The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Cabot Trail

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.

97% (63)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

97% (63)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Live Life In Tents Campground

99%

(61)

15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.

2. Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

92%

(13)

8 sites · Lodging · 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

3. Dragonfly Cottage

100%

(3)

3 sites · Lodging · Rock Elm, NS

Get away from it all, a very quiet cabin in the woods. A great place to decompress and enjoy some time away. The property is left natural and has an apple tree and berries can be found around the area. Excellent high speed internet now available. There is an area to hook up a camper that provides water, power and sewer. Registration # STR2526B0709

4. The White Pine Cottage

1 site · Lodging · Englishtown, NS

Cozy escape along Nova Scotia’s world-famous Cabot Trail. Nestled on over 1 acre, this charming cottage is just minutes from beaches, hiking trails, and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Features include open living space, full kitchen, private deck, and a peaceful brook at the edge of the property. Centrally located between Baddeck and Ingonish, close to shops and services. Ideal for a relaxing getaway or nature-filled adventure. Experience the charm of the Cabot Trail! The space A Cozy Get-Away on the Cabot Trail Welcome to your peaceful escape along Nova Scotia’s world-famous Cabot Trail! Nestled on over 1 acre of private land, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom cottage is perfect for year-round getaways, remote work stays, or adventure-filled vacations. Whether you're unwinding after a day of hiking in the summer or enjoying skiing adventures in the winter, this home is designed for comfort and connection with nature. Inside, you’ll find an open-concept living space warmed by a propane furnace and electric baseboards, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy back porch with laundry facilities and access to a private deck—perfect for your morning coffee or evening stargazing. Outdoors, explore your own cleared yard with plenty of space for bonfires, games, or garden picnics, and listen to the tranquil sounds of the brook running along the edge of the property. Located just minutes from local beaches, hiking trails, and everything Cape Breton is known for, you’re a short drive from both Baddeck and Ingonish—with easy access to groceries, restaurants, and essentials. Not to mention, you’re within reach of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ski Cape Smokey, and some of the most scenic drives in Canada. Whether you're looking for a romantic retreat, a family-friendly base, or a peaceful solo escape—this spot has it all. Book now and experience the magic of the Cabot Trail—your coastal hideaway awaits! Guest access Full access to the entire cottage, including the private deck, yard space. The property sits on over 1 acre, offering plenty of room to relax, explore, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Parking is available on-site for multiple vehicles.

Stories from the community

Evan

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

Stayed at the Auraura Tent. About 5 minute hike up to the tent. (Keyword UP). The experience was well thought out with care and more comforts then I was expecting. Power in the tent with a fan and a lamp. Open the skylights to view the stars at night. A small wood stove for the cooler months and a BBQ. Did you forget your lighter, flashlight or bug spray? Don't worry, they have you covered. A well stocked and very pleasant kitchen was available. (You bring the food). Some of the off grid elements, like toilets, were a bit different but well documented. The site has lots of trail markers and solar lights to help you get around. In the end, bring you clothes and food, almost everything else you need is on site. It was mostly quiet, though I could hear the regular loading and unloading of the nearby ferry. All in all, a great stay. Would go again.

L

Liz

July 2025

With pets

2 nights at Sally's Brook Wilderness Cabins

Beautiful location and the tent was great! Wonderful communication from the property manager. Would love to return.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Cabot Trail guide

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.