Cabot Trail: Chéticamp to Pleasant Bay

Cabot Trail · Chéticamp → Pleasant Bay

Sweeping26 mi50 min3,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,500 ftOne way

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The drive

The Cabot Trail runs through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and about a third of the whole trail is inside it, with ocean and mountain views. This leg starts at Chéticamp, an Acadian fishing village on the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where the park has its western entrance and an information centre.

From Chéticamp the road goes north past French Mountain and MacKenzie Mountain to Pleasant Bay, where the Cabot Trail follows the Grande Anse River west to the coast.

The drive is 26.4 miles and takes about 50 minutes. It climbs roughly 3,100 feet to a high point of 1,500 feet, with two twisty stretches.

Along the way

Chéticamp
French Mountain
MacKenzie Mountain
Pleasant Bay

Elevation

3,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,500 ft

ChéticampPleasant Bay

Curves

Mostly gentle, with two twisty stretches

mi 11–14mi 22–25

ChéticampPleasant Bay

GentleHairpins

Good to know

Parks Canada charges daily admission in the national park.
Check 511 Nova Scotia and Parks Canada before a late-season trip.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Parks Canada: Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Cabot Trail from Chéticamp to Pleasant Bay take?

Chéticamp to Pleasant Bay is 26.4 miles and takes about 50 minutes without stops.

Does the Cabot Trail charge a fee?

Cape Breton Highlands National Park charges daily admission, with a per-adult and a family rate.

Is the Cabot Trail open year-round?

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is open year-round, though visitor services run only from mid-May to late October.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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