YANA'S WANDERLUST

This Cape Breton road trip captured the quiet, dramatic side of the island — from fiery sunsets at Port Hood to oceanview cottages and time-stopped harbours. Over a long weekend the west coast revealed golden beaches, rugged cliffs, and lighthouses that feel like the end of the world in the best way.

Whether planning a weekend escape or saving stops for a longer Nova Scotia adventure, this Cape Breton itinerary brings together cozy stays, coastal gems, and a few hidden corners that make Cape Breton Island unforgettable. Scroll down for the full itinerary. If you’d rather watch the cinematic version, check out the full video on YouTube.

CAPE BRETON ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

• Port Hood Station Provincial Park
• TwoBySea
• Margaree Harbour
• Chéticamp Island
• Sunset on Cabot Trail
• SeaSky Cottage
• Inverness Beach
• Broad Cove Marsh
• Glenora Inn & Distillery
• Mabou Coal Mines
• Mabou Harbour Lighthouse

Below are highlights from each stop and why they belong on any Cape Breton road trip.

Port Hood Station Provincial Park

The weekend opened with a sunset that felt almost unreal. At Port Hood Station Provincial Park the sky went electric — pink and orange melting over the water — a cinematic Cape Breton welcome that sets the tone for a West Coast Cape Breton adventure.

TwoBySea

It’s one of the most unforgettable accommodations on Cape Breton’s west coast.  This oceanfront stay feels airy, private, and beautifully designed — two separate spaces connected by salty air. This unique split design with bedroom and bathroom in one building and kitchen and living room in another is made for perfect balance.

It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and ocean views pour through the windows. With beaches nearby and full privacy, this place is ideal for anyone seeking a luxurious yet grounded Cape Breton stay.

Margaree Harbour

Margaree Harbour is a picturesque hidden gem that has it all — a small marina, a peaceful shore, and two restored lighthouses standing nearby. It’s the kind of harbour that slows the day: perfect for a short stroll, a quiet day on the beach, and a moment to breathe in that unmistakable Nova Scotia charm.

Chéticamp Island

A short drive lead to Chéticamp Island — a quiet, often-missed spot with incredible views, adorable cows grazing with mountains as a backdrop, a beach and a historic lighthouse. It’s a simple, poetic place that feels like a true Cape Breton hidden gem.

Sunset on the Cabot Trail

Evening was settling and we were on our way to a perfect spot to watch sunset on the Cabot Trail. First, we stopped at Le Buttereau Trailhead, and then, after a short drive, watched the most magical light show. The sun painted the sky in shades of pink and orange while we stood on one of the Cabot Trail’s best pull-offs, watching the clouds pass by.

SeaSky Cottage

SeaSky Cottage sits above Chimney Corner Beach with dramatic cliffside views, spectacular sunrises, gorgeous sunsets, and star-filled nights.

This is a stay made for slowing down: coffee on the deck, a book with a view, watching ocean kissing the cliffs, and remembering that some places exist simply to be savored.

Inverness Beach

Inverness Beach is a jewel of the west coast: a long boardwalk, golden sand, lovely boats, and plenty of sea glass to collect. It’s a great spot for long walks, beachcombing, and — if the day’s warm — a swim. For anyone compiling a list of things to do in Cape Breton, Inverness belongs near the top.

Broad Cove Marsh

It’s a wonderful secret spot. Broad Cove Marsh Road is a rugged back-country drive that opens to raw cliffs and crashing waves. The coastline here feels untouched — layered, angular cliffs and open ocean — a dramatic contrast to calmer harbour stops and a reminder of how wild Cape Breton Island can be.

Glenora Inn & Distillery

Tucked into the valley, Glenora Inn & Distillery blends craft and history. The tour is short, affordable and includes a tasting, so don’t forget your ID. It’s a warm quiet stop that pairs perfectly with previous coastal moments — local whisky and beautiful garden as a change of pace on your Cape Breton road trip.

Mabou Mines

Mabou Mines rewards the extra drive with one of the most mind-blowing coastal views on the route: rolling hills, cliffs, and open water that looks spectacular from above. The gravel Mawbou Mines Road (about 6 km from the main road) leads to expansive panoramas — a must for photographers, drone lovers and anyone chasing extraordinary landscapes.

Mabou Harbour Lighthouse

A short drive back brings you to Mabou Harbour Lighthouse and its little marina — a quiet, photogenic spot to finish this west coast adventure. Boats, sunlight, and that lighthouse silhouette make a peaceful ending to a coastal weekend.

This weekend on Cape Breton Island was a reminder of the island’s range — from peaceful harbours and beach treasure hunts to raw cliffs and oceanview stays. It’s a Cape Breton itinerary that fits into a weekend getaway and mixes famous attractions with some secret spots.

Which of these stops would you love to visit? Tell me in the comments below.

🌿 Please respect our beautiful nature and leave no trace — keep these special places clean and wild for everyone.

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📸 Follow on Instagram for up-to-date adventures. Here some reels from this Cape Breton West Coast Adventure