1 Week in Cape Breton Island

Land in Sydney, the airport and largest town on Cape Breton island, and explore the picturesque harbourfront.

Most of your day will be spent around the waterfront. Just look for the Big Fiddle (the biggest in the world). Here you'll find shops, restaurants, and floating bars in the evening.

There's a few parks, museums and historical spots as well if you want to fully explore the small city.

The Fortress of Louisbourg can be reached in just a half hour from Sydney, and is absolutely worth the detour.

Likely the best open air museum we have ever done - Louisbourg is a beautiful and historical site that shouldn't be missed.

Hundreds of French actors in 18th century costume reenact what life was like during the period. Explore the preserved and reconstructed wartime buildings.

You'll learn about and experience the history of the area, including French rule and the battles and eventual takeover by the British.

The area is large and is worth dedicating a full day to. You can even sleep in the Fortress overnight!

A puffin and seal tour will be one of the most memorable parts of your trip. A perfect stop on your way to Ingonish.

We pinned two tour company options. Afterwards you'll truly begin your road trip into the Cape Breton highlands, and see some seriously impressive landscapes.

Choose between a hike at Middle Head (5km 1.5H easy-moderate) or Franey Mountain (7.7km moderate). We have done both and they're both gorgeous, some of the highest rated trails in the Park. Do either depending on time and energy levels. Hang out at the beach too for some downtime.

Continue your Highlands road trip to see the full eastern coast. Stops are listed in order by driving counterclockwise through the park.

Lakies Head and Green Cove are both quick stops near the highway. Jack Pine trail is an easy 1.8km for good views of the ocean, pine forest and rugged rocky shores. Consider a stop at Neil's Harbour Co-Op as one of the last grocery and supply stops for a while.

The South Harbour area is beautiful as well. There's a ton of campsites and cottages on the beach and within the forest. We got some amazing views of the stars here.

Today you will explore the second half of the Highlands. The views from the road are going to be absolutely stunning.

First possible stop is Aspy Trail, a 9km 3H moderate trail through the forest on the mountain that reaches a couple waterfalls.

The Lone Sheiling is an easy 0.6km loop that follows that may be more achievable to some less adventurous travelers. Shortly you'll reach Pleasant Bay and it's Whale Center, from which you can book whale watching tours or just explore their museum.

You'll want to save some energy for the Skyline Trail, likely the most famous and iconic spot in the Cape Breton highlands. The trail is 6.5km, however it's very easy and only takes about 40 minutes each way. At the end you'll see some incredible 360° views of the towering mountains and ocean waves. Evenings and early mornings you can even spot moose.

We decided to do Blueberry Mountain trail - it's harder to find as it's an unofficial trail. It gives the same incredible views as the Skyline Trail, without the crowds. We have a short guide on how to find it on our website.

Chéticamp will be the best place to stay; a small Acadian village just outside the park boundaries.

After leaving the park, head down Cape Breton's "musical coast" for some more views and culture.

Driving through Margaree Harbour to Margaree Forks is very scenic as well, as you follow a river passing through a valley.

In the summer, the whole island has cultural and musical events called Celtic Colours. We stopped for a 'ceidilh' at The Barn, which is in the Margaree area.

Inverness has a nice beach and some world-class golf courses. Egypt Falls is not too far, one of the most picturesque falls on the island.

Glenora Inn offers distillery tours, which is worth a stop on the way to Mabou. Mabou has a Sunday farmers market, a nice Provincial beach park, and a walking trail up the river.

From Mabou, take the road to Whycocomagh, and consider a hike up Salt Mountain from their Provincial park.

Explore the town of Baddeck before heading back to Sydney.

If you like craft breweries, check out Big Spruce before heading into town. Also consider a detour to the Highland Village Museum, another open air museum similar to Louisbourg that features period actors.

Baddeck is a charming coastal town, most famous for being home to Alexander Graham Bell. The Historical Site houses a rather large museum of his life's work. The first airplanes and watercraft are especially interesting.

Baddeck has a lot of great restaurants and may have musical events as well.

From town you can drive to the trailhead to Usige Bàn Falls, a 5km remote trail that's lesser visited but is absolutely beautiful.

Baddeck will be a relaxing and charming way to end your trip in Cape Breton, before catching your flight back in Sydney.