5 days in Cape Breton Island Itinerary

Nestled on a cozy harbor surrounded by green forests, the coastal town of Ingonish serves as the perfect coastal retreat for those after a quiet getaway.

On the 14th (Sat), kick back and relax at Black Brook Beach and then cruise along Cabot Trail. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the striking landscape of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

To see ratings, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Ingonish vacation planner.

Winnipeg to Ingonish is an approximately 9.5-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and car. You'll lose 2 hours traveling from Winnipeg to Ingonish due to the time zone difference. April in Ingonish sees daily highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Baddeck.

For most visitors on holiday in Baddeck, the town represents the beginning and the end of the world-famous Cabot Trail, a scenic roadway looping around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island.

On the 16th (Mon), look for gifts at Baadeck Yarns, don't miss a visit to The Water's Edge Gallery of Fine Art & Crafts, then visit a coastal fixture at Kidston Island Lighthouse, and finally take an in-depth tour of Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Baddeck trip planning site .

Traveling by car from Ingonish to Baddeck takes 2 hours. Expect much colder evenings in Baddeck when traveling from Ingonish in April, with lows around -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Louisbourg.

Louisbourg is an unincorporated community and former town located in Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Regional Municipality.HistoryThe French military founded the Fortress of Louisbourg in 1713 and its fortified seaport on the southwest part of the harbour, naming it in honour of Louis XIV. Start off your visit on the 17th (Tue): examine the collection at Sydney and Louisbourg Railway Museum and then examine the collection at Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site.

To find photos, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Louisbourg trip itinerary planning app .

Traveling by car from Baddeck to Louisbourg takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect much warmer evenings in Louisbourg when traveling from Baddeck in April, with lows around -1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.