We will be going to CB for 6 nights mid-October looking for hiking, music and great seafood. Our current schedule has us landing in Halifax, driving and staying one night in Port Hood, Cheticamp, Ingonish; Baddeck for 2 nights; Halifax for the last night. I think that's too many changes.
Would this be better: Halifax first night, then Cheticamp (2), Baddeck (2), last night Halifax? or other recommendations?
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2293 posts
Yes, although the drive is also pleasant, all those hotel changes will eat up time better spent hiking or eating or relaxing in Cape Breton. Also 2 nights only gives you 1 full day at any one place.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
2122 posts
When I went to Cape Breton, I stayed in Baddeck and drove the entire loop in one day. And I took several short hikes, so it wasn't just driving all day. Driving time if you don't stop at all is around 5-6 hours. (I was on a longer trip that included other stops all around Nova Scotia.)
I wouldn't want to change so much on a 6-night trip. You don't say what your flight times are or where they are from/to. But assuming you want to be back in Halifax for Night 6 to catch an early flight the next day, I'd recommend dividing the other 5 nights between 2 places, probably with 3 nights in Baddeck and 2 nights somewhere along the loop.
Or, if you want to spend a day in Halifax (which is worth doing - it's a charming city), cut a night off Baddeck and spend the last 2 nights in Halifax.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
129 posts
What time does your flight arrive? We were in NS last summer and loved our time in Cape Breton & Cabot Trail. We used Baddeck as a base for the Cabot Trail, you could spend 2 nights there and 2 in Inverness ( preferred it to Cheticamp). during the summer there were nightly Ceilidh’s in Baddeck and music at a great pub in Inverness- both also have excellent restaurants . Currently there is a fire ban in NS which also prohibits all hiking into the woods/ trails. Mid October is still a long way away but you may want to monitor any bans closer to your arrival. Lots to experience in Hallfax, suggest 2nights and you could also head to Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and Peggy’s Cove which are easy to reach from Halifax.
Posted by
Moncton NB
1312 posts
Mid-October? Could be perfect timing. The Celtic Colours Festival is Oct 10-18 (https://celtic-colours.com). This is a fantastic Celtic music festival where every pub, church hall and outdoor facility turns into a caelidh. We did it a few years ago, staying in Baddeck, and couldn't help but bump into these events without even really having to look for them.
As for logistics of staying in Cape Breton, the island is not big enough to stop at a different place every night. I would just plant myself in Baddeck, in the centre, and get to the rest of the island from there.