The best campgrounds in Cabot Trail with wildlife watching

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.

84% (171)

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.

84% (171)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Aspy Acres

98%

(21)

5 sites · Tents · Baddeck, NS

Discover serenity at Aspy Acres, a tranquil campsite near Aspy Bay. Unwind by the creek, explore nearby White Point beach, and relish the privacy of secluded sites amidst lush trees and the sound of the babbling Smelt Brook. Ideal basecamp for Northern Cape Breton adventures. Book now for an unforgettable, rejuvenating camping experience.

2. Black Rock Stables

97%

(89)

2 sites · Tents · Black Rock, NS

If you enjoy beautiful views of lakes/ocean and mountains, gorgeous sunsets, stargazing, the sound of the waves and bell buoys then Black Rock Stables campsite is the place for you to pitch your tent. Located at the end of the farm on a cliff (6’ wire fence) overlooking the beautiful Brasd’Or lakes. You are welcome to have a campfire (wood available for $5.00), but check the Nova Scotia Government site to make certain campfires are permitted. Please feel free to visit the animals on the farm (horses, goats, rabbits and chickens); however, children must be accompanied by an adult. Also, please do not bring dogs near the farm animals.

3. 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.

4. Cape Breton Glamping, The Pioneer

100%

(1)

1 site · Lodging · 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!

5. 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

6. Accolade Retreat Kevin 902-292-1530

57%

(22)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Chéticamp, NS

Discover a 24-acre haven for off-grid camping in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, nestled at the foothills of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and conveniently situated directly across from the Gypsum Mine. This scenic property features an artisan well providing potable water, strategically located in the expansive 24-acre cleared field at the rear. This property is completely off grid and not for timid campers. if you are looking for complete privacy and across the road from the gypsum mine and a 20 minute walk to town, on the trail, then you will love it here! It is very rustic and not for the faint of heart. During the summer months, we operate a hostel on-site, offering access to washroom and shower facilities as needed. These washroom/shower facilities are NOT accessible in the winter. This space is ideally suited for off-grid camping enthusiasts who share a like-minded appreciation for nature. Please note that visitors are responsible for their own waste disposal arrangements. If you find this area intriguing, feel free to reach out to Kevin at 902-292-1530 or Charyl at 867-688-4611, via call or text for more information.

7. The Barachois Beach

1 site · Tent, RV · Englishtown, NS

Located in River Bennett / Jersey Cove on the north side of the Englishtown Ferry. Available for single or multi night, weekly or monthly stays. This waterfront property has a beautiful view of Kellys mountain, the ocean with easy access to the Waterfront for swimming or fishing. Close by are other beach access locations and; the Cabot Trail. You are between Ingonish and Baddeck for access to the Highlands or nearby amenities. Eat at the Clucking Hen Café or the Other Cupboard Emporium for shopping needs in the area. Lot is unserviced with no power, water or sewer. Private location. Welcome to book for individual nights or the entire summer!

8. Alpine Ridge Off-Grid Getaway

1 site · Tent · 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.

Camper favorites in and near Cabot Trail

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Cape Breton Glamping, The Pioneer

100%

(1)

1 site · Lodging · 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!

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

Accolade Retreat Kevin 902-292-1530

57%

(22)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Chéticamp, NS

Discover a 24-acre haven for off-grid camping in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, nestled at the foothills of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and conveniently situated directly across from the Gypsum Mine. This scenic property features an artisan well providing potable water, strategically located in the expansive 24-acre cleared field at the rear. This property is completely off grid and not for timid campers. if you are looking for complete privacy and across the road from the gypsum mine and a 20 minute walk to town, on the trail, then you will love it here! It is very rustic and not for the faint of heart. During the summer months, we operate a hostel on-site, offering access to washroom and shower facilities as needed. These washroom/shower facilities are NOT accessible in the winter. This space is ideally suited for off-grid camping enthusiasts who share a like-minded appreciation for nature. Please note that visitors are responsible for their own waste disposal arrangements. If you find this area intriguing, feel free to reach out to Kevin at 902-292-1530 or Charyl at 867-688-4611, via call or text for more information.

The Barachois Beach

1 site · Tent, RV · Englishtown, NS

Located in River Bennett / Jersey Cove on the north side of the Englishtown Ferry. Available for single or multi night, weekly or monthly stays. This waterfront property has a beautiful view of Kellys mountain, the ocean with easy access to the Waterfront for swimming or fishing. Close by are other beach access locations and; the Cabot Trail. You are between Ingonish and Baddeck for access to the Highlands or nearby amenities. Eat at the Clucking Hen Café or the Other Cupboard Emporium for shopping needs in the area. Lot is unserviced with no power, water or sewer. Private location. Welcome to book for individual nights or the entire summer!

Alpine Ridge Off-Grid Getaway

1 site · Tent · 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.

Stories from the community

M

Myles

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables

Nicest view with a lot of protection from the wind and rain.

This booking is for a campsite ONLY. The tent is not provided.

J

Jake

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Live Life In Tents Campground

Great campsites with bathrooms and a shower. The apples were in season so we ate a few! This campsite is where we begin our bike tour of the Cabot Trail. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.

T

Theodore

September 2025

23 ft campervan

2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

Beautiful and convenient location, close to beaches, sites, gas and groceries, and a reasonable drive to Baddeck. Lee was a friendly, informative host. The site is called”unserviced” but the washrooms and showers were terrific, exceeding or on par with any other campground we visited.

This booking is for a campsite ONLY. A tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad are not included.

