach South Harbour, where a left turn onto White Point Road leads to a narrow, paved coastal road that takes you to a charming fishing town. This 7-mile detour off the trail, recommended by locals, allows you to appreciate the scenic beauty and the crashing waves against the rocks. The road eventually merges into New Haven Road, reconnecting you to the Cabot Trail. Complete the loop by riding back to Margaree Forks, ideally before dusk as a precaution. Cape Breton Island is known for its moose population, which tends to be more active around 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. each evening.

Google Maps Link

🤔 Planning Ahead

When to go

The peak motorcycle riding period for the Cabot Trail falls between late spring and early fall, specifically in the months of June, July, August, and September. During this time, you can expect favorable weather conditions, including milder temperatures, less rainfall, and longer daylight hours, which allows for a more enjoyable riding experience along the scenic trail.

However, keep in mind that weather patterns can vary, so it's always wise to check the local forecast before planning your ride. Additionally, weekends and holidays tend to be busier with increased traffic, so if you prefer a less crowded and more relaxed journey, weekdays are your best bet.

Road quality

• The Trail is quite easy to ride. It's a paved road that will take you through some small towns and though there are some curves, most people will have no problem.

• The Cabot Trail features a mix of road conditions, with winding roads, long sweeping turns, and challenging switchbacks.

• Be prepared for changes in elevation and varying levels of road maintenance.

Distance & speed

The route itself covers approximately 160 miles or 254 kilometers, including Cape Breton Island. It can be completed in 3-4 hours, but I’d recommend to take breaks, enjoy the scenery, and get lost in the area. Figure about 8 hours with frequent breaks.

The Cabot Trail is not just about its scenic beauty and twisty roads; it's also surprisingly uncrowded, making it a true gem for motorcyclists. It often feels like the pavement was specifically designed for riders like us, with minimal traffic to hinder our experience.

The only notable speed zone reductions are in Cheticamp and Ingonish, allowing you to ride at a comfortable pace that matches your skill level.

While I'm not going to encourage breaking speed limits, consider the dynamics of group riding. If you're part of a group and someone's riding ability is slowing you down, it can spoil the day.

To avoid this, it's best to position the fastest rider at the front, establish clear stopping points in advance, and ensure everyone is comfortable if the group needs to split up.

Keep in mind that approaching Cheticamp Counter Clock Wise can often be a speed trap for faster riders.

Riding in the dark

TLDR: Don't do it.

Consider parking before sunset and timing your rides to avoid being on the road after dusk when moose are known to frequent Cape Breton Island.

Park Pass

• A park pass is required to enter Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which encompasses a portion of the Cabot Trail.

• Purchase the pass to enjoy access to beautiful scenery, lookout points, and hiking trails within the park.

A note on direction of travel

The debate over which direction to ride the Cabot Trail is ongoing, with various opinions and experiences shaping the discussion. Some recommend going counter-clockwise for better views and smoother ride, while others prefer clockwise for personal reasons.

Personally, I favor the counter-clockwise direction, relishing the climb at Cape Smokey and the exhilarating descent. It's worth noting that fewer tourists opt for the counter-clockwise route, as most follow the prominent "Cabot Trail – LEFT" sign, resulting in encountering fewer RVs.

However, keep in mind that business-wise, going clockwise aligns better with the opening hours of Coastal Waters Restaurant and allows a stop at The Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery for a chat and a coffee.

Riding clockwise on the Cabot Trail offers the thrill of a steep descent down MacKenzie Mountain, which many riders find exhilarating.

However, the best way to truly experience the trail is to choose the direction based on your personal preference and the kind of experience you desire. And here's a pro tip: make the best of the ride by spending the night and experiencing the trail in the opposite direction the next day.

⛽️ Fuel

Make sure to refuel your bike before hitting the Cabot Trail. I suggest stopping at gas stations in Whycocomagh, Baddeck, Wreck Cove General Store, or Cheticamp, as some stations along the trail might not have high-octane fuel available.

To play it safe, fill up your tank with Supreme Fuel (91 Octane) beforehand. In Nova Scotia, regular fuel usually has an octane rating of 87. Just check the labels on the pumps to confirm the octane ratings.

Remember, not all gas stations are open 24 hours, so be aware of their operating hours. Keep in mind that Wreck Cove General Store is closed on Mondays.

I recommend prioritizing refueling at Wreck Cove General Store. They have a dedicated above-ground tank that only sells Supreme Fuel, which contains less ethanol than most areas (maximum 10%). This way, you can cruise along the Cabot Trail without worrying about running out of gas.

🏞️ Attractions

🥑 🥔 Restaurants

The Cabot Trail offers a variety of dining options, including cafés, restaurants, and pubs. Enjoy local seafood, traditional Canadian cuisine, and reasonably priced accommodations in quaint Scottish towns along the route.

Along Trunk 19, also known as the Ceilidh Trail, there are accommodations and dining options that are more accessible than those on the Cabot Trail.

🏘️ Lodging