This Cape Breton road trip was a dream come true — from the salty breeze of Sydney to the secluded beauty of the Cabot Trail, it was a journey filled with dramatic landscapes, cozy moments, and unforgettable hidden gems.
This post is about the first part of our Cape Breton adventure, covering 2 days out of a full 5-day trip that truly set the tone for everything to come.
Below, you’ll find our full itinerary from this part of the trip — and if you’d like to watch the cinematic version, check out my YouTube video here:
If you’re planning a Cape Breton road trip or just dreaming of Nova Scotia’s wild beauty, I’ll share some amazing spots below. This part of the journey combines stunning nature, unique history and breathtaking scenery.
CAPE BRETON ROAD TRIP ITINERARY – PART 1
From scenic lookouts to hidden beaches and cozy forest cabins, here’s everywhere we explored in the first 2 days:
- Sydney & the World’s Largest Fiddle
- Cranberry Point Battery
- Cozy eco-stay at Sally’s Brook Wilderness Cabins
- Englishtown Ferry Crossing
- Pathend Brook Lookout
- Ingonish Visitor Centre
- Freshwater Lake Trail & Ingonish Beach
- Lakies Head Viewpoint
- Hidden gem combo: Black Brook Beach & Still Brook Waterfall
- Return drive along the Cabot Trail to Sally’s Brook
Let’s explore what’s so special about each of these stops — and why this part of Cape Breton stole our hearts.
Charming Sydney, Nova Scotia
Our adventure began in Sydney, a charming coastal city that greeted us with the salty scent of the sea and the warm hum of music. Right on the waterfront, we found the World’s Largest Fiddle — a fun and iconic tribute to Cape Breton’s Celtic roots.
And then we explored the lovely streets of Sydney with its East Coast charm.
Cranberry Beach & WWI Battery
Not far from Sydney, we stopped at Cranberry Beach. But it’s more than just a coastal escape. This beach has a view of the remains of an old World War I battery. There used to be a trail to Cranberry Point Battery, but now it’s completely eroded.
However, you can still enjoy the view from the air or from Cranberry Beach. This is one of those quiet, powerful places that most people miss.
Sally’s Brook Wilderness Cabins: An Off-Grid Eco Stay in Englishtown
From there, we made our way to cozy Sally’s Brook Wilderness Cabins Retreat, and it was love at first sight.
Nestled between the forest and the sea, this off-grid eco-retreat offers sweeping views of St. Ann’s Bay, the Cabot Trail, and even the Englishtown Ferry, which we’d cross the next morning.
We stayed in the Hummingbird Pod — a cozy, peaceful cabin surrounded by trees, with a warm bed, organic linens, and a private deck for sunset watching. Just steps away was our private outhouse.
The nearby communal cookhouse was just as magical — rustic and welcoming, with an antique stove, a long wooden table, and a massive deck with sunset views.
But an absolute highlight of this retreat is the wood-burning cedar sauna. Tucked into trees and wrapped in calmness, it adds special charm to this place.
Englishtown Ferry & Entry to the Cabot Trail
The next morning, it was time to start new adventures. A few minutes from our retreat, we boarded the Englishtown Ferry. After this short and free ride, we were finally on the famous Cabot Trail — one of the most iconic drives in Canada.
Pathend Brook Lookout
It’s a perfect first stop. Pathend Brook Lookout is a stunning viewpoint along the road. From here, the Cabot Trail wraps dramatically around the cliffs. Below, turquoise water crashes into the rocks. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop the car without thinking — just pure, East Coast magic.
Ingonish Visitor Centre
Before entering Cape Breton Highlands National Park, we picked up our Park Pass at the Ingonish Visitor Centre. Because we visited early (in May), we got the Early Bird Pass, which costs half the price of the regular one and lasts all season.
Freshwater Lake Trail & Ingonish Beach
Then came one of the most incredible places of the trip. From the first steps, Ingonish Beach took my breath away. I was wide, wild, and completely empty. It felt surreal — like we’d stepped into a postcard, and no one else knew it existed. It’s one of the most popular beaches on Cabe Breton Island, so having it to ourselves was a huge surprise.
Even more unreal was another stunning place right beside the Ingonish Beach – Freshwater Lake Trail. Nestled between the mountains, it felt like a secret — calm, gorgeous, and incredibly still.
Lakies Head Lookout
The next stop is just off the highway. Lakies Head is a short walk with massive views — waves crashing against cliffs, wide-open ocean, and a horizon that goes on forever. It was a quick stop, but one that left a big impression.
Black Brook Cove Beach & Still Brook Waterfall
Our final destination of the day was a true hidden gem combo.
Tucked along the Cabot Trail, Black Brook Beach and Still Brook Waterfall are just steps apart, and both are truly breathtaking. You can hear the rush of the falls and the roar of the ocean at the same time. No hike is required, just park and wander. It felt unreal to stand on this beach and see the waterfall running straight to the ocean.
Returning to Sally’s Brook
As the light softened and the day drew to a close, we were on our way back to Sally’s Brook. The Cabot Trail looked incredible in the afternoon light, and we enjoyed this scenic drive and its amazing views even more this time.
Which of these stops would you love to visit? Let me know in the comments.
This was just the beginning. In Part 2, we go even deeper into Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with dramatic hikes, secret waterfalls, and even more wild beauty.
🌿 Please respect our beautiful nature and leave no trace. Let’s keep these beautiful spaces clean and enjoyable for everyone.
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Follow me on Instagram for more up-to-date trips. Here are some reels from this part of the Cape Breton road trip ⬇️
YANA'S WANDERLUST 
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