Sunday, July 3, 2011

Following the Cabot Trail - Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia

Saturday, June 25 - We reluctantly left Prince Edward Island, vowing to come back again someday, and drove on to our next stop, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. We spent the next 5 days there exploring……..


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We were camped at Broad Cove Campground, close to the town of Ingonish, on the east side of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This park, like Acadia NP, has a scenic, perimeter road with wonderful overlooks. Unlike Acadia, it has only the one road – no other interconnecting roads to go from one side to the other- a distance of about 64 miles on a winding road going up and down and around the highland mountains, to the town of Cheticamp on the west side of the park.


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The Cabot Trail Road is listed as one of the most scenic drives in North America, and it certainly lives up to its reputation……


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With 24 pull-outs and overlooks……and beautiful vistas around every turn…..


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And breathtaking view of the ocean to remind you that Cape Breton is an Island, after all…..


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The Cabot Trail was named for John Cabot who discovered this area in 1497…….


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It was, at first, no more than a footpath that linked the small, fishing communities.


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When talk of the development of a National park began in the early 1900’s, Cabot Trail was seen as the primary way that people could access this park and appreciate the beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands. In 1961, completion of paving ceremonies were held.


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To fully appreciate this area of Cape Breton, one has to understand the relative isolation that existed on this island prior to the construction of the Cabot Trail………


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2 comments:

  1. Loving this entire series. Had a feeling you would end up in Nova Scotia. Now, where next...you keep me guessing, but it's fun.

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  2. Photos are lovely, the beach especially so. I always wanted to get to Nova Scotia, as Man's family thru his grandmother have ties there, and family still there. Hope you get to Yarmouth, and take LOTS of photos if you do, that is my wish list stop! LOL

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