Camping in Cabot Trail with hiking

Canada’s most scenic drive is a hiker’s paradise.

95% (197 reviews)
95% (197 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds in Cabot Trail with hiking

98%
(31)

Unique Cabot Trail Campground

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Baddeck, NS
This was one of the original homesteads in the Margarees. There was an old sawmill on site which was used to build the house and barn. It was sold to a man who started renovations for a summer house but ended up listing it for sale. I purchased it and completely renovated the 100-year-old house. Shortly after, my brother and I started an outfitting company with no plan of building a campground, but in 2017 we saw a great opportunity for building something unique. We wanted to keep a backwoods camping feel, but yet create it around a hostel-inspired environment. We launched June 1, 2018 and are in full swing now. We look forward to meeting you and will help you out in any way to make your trip here something to remember. Adventure awaits at this eco-camping hostel offering a natural setting, overlooking a picturesque valley. This location offers close to off-grid camping with a twist of comfort; furnished Glamping tents, sleeping up to 4 people per tent on a queen bed with twin camping beds for extra guests. Cooking gear, bedding, and towels are provided. Each tent, located at this eco-hostel, has its own campfire pit, with a solar outdoor shower on site and beautiful views of the river valley.
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CA$35
 / night
100%
(10)

Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

8 sites · Lodging55 acres · Baddeck, NS
Sally’s Brook is located in Unama’ki, within the unceded ancestral territory of the Mikmaq people. Sally’s Brook is an Eco-friendly property in the heart of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. We have three wilderness cabins and a yurt available for rent year-round, and three Lotus Belle glamping tents in the warmer weather. We have a wood-fired sauna and communal CookHouse kitchen-dining building for guests. We also have the Hive Dome! This 26 foot year-round space is the perfect place to host your own event with us, gather for our movie nights, board games, playing music, and retreat from bad weather with so much space to move around. Guest Use of the Hive: While you are staying on the property, we welcome guests to reserve time in the Hive for their own private use. Our staff will prepare this space for you by lighting the wood stove, stocking wood and heating it up for your arrival. Stretch, practice yoga, play games or music, or celebrate with your group! $30 + HST for a 3.5 hour reservation to current guests Morning, afternoon or evening (until 10:00pm) reservations are available
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CA$139
 / night
100%
(1)

Cape Breton Glamping, The Pioneer

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Pleasant Bay, NS
Learn more about this land:The perfect spot for glampers looking to get back to nature with an added touch of 21st-century amenities. About the PropertyThe tent is in a private wooded location, with distant views of the Atlantic Ocean. The property is situated only minutes away from several trailheads and borders the Cape Breton Highlands National park. It is very close to Skyline, Fishing Cove and Benjies lake and many others outside the park including Polletts cove and Roberts Mt. It is also only minutes away from several beaches, amazing whale watching tours, and great restaurants.About the Listing You will have a peaceful sleep on a full-size comfortable mattress with the sound of nature all around you. The Pioneer features a private outdoor shower and porta potty. All towels and toiletries are provided. A BBQ, utensils, and cookware are provided. Wifi available. Please note Pets are not permitted.Looking forward to having you!
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CA$100
 / night

