1. CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE
CABOT TRAIL MOTORCYCLE: FROM CLERMONT OR QUEBEC CITY TO CAPE BRETON
This Cabot Trail itinerary offers two genuinely different departures. The Cabot Trail from Quebec City uses Lévis and Autoroute 20 with no ferry, while Clermont uses Saint-Siméon and the ferry. Both routes meet in Rivière-du-Loup.
The Cabot Trail motorcycle route leaves Port Hawkesbury for Baddeck and Ingonish, crosses the Highlands to Chéticamp, then follows Margaree Harbour, Inverness and Route 19. This Cabot Trail scenic drive keeps the ocean on the rider’s right along the major coastal sections.
Clermont or Quebec City → Rivière-du-Loup
Times exclude stops and must be checked again in Google Maps for traffic and construction.
Rivière-du-Loup → Route 105 → Port Hawkesbury
After Grand Falls, the HBD itinerary leaves Route 2 and follows Route 105 beside the Saint John River. Required GPS points keep the route on this scenic road to the Fredericton area; Sackville and Antigonish remain optional stops.
The HBD map displays only this route. Google may show its own pale-blue suggestions after the link opens; always keep the route that passes through every Route 105 waypoint.
OPEN THE HBD ROUTE VIA ROUTE 105Cabot Trail scenic drive through Pleasant Bay and Inverness
Allow at least two days to enjoy the best stops on the Cabot Trail without rushing. In this direction, the waterfront stays on the right along the coastal sections.
Port Hawkesbury → Route 105 → Rivière-du-Loup
After Inverness and Route 19, the return uses the same required GPS points in reverse order to follow Route 105 beside the Saint John River before reaching Rivière-du-Loup.
OPEN THE HBD RETURN VIA ROUTE 1052. FERRY — CLERMONT DEPARTURE ONLY
SAINT-SIMÉON–RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP
From Clermont, ride through La Malbaie to the Saint-Siméon terminal, then take the boat to Rivière-du-Loup. The crossing takes approximately 70 minutes. Arrive early and confirm the seasonal schedule shortly before departure. From Quebec City, use Lévis and Autoroute 20 instead, with no ferry.
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are one hour ahead of Quebec. Google Maps usually adjusts arrival time, but keep the difference in mind for every reservation.
3. INTERACTIVE GPS MAP
CABOT TRAIL ROUTE MAP: LOOK-OFFS, SERVICES AND DOG BREAKS
Choose the departure and filter the places you need. When Clermont is selected, the route includes Clermont, La Malbaie and Saint-Siméon; each listing then opens Google Maps for actual navigation.
Some pins identify a general area or look-off rather than an exact entrance, so access immediately beside the displayed point is not guaranteed. Some attractions require walking, while Skyline Trail prohibits dogs and requires peak-season parking reservations. In 2026, park visitor services are scheduled from May 15 to October 25; nearby services or facilities may be closed outside that season. Check weather, construction and park notices, stay on authorized roads and follow posted signs.
4. HBD FAVOURITE STOPS
THE STOPS THAT ARE TRULY WORTH IT
CHÉTICAMP
ACADIAN VILLAGE · WESTERN PARK GATEWAYA lively stop for Acadian character, services and a break before the Cabot Trail’s major climbs.
VIEW ON THE MAPMACKENZIE MOUNTAIN
LOOK-OFFS · GULF AND HIGHLANDSSeveral look-offs open toward the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the spectacular Cape Breton Highlands.
VIEW ON THE MAPBEULACH BAN FALLS
WATERFALL · SHORT NATURE STOPA 21-metre waterfall reached by a short roadside stop that fits easily into a motorcycle day.
VIEW ON THE MAPINVERNESS
ROUTE 19 · WATERFRONTThe final major scenic stop on the west coast, with the beach, Gulf views and memorable sunsets.
VIEW ON THE MAP5. TRAVELLING WITH A DOG
GOOD BREAKS AND IMPORTANT LIMITS
Inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park, pets must remain leashed and droppings must be picked up. Some beach areas prohibit dogs, so always follow posted signs.
Dogs are prohibited because they disturb wildlife, especially moose and bears. Parking reservations are also required from June 26 to October 25, 2026. An adult must stay with the dog somewhere safe; a dog must never be left alone on a motorcycle or in a hot vehicle.