T

Theodore

September 2025

23 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

Loved staying here, good clean facilities, laidback vibe, sweet sites to visit nearby and central to both coast and Bras Dor.

T

Tom

September 2025

26 ft campervan

1 night at Live Life In Tents Campground

Nice open area with view of surrounding hills. Lee was very friendly and provided a lot of helpful information about hikes in the area.

J

Jacob

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

Excellent spot! The views were incredible! (Needs 50 spaces so fjalfjsnflsmxbxkebrjficntjenfj)

Kim

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

Kim is a friendly host, and her property is just beautiful, with horses, dogs, chickens, goats and rabbits! The campsite is positioned beyond the homestead, through a gate and has a beautiful view of the ocean. The campsite is laid out very well and has a clean, well kept outhouse. It feels private and peaceful to camp on this farm. There is no traffic noise whatsoever, just the sounds of the country, farm animals and the ocean. Would stay again! A very short drive to N Sydney which was an added bonus.

K

Kassondra

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Aspy Acres

What a great, private little spot right located at the tip of Cape Breton! If you’re adverse to national and provincial park campground feels, this is the site for you! It was very much our kind of camping, a lovely, quiet, private spot alongside a babbling brook, with the sound of the waves crashing against the shoreline in the distance. 10/10 would recommend.

Garrett

August 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Live Life In Tents Campground

Great views in a wide open field with tons of space. The food truck was closed for an event, but the menu looked bomb. Lee was friendly and helpful with tons of tips for the area.

E

Elke

August 2025

16 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

We enjoyed our stay at Life in tents. It was a lovely spot. We had our teardrop trailer there for a couple of nights. The showers and toilet were perfect. Thanks Lee and Kanary!

E

Extoljc

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables

We enjoyed our stay on Kim’s property. Very peaceful and private location with amazing star gazing without the light pollution from the city. Awesome views of the ocean and the goats were cool too! She was very swift to answer any questions we had and gave great advice. Would recommend this place.

Night Sky taken highest and lowest speed ultra-wide.

Alex

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

One of the best camping sites around Cape Breton, and right close to the Cabot Trail! This was my first time camping out, and Lee's Campsite is really clean and open! I love the openness of the space. At night it's even better since it gets so dark with no visible lights around, that you're able to see the stars and milky way! Toilet being a compostable "humanure" spot is great! First time trying one and I gotta say, I would adopt it. It's great! There are 2 of them. Showers stalls are also spacious enough for a single person! I appreciate Lee for also allowing my to charge my Jackery Power Station at his check-in spot while I was out for the day, since I needed to use it for my CPAP. Bless this man and this campsite, because if I visit Cape Breton again, I'll definitely consider it in the future!

A

Amélie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Black Rock Stables

This place was the perfect spot for my kids and me to begin our journey in Nova Scotia! It offered everything we needed to rest, relax, and truly connect with nature — all while enjoying the company of the animals. If they could have, I’m sure my kids would have begged me to stay more than just one night! Thank you for giving us the chance to share a wonderful dinner together while admiring the most breathtaking sunset view. It was an unforgettable moment we will cherish.

P

Peter

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Black Rock Stables

What an amazing place to camp - up on the cliffs looking over the ocean at the opposite bay, view of the active lighthouse off to the left, sound of buoy bells if the waves are up, stars in the sky. There are 3 sites well spread out, all w/ ocean sitting areas and firepits (wood provided) - unfortunately there was a fire ban when we were there so no fire, but we were alone for the night we stayed and all was great. The pit toilet is clean and fine, and there is even a solar shower to use. Kim met us as we arrived - horses wandering around and dogs barking (but nicely) and directed us. No hassle at all, and excellent location on the island. We would highly recommend!!

H

Hartley

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Aspy Acres

It was a great experience at Aspy Acres. The site is clean and is near a beautiful view of northern coast of Cape Breton. Michael was very accommodating as well, and messaged me a few times to make sure I found the location and I was settled in.

C

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Live Life In Tents Campground

We loved everything about this site so much we end up staying three nights instead of one night we planned for. The camping sites were far enough for some privacy yet you see others to feel safe too. It was our first time here and we enjoyed it very much. The site includes washroom, shower room and the best part is everything is within 10-30 mins if you’re re driving. Convenient store is less than 5 mins driving, beach and Cabot trails is within 30 mins driving. To be brief, we loved this place and would definitely come back.

This booking is for a campsite ONLY. A tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag are not included.

John

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Live Life In Tents Campground

I really enjoyed my stay at Lee's Hipcamp site. It was a good home base to explore the Cabot Trail for a couple days, and the open field setting was very peaceful, being far enough away from the main road. I appreciated the hot shower, although only had cold water one time. Did not feel cramped at all, as sites are spread out nicely. Really relaxing spot if you just want to hang out there for half the time.

S

Sabrina

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Live Life In Tents Campground

Great place for tents, On the Cabot trail, near some of the most popular hiking trails. (Sadly we couldn't experience them because all trails we're closed due to the forest fires) I recommend!

Natalie

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Aspy Acres

Camping at Aspy Acres was great. Secluded spot and Michael was very helpful in providing recommendations to nearby beaches because of the closed trails.

B

Belspethen

August 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Black Rock Stables

We really enjoyed our time at Black Rock Stables. Kim has done a wonderful job creating a relaxing and thoughtfully appointed campsite, and was a gracious host. The highlights for us were: the location, the menagerie of friendly animals, and the hammock area with sea views. Thanks for a great stay!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping in Cabot Trail with wildlife watching 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.