Explore Eclectic Attractions, Crafts, and Folk Art on This Unique Artisan Trail in Nova Scotia

Located in Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island is a Canadian destination known for its rich cultural heritage, dramatic landscapes, and above all, its community of artists. This community is best displayed on the Cabot Trail, a scenic highway that winds through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. While you’ll see panoramic ocean views and rugged cliffs, you also have the opportunity to visit and meet local artists and craftspeople working in vibrant fishing villages scattered along the trail while exploring the country with the longest coastline in the world.

Named for explorer John Cabot, the 185-mile Cabot Trail loop encircles the northern part of the island. Stop in charming coastal towns, follow hiking trails to drink in the landscape, and pause to take photos at the expansive viewpoints. With so many things to see and do, it’s best to take a weekend or a few days to complete the scenic drive. Let’s take a closer look at can’t-miss stops, where to stay, and how to get there.

Following the Cabot Trail, travelers will find a wide range of mediums represented by artists. Think painting, photography, woodwork, sculpture, pottery, and textile art. Surrounded by such incredible natural landscapes, these artists have endless inspiration. You’ll see nature often captured in paintings and photography, ranging from the jagged coastline to grassy knolls. Textile arts include traditional rug hooking, weaving, kilt-making, and quilting, which are all part of Cape Breton’s heritage. Many artists use local wool and dyes to create their stunning handmade works. For local fiber work, check out the Opulent Alpaca, offering high-quality yarns and knitwear made with wool from their herd of ethically-raised alpacas on Cape Breton.

Visitors are encouraged to stop at artist studios, talk with the creators, and learn about their work. Many studios offer live demonstrations, giving travelers a firsthand look at the creative process, too. Woodworkers and sculptors like Northshore Woodsmiths create carved work, functional art, and decorative pieces that accentuate their craftsmanship. Similarly, potters and ceramicists display their handmade items at galleries along the trail, like Arts North or Wildfire Pottery. But there’s more to discover beyond the many art forms of this Nova Scotian treasure.

It’s relatively easy to reach Cape Breton Island, with several options to choose from. The nearest major airport is Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), located in Nova Scotia’s capital. Once you land there, it takes between three and four hours to drive to the island. Once you reach Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail is another hour’s drive or so. If you prefer to spend less time driving, you can catch another flight from Halifax to the nearest airport, JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport (YQY). Located in Sydney, Cape Breton Island’s largest city, direct flights are only an hour from Halifax. It will, however, take another hour and a half to reach the Cabot Trail by car. Regardless of the route you choose, expect to spend some time commuting beyond your flight.

With over 20 artist stops along the Cabot Trail, you might want to consider booking a hotel for a few nights to cover the entire trail. For an elegant experience, visit the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands. A historic lodge located in Ingonish, the Keltic Lodge offers sweeping ocean views, fine dining, and access to one of Canada’s most iconic golf courses, Cape Breton Highlands Links. The Normaway Inn is another cozy country inn to consider booking. Seated in Margaree Valley, the inn, its cabins, and chalets offer comfortable rooms with simple furnishings. Entertainment has been a tradition at the inn since the 1940s and remains a cherished experience, with fireside Celtic music and other local performances occurring regularly. As an add-on to your Nova Scotia trip, consider visiting Lunenburg, a colorful coastal town with ultra-fresh seafood.