Sightseeing along the Cabot Trail

La Bloc

La Bloc

With its rocky cliffs and jagged shoreline, this area doesn't look like an ideal spot for a fishing village. Yet over thirty French families once lived here and made their living from the sea. They even had a cannery. Colourful panels depict the history of the area as you enjoy the great ocean views. It is also a picnic area, so pack a lunch and linger awhile.

Cap Rouge

A view of the western coastline from
Cap Rouge

Here is a rare opportunity to observe the basic rock types that make up the entire earth's crust—sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic. Spectacular coastal views complement this exhibit.

Veteran's Monument

The world-famous views from the
look-off at the Veterans Monument

During the Parks Canada centennial year in 1985, this plaque was placed here by the Department of Veteran's Affairs to recognize the contribution of Canadians who died overseas during the World Wars. A similar plaque was unveiled in a national park in each province. The monument stands guard over a commanding view of the western coastline.

The Fishing Cove look-off

Fishing Cove can be seen from high
atop MacKenzie Mountain

Take in the view! 335 metres (1,000 ft) below you lie a small cove and grassy clearing at the base of MacKenzie Mountain which was once a fishing village. Here, the Scottish settlers fished in the Gulf waters and traded with the French for supplies. Fishing Cove is now the site of the only designated wilderness campsite in the park. Camping is restricted to a small number of people at any one time in order to preserve the wilderness experience and reduce impact on the environment. You must register to camp; bring your own camp stove and drinking water.

MacKenzie Mountain look-off - The Highland Plateau

Interpretive panels provide information
on the formation of the Highland
Plateau

Over 90% of the park's surface area is Highlands Plateau. These seemingly flat-topped mountains are part of what makes this park unique. They make up the largest remaining tract of wild land left in Nova Scotia. With an average elevation of 400 m (1,300 ft), the plateau is a harsh land cut with valleys and pocketed with shallow lakes and bogs. Learn about the bedrock that has resisted change for millions of years, the MacKenzie River as it winds its way through the canyon below or just enjoy the view of the highland plateau as it stretches out before you.

MacKenzie Mountain look-off - The Gulf of St. Lawrence

A picturesque look-off overlooking
the Gulf of St. Lawrence

It is difficult to discuss the land around you without paying attention also to the water that reaches its shores. The Gulf of St. Lawrence, a strategic waterway Canadian throughout history, still plays a vital role in transportation and in the migration of marine mammals. The waters are warmer and less salty than the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean floor in the Gulf is not unlike the dry land around you—its features are just given different names because they are underwater. The floor is cut by "troughs" (valleys) and has "shelves" (plateaus). The ebb and flow of the Gulf currents are of great interest. Creating a nursery for a variety of fish species, the currents also have an effect on all five provinces that they border. One quarter of the total Canadian fish catch comes from these waters.

MacKenzie Mountain look-off - Whales

Catch a glimpse of whales from this
look-off on MacKenzie Mountain

Want to go whale watching? You can actually do it from here! Keep your eyes on the ocean—look for plumes of vapour as whales surface in the Gulf. You'll find a colour exhibit of whales, species of fish, their food sources, various sea birds and life on the ocean floor at this look-off.

Lone Shieling

The Lone Shieling, a Scottish crofter's
hut nestled in an old-growth forest

This is one of the most protected areas of the park. The 350-year-old sugar maple trees are just part of this virgin forest which is also home to rare animals like the rock vole and Gaspé shrew.

What will catch your eye first is the Lone Shieling itself. An exhibit tells the story of why it's here in our highlands and what it was used for in the highlands of Scotland. The 20-minute walking trail is the only access permitted in this old growth hardwood forest, so please stay on the trail to reduce trampling damage.

North Mountain look-off - The Aspy Fault

A photographer takes advantage of
the spectacular views and fall colours overlooking the Aspy Fault

A fault is a crack or fracture in the earth's crust. The Aspy Fault runs inland for about 40 kilometres (24 miles). Land masses move and separate along fault lines. By studying them and comparing rock types, geologists can determine what land masses might once have been connected. Cape Breton may have been joined to Africa at one time. The panels show the fault lines in Cape Breton and how the land formed over time. Find out how a hanging valley is formed.

North Mountain look-off - Beulach Ban Falls

Beulach Ban Falls can be seen from a
look-off on North Mountain

Watch the waterfalls in the Aspy Valley below you as the river winds its way to the Atlantic. The name "Beulach Ban" is Gaelic, a language spoken by the original Scottish settlers. When you reach the base of the mountain, you can drive to the falls. This is a particularly nice area in the autumn when the foliage changes colour. A small picnic area allows for a tranquil lunch.

Lakie's Head

Stop and admire some great views
from Lakie's Head

A great spot to watch for whales breaching offshore. Depending on the season, the signs will either explain lobster fishing in the area or how to identify a particular kind of whale. Another panel identifies the sea birds that flit about the coastline. During lobster season, you can watch as fishermen haul up their traps and remove the tasty catch.