Ten stops along the Cabot Trail you shouldn't skip

The Cabot Trail is a 298-km loop. Most people drive it in a day. Don't. Here are ten stops, in counter-clockwise order from Baddeck.

1. Englishtown ferry. A two-minute ferry crossing that saves you 30 minutes and is one of those small experiences that makes the trip feel real.
2. Cape Smokey lookoff. The first proper Atlantic vista of the loop.
3. Middle Head Trail in Ingonish. Park at the Keltic Lodge, walk out the peninsula, marvel at the eagles.
4. Black Brook Beach. Stop for a swim if it's warm. Cold but worth it.
5. Mary Ann Falls. Five-minute walk in to a swimming hole at the base of a waterfall.
6. Skyline Trail at sunset. The most-photographed view in Cape Breton, deserving of every postcard.
7. The Rusty Anchor in Pleasant Bay. Lobster roll, oceanside, perfect mid-trail lunch.
8. Whale watching from Pleasant Bay. Pilot whales are practically guaranteed June through September.
9. Le Gabriel in Chéticamp. Acadian seafood, fiddle music, hooked-rug museum next door.
10. The Doryman, Saturday afternoon. End your loop here. Trust us.