Travelling to the Cape Breton Highlands
How to find the places you'll want to visit
Cape Breton Island is at the northeast tip of Nova Scotia, Canada [a map is included below]. The Highlands are located in the northern most reaches of Cape Breton Island. The easiest way to get to the highlands is to drive via the Cabot Trail. Driving directions are included below.
Travelling from Sydney Airport:
Exit the airport left onto highway, and continue traveling in this direction for approximately 10-15 minutes. The Mayflower Mall will be on your left as you approach the intersection of this highway and Highway 125. Turn left onto Highway 125 at the lights. Continue and follow the signs for North Sydney and Baddeck. Connect onto Highway 105, just outside of North Sydney and follow the road signs for Baddeck and Ingonish. You will travel over Kelly's Mountain and at the base of this mountain take Exit 12 (Englishtown, Highway 312) or Exit 11.
Exit 11 will lead you to Ski Tuonela, and several wonderful artisan shops along the original Cabot Trail. Exit 12 will lead you to the Englishtown Ferry. After crossing on the ferry, you'll be entering the Cape Breton Highlands.
Please note that both Exits 11 and 12 will lead to the Cape Breton Highlands, but Exit 11 is the quickest way to reach Ski Tuonela.
Travelling from Halifax:
Take Highway 102 from Halifax until you reach Truro. Take Exit 15 to Highway 104 and proceed to Cape Breton. At the Canso Causeway, follow Highway 105 until you reach Exit 11 or 12. Exit 11 will lead you to Ski Tuonela, and several wonderful artisan shops along the original Cabot Trail. As you approach this exit, you will see a sign to notify you of the status of the Englishtown Ferry. If the amber lights are flashing you must take Exit 11 to Ingonish. If the lights are not flashing, you may wish to proceed to Exit 12, Englishtown. Follow this road until you reach the small cable ferry (Englishtown Ferry).
Once you disembark from the ferry, you'll be entering the Cape Breton Highlands.
Please note that both Exits 11 and 12 will lead to the Cape Breton Highlands, but Exit 11 is the quickest way to reach Ski Tuonela.