Knowledge Park Drive Dog Park provides two fenced acres and a separate area for small, senior or disabled dogs.
The Waterfowl Park has 3.5 km of trails and boardwalks. Dogs must be kept on leash and posted signs must be followed.
The Community Dog Park is a useful break; check town notices because temporary closures are possible.
6. FOOD, LODGING AND SERVICES
PRACTICAL AREAS WITHOUT UNVERIFIED PROMISES
Hotel, motel and patio policies change. HBD does not label a business dog-friendly without direct confirmation. Use these searches to locate options near the route and call before booking.
Mountain View Motel & Cottages — Pleasant Bay
We stayed here midway through the Cabot Trail so we could ride the route over two days. HBD approves this stop based on our experience. Harley was not on this trip because it would have been too long for him, so we did not personally test the property’s conditions for dogs. The property currently lists a May 20 to October 20 season; confirm the dates and dog policy directly before booking.
View official websiteFredericton, Sackville and Antigonish
These towns provide realistic stops for fuel, food, washrooms and a break on the long ride to Cape Breton.
Search Google MapsBaddeck and Inverness
Two practical areas for lodging. Confirm pet rules, motorcycle parking and RV space directly with the property.
View lodgingChéticamp
Parks Canada allows leashed pets on regular campsites; pets are not allowed in equipped tents or oTENTiks.
View official campgroundBroad Cove — Ingonish
The same leash rules apply on the eastern side of the park. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season.
View official campgroundFuel and weather
Fill up in the main towns and do not wait until you are on the plateau. Distances between services can be long.
Find fuelConfirm before entering
Check permitted length, manoeuvring space, hookups and access roads before booking.
Parks Canada reservations7. PRACTICAL ADVICE
PREPARE FOR A LONG MOTORCYCLE ROAD TRIP
- From Clermont only, confirm the ferry and arrive early.
- Download offline Google Maps.
- Allow several days for the long approach.
- Spend at least two days on the Cabot Trail and stay midway so you can enjoy the stops.
- Fuel up before less-serviced sections.
- Carry water, a folding bowl, a leash and shade for the dog.
- Reserve Skyline parking; dogs are prohibited on the trail.
- Check the fast-changing highlands weather.
- Confirm lodging and pet policies before departure.
8. FAQ
CABOT TRAIL MOTORCYCLE QUESTIONS
Which departure should I choose?
From Clermont, use Saint-Siméon and the ferry. From Quebec City, cross the Pierre Laporte Bridge toward Lévis and follow Autoroute 20 to Rivière-du-Loup without using the ferry.
How long is the ferry crossing?
From Clermont, first ride through La Malbaie to Saint-Siméon. The boat then crosses to Rivière-du-Loup in approximately 70 minutes. The Quebec City departure uses the Pierre Laporte Bridge, Lévis and Autoroute 20 instead, with no ferry.
Are dogs allowed on Skyline Trail?
No. Dogs are prohibited. A parking reservation is also required from June 26 to October 25, 2026.
Is the Cabot Trail dog friendly?
Many breaks and accommodations may work for travellers with a dog, but policies vary. Dogs must be kept on leash in the park and are prohibited on Skyline Trail. Always confirm each property’s current rules before departure.
What is the best Cabot Trail motorcycle route from Quebec?
From Quebec City, cross toward Lévis and follow Autoroute 20 to Rivière-du-Loup. The scenic motorcycle loop then runs from Port Hawkesbury through Baddeck, Ingonish, Pleasant Bay, Chéticamp and Inverness in the direction that keeps the water on the right.
Why is Google Maps divided into four segments?
The departures remain separate until Rivière-du-Loup. Segment three follows the scenic Cape Breton route through Baddeck, Ingonish, Chéticamp, Margaree Harbour and Inverness. Segment four then returns from Port Hawkesbury to Rivière-du-Loup.
How many days should I allow for the Cabot Trail?
HBD recommends at least two days so you can enjoy the look-offs, visits and breaks. We stayed at Mountain View Motel & Cottages in Pleasant Bay midway through the route. Harley was not on this trip because it would have been too long for him, so dog conditions must be confirmed directly.
OFFICIAL SOURCES TO RECHECK BEFORE DEPARTURE