Named after explorer John Cabot, the 185-mile Cabot Trail in Atlantic Canada’s province of Nova Scotia can be a driver’s dream come true.
"There is something unique and different in Cape Breton Island, you see it in the landscape when you are going along the Cabot Trail," said Gaelic College CEO Rodney MacDonald.
Easy to navigate by day, there are 24 lookoffs, with sweeping views of steep cliffs tumbling into the ocean. Also steep, however, are the gas prices, measured in liters, not gallons, so you might want to drive a small car.
The northern section of the Cabot Trail, runs through the Cape Breton Highlands National park, home to 26 hiking trails.
The granddaddy of all is the Skyline trail, a looping path that is nearly four and a half miles around.
Although many of the trails have signs warning of moose and coyote, I had to request this video from Cape Breton tourism, since I didn't get close enough to the wildlife with my own camera.
You could easily spend three to five days on the Cabot trail, staying over night at hotels & motels along the way.
Classic fishing villages dot the route, along with beaches for the hardiest swimmers. With such glorious scenery, it is hard to keep your eyes on the road, or the ball, especially if you are a golfer.
If you're traveling with kids, head off the Cabot Trail a bit, to the Fortress of Louisbourg a living history museum depicting the French North American colonies.