Getting to Cape Breton (Mainland to the Causeway)

Before you begin your adventure on the Cabot Trail, all mainland routes lead to the Canso Causeway—the bridge connecting mainland Nova Scotia to Cape Breton Island.

• ✈️ From Halifax Airport (YHZ): Take Hwy 102 N to Hwy 104 E toward New Glasgow/Cape Breton.
  • Approx. 2 hours 15 mins | 255 km to the Causeway
• 🚙 From New Brunswick Border (Amherst): Follow Hwy 104 E (Trans-Canada Highway). Note: Includes the tolled Cobequid Pass.
  • Approx. 3 hours | 305 km to the Causeway
• 🚢 From Pictou / PEI Ferry (Caribou): Follow Hwy 106 S to Hwy 104 E toward Antigonish.
  • Approx. 1 hour 30 mins | 145 km to the Causeway

Navigating to Chéticamp (From the Causeway)

Once you cross the Canso Causeway onto the island, take Exit 7 for Hwy 19 N (The Ceilidh Trail). You have two beautiful ways to reach Bosun’s Den:

• Option A: The Deep Coastal Experience (Highly Recommended) Take this route for the best cliffside ocean views. Follow Hwy 19 N through Port Hood and Mabou. After Inverness, take Highway 219 (Broad Cove Marsh Rd) to Margaree Harbour, then rejoin the Cabot Trail North.
• Approx. 1 hour 50 mins | 148 km

• Option B: The Direct Coastal Route Follow Hwy 19 N all the way to the stop sign at Margaree Forks. Turn left onto the Cabot Trail and follow it North into Chéticamp.
  • Approx. 1 hour 40 mins | 135 km

Already on the Island?

If you are already exploring Cape Breton or arriving via Sydney, use these routes:

• 1. From the Sydney Airport (YQY) Take Hwy 125 W to Hwy 105 W (Trans-Canada). Follow Hwy 105 to Whycocomagh, then take Exit 7 toward Margaree/Chéticamp.
• Approx. 2 hours | 165 km

• 2. From Ingonish (Counter-Clockwise on the Cabot Trail) Continue North on the Cabot Trail through the National Park (Park Pass required). You will climb over North Mountain before descending into Chéticamp.
• Approx. 1 hour 45 mins | 112 km

• 3. From the Whycocomagh Area From Whycocomagh, take Exit 7 for Hwy 252 toward Margaree/Chéticamp. At Margaree Forks, turn right at the stop sign onto the Cabot Trail North.
  • Approx. 1 hour | 80 km

📍 Final Arrival

*Things to Note

• GPS & G-Maps: Chéticamp is often incorrectly listed as Petit Étang on navigation systems. Don’t worry, it will still lead you to the correct location.
• Chéticamp vs Inverness: While Chéticamp is located in Inverness County, the town of Inverness is a separate location approximately 50 minutes away.
• Road Conditions: The coastal routes offer stunning views but are slightly longer and harder on vehicles. If you are running low on daylight or trying to catch the sunset in Chéticamp, the central route (Option B) is a few minutes faster with better road surfaces.
• We're located on the ocean side of the Cabot Trail.