Nova Scotia

Sunday, 26 July and Monday, 27 July 2026

We passed through Nova Scotia on our way between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick - not enough time to really see NS.

Northumberland Strait as viewed from the ferry. We've had very calm waters on all of our ferry and boat trips this summer.

Coming into Caribou, NS.

After disembarking in Caribou, we drove up to Cape Breton Island, the northwest end of Nova Scotia, to visit Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Above is the Cabot Trail, a highway that encircles the end of Cape Breton Island and the national park.

The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park requires a timed entry (and exit) for parking. We had reserved a 4 PM slot. Reforestation research is being conducted around the trail. This is the "moose exclusion" fence as seen from the observation tower on the trail. Forest regenerates much better when moose aren't munching on all the young trees.

There are two boardwalks on the Skyline Trail. This is the short one that passes over a bog.

The second boardwalk is much longer and descends 360 steps (I counted!) on a headland facing the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The boardwalk protects vulnerable vegetation from the large number of hikers on the trail.

The Cabot Trail highway.

The boardwalk is about 2200 ft long and winds its way down the mountain to the final lookout.

Looking back up at the top of the boardwalk.

Sunset on Cape Breton Island.

On Monday, we drove to Peggy's Cove, NS before ending the day in Moncton, NB.

Even though it was a weekday, Peggy's Cove was overrun with visitors. Traffic and parking were difficult. I guess we were spoiled by the low-key atmosphere of P.E.I.

A closer view of the Peggy's Cove Lighthouse.