How do you get on Cape Breton Island?

Most visitors travel to Cape Breton by car and, of course, the only entrance point by car is the Canso Causeway. To get to the Canso Causeway, follow the Trans Canada Highway 104 as you enter Nova Scotia in Amherst. Continue on the 104 and once you reach Truro follow the signage to Cape Breton.



Accessing Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia is primarily done via the Canso Causeway, a 1.4-kilometer rock-fill causeway that carries a two-lane highway (Trans-Canada Highway 105) and a railway line across the Strait of Canso. This is the only permanent land link connecting the island to the mainland of North America. For those traveling by car from Halifax, it is approximately a three-hour drive to reach the causeway. Alternatively, you can reach the island by sea via Marine Atlantic ferries, which run year-round between Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, and North Sydney, Cape Breton. There is also a seasonal ferry service from Argentia, Newfoundland. For air travelers, the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport (YQY) offers daily flights from major hubs like Toronto and Montreal. Once on the island, the most famous route is the Cabot Trail, a world-renowned scenic drive that loops around the northern tip of the island, passing through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and offering spectacular coastal vistas.

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Most visitors travel to Cape Breton by car and, of course, the only entrance point by car is the Canso Causeway. To get to the Canso Causeway, follow the Trans Canada Highway 104 as you enter Nova Scotia in Amherst.

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Nearest airport: Halifax Stanfield International Airport is 3 hours away. There are two closer airports for private planes: The first is Sydney J.A. Douglas McCurdy (2 hour drive), and the other is Allan J. MacEachen Regional Airport (1 hour drive).

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By Air. Regular direct flight service is available to the JA Douglas McCurdy Airport in Sydney from Toronto and Montreal with connections to the rest of Canada and beyond. Or travellers may opt to fly into the Halifax Stanfield International Airport where they can drive to Cape Breton Island.

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Cape Breton is home to historic fishing towns, like Cheticamp, as well as beautiful national parks, like Cape Breton Highlands National Park. In visiting the island, you can experience everything from Acadian and Indigenous culture and history, to observing wildlife. This maritime island is absolutely worth visiting!

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I've been to Cabot four times, and I can quickly list five things that make the destination special: its two 18-hole courses play wildly different, all but ensuring you'll never get bored; the last four holes at Cliffs will likely comprise the most stunning walk you've ever taken on any golf course; the bar on property ...

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One of the world's most scenic coastal drives, it weaves around rugged headlands with spectacular views of the North Atlantic and Gulf of St Lawrence. Although you could complete the Cabot Trail in a long day, we recommend at least two days to enjoy all it has to offer.

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Favourite stops along the Cabot Trail include: Meat Cove at the very tip of Cape Breton Island (exit the Cabot Trail at Cape North). Hike or walk the Skyline Trail (easy and stroller and wheelchair accessible) and Franey Trail (more challenging hike) in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

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