Sydney, Nova Scotia - drive Cabot Trail or stay in town?

[N51EC]

Our cruise line offers a tour which takes in 2 hours of the Cabot Trail one way with a return 2 hours back (a 2 hour lunch stop also included). They don't offer the full trail as our time is port is limited. Will we be getting our money's worth if we don't see the entire trail? Would we be better served by just staying in Sydney for the day?

[maryann ns]

The answer is that you should do neither of these. I have been around the trail many times, and though it is beautiful, the part of the Cabot Trail you will be on is not the best. The two hour lunch and shopping opportunity is a waste of time.

 

There are many previous posts here and you should look for the search feature at the top of the Ports - Canada page.

 

The two best things to do are to go to Louisbourg or go to Baddeck and Iona. The best way to do these is by renting a car. However there are ship's excursions and private tours available.

 

Check these out:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1401285

 

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/index.aspx

 

 

http://www.cabottrail.travel/

 

http://*******/maps/Pq2Z

 

The following is a wonderful new site. Be aware that Tom has not yet been to Louisbourg or seen the rest of the Cabot Trail: http://www.tomsportguides.com/Sydney-06-10-2011.pdf

[Seabreeze8]

Hi Maryann:

We are thinking of renting a car and drive from Sydney to Cabot Trail to Cape Breton Highland National Park and back to Sydney stopping at Bras d'Or Lake. Is this doable within 7 hours? If not, could you suggest an alternate itinerary? or tour company for a similar itinerary?

 

Thanks very much,

Suzie

[maryann ns]

As I said above, this is not doable. You want to go to the most distant part of the Cabot Trail. Here are the directions to go through the Park via Baddeck and the Bras D'Or Lakes. The total driving time is six and a half hours without stopping.

 

http://*******/kDzbDc

 

The full time around the trail is just as long.

 

http://*******/iBAkLz

 

See the suggestions I put above.

[Seabreeze8]

Thanks very much, Maryann! Hope you have a great weekend!:)