Alpine Ridge Off-Grid Getaway

1 site · Tent25 acres · NS
Connecting with nature, watching for wildlife, hunting, and many other activities await at this 25 acre property. The land is perfect for recreational use and off-grid use, including tent and RV camping. Note the entrance grass may be grown in so please prepare to walk to the site through the trees. Topographically, the terrain is more or less level throughout, the site is forested throughout in maturing spruce, tamarack, pine, maple birch and poplar trees. A small brook runs along the westerly boundary and continues East and North to the Mull River and Mabou River. There is also a large portion of Crown land bordering the southern end of this parcel. This quiet region has remained pretty well unchanged over the years. Highway 19 and the Atlantic Ocean are only minutes West via Alpine Ridge Road. The area is surrounded by forest covered hills, rolling farm land and valleys dissected by dozens of streams. Enjoy the quiet country setting of this property, while still living within minutes of nearby towns and all necessary amenities. Rectangular in shape, this lot offers ample road frontage... 572.4 feet or 174.5 meters, along the gravel surfaced Alpine Ridge Road, providing excellent year round access. Here you have plenty of privacy is offered by the spruce, tamarack, fir, pine, and poplar trees on the land. This lovely treed lot is a great spot for an off-grid retreat with tent or rv camping. Fishing in the area is very good. The nearby Mabou River and Southwest Mabou River and many other surrounding brooks and streams will provide endless fishing enjoyment. Within an hours drive of your land is the Margaree River - one of the most beautiful rivers in North America. Since the last century fly fishermen have come from all over the world to this area to catch their salmon. The North East Margaree has more than 60 pools and a length of approx. 40 km from the mouth to the sanctuary. The beautiful Lake Ainslie and breathtaking Bras d'Or Lakes are also within convenient reach of your land for those who enjoy world class boating and sailing. Fishing in the Bras d'Or Lake is also very good. In winter, enjoy snowmobiling on maintained trails that link the trail communities across the Highlands. Cross country ski and snowshoe on countless trails around your property. Or enjoy ice fishing on a frozen bay or nearby lake. There are endless opportunities for outdoor activities all year on and around. Two newly developed world class golf courses, Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs, in the seaside town of Inverness are also within easy reach. These challenging courses are attracting visitors from around the world and offer magnificent views of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard worthy panoramas vying for your attention. The charming communities of Mabou and Port Hood are only a 10 minute drive from the site. Mabou is known for it’s friendly people and hospitality - welcoming locals will be sure to make you feel right at home. Shopping, a post office, accommodations, and a variety of local dining options are available in Mabou. Mabou Harbour is absolutely stunning and offers excellent boating and fishing with easy corridor to ocean waters. You can also stock up on all necessary supplies in Port Hood - whether you’re looking for groceries or camping supplies... not to mention wonderful sand beaches! Alpine Ridge Property Features - 572.40 feet (174.5 meters) of roadfront along Alpine Ridge Road. - Easterly boundary measures 1881.19 feet (573.39 meters). - Southerly boundary measures 503.22 feet (153.38 meters). - Westerly boundary measures 1989.96 feet (606.54 meters). - Borders Crown Land on southerly end. - Excellent level terrain suitable for many uses. - No drive through sites, please park at entrance and camp on site - The property lines are clearly marked. Amenities - 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the coastal village of Mabou. - 7 miles (11.5 kilometers) from the seaside community of Port Hood. - 8 miles (13.5 kilometers) to popular West Mabou Beach, and close to many more beaches in the area. - 20 miles (32 kilometers) to the scenic community of Inverness, Nova Scotia & world class golf courses, Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs. - 40 miles (60 kilometers) to the town of Port Hawkesbury. - 3 hours to Halifax International Airport. Community & Surrounding Area - The charming communities of Baddeck, Cheticamp, and Judique are just a short drive away - enjoy family outings while taking in maritime history and culture. - Breathtaking attractions like the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Highlands Park, Bras d'Or Lake, and beautiful sandy beaches along the coast with some of the warmest water in Nova Scotia. - Enjoy numerous water activities like boating, sailing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and plenty of other outdoor adventures. - Excellent hunting in the area.
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CA$40.50
 / night
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Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Cabot Trail with hiking guide

Overview

Located in northwest Cape Breton Island in the province of Nova Scotia, the “Trail” (as locals call it) is renowned for its spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged coastlines, and charming fishing villages. You can drive the loop in a day and, for the best possible views, start east in the town of Baddeck and drive west toward Cheticamp. Those who linger in the region a bit longer for a camping road trip can enjoy incredible hiking trails, superb photography opportunities, and excellent golf, fishing, and swimming. Moose, bald eagles, and whales all call the area home.

Where to go

Baddeck

The gateway to the Cabot Trail, Baddeck offers some of the prettiest scenery in Nova Scotia, thanks to the picturesque Bras d’Or Lakes. The town is full of history, home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, the Kidston Lighthouse, and Theatre Baddeck. Look out for tent campsites, RV spots, and glamping sites outside of town.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

A third of the Cabot Trail winds through this national park, home to 26 hikes, including the renowned Skyline Trail. This five-mile loop is partially covered with a boardwalk (to help protect sensitive plant species). It offers the best views of any spot along the Cabot Trail. If you have a keen eye, you might spy moose, eagles, or even bears from your national park campsite.

Pleasant Bay

If you enjoy whale watching, this is one of the very best spots in the province. You can also check out whales on land with a visit to the excellent Whale Interpretive Centre. Visitors can see a life-size model of a pilot whale, saltwater livestock tanks containing live creatures found in the whale’s habitat, and 16-scale illustrations of whales frequently spotted in the nearby waters.

Cheticamp

The Acadian community of Cheticamp is a significant cultural and linguistic destination in Nova Scotia. Here you’ll learn about the Francophone community’s history, traditions, and culinary heritage. A must-see attraction is Les Trois Pignons. It’s home to Hooked Rug and Home Life Museum and offers demonstrations for the local craft of rug hooking.

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