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Cabot Trail Cruise Tour: Ingonish & Highlands Escape

19 Reviews 4.37 out of 5 stars Based on 19 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Sydney, Canada
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from $128.06 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Cabot Trail
Cape Smokey viewpoint
Englishtown
Cabot Trail Cruise Tour: Ingonish & Highlands Escape Image 4
St Ann's lookoff cape breton (Ferry View)
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Unlock the breathtaking majesty of the Cabot Trail—the ultimate shore excursion starting right from the Sydney. From the sweeping vistas atop Kelly’s Mountain to the sparkling waters of the Bras d'Or Lake.

Venture through the heart of Cape Breton’s rugged soul, where towering cliffs meet the Atlantic at Cape Smokey, and hidden fishing villages like Wreck Cove offer a glimpse into local life. Whether you are walking the grounds of the Ingonish beach or admiring the world-famous Highland Links, every stop is a postcard come to life.

Tour Highlights
Experience the raw beauty of rugged coastlines and lush, ancient mountains.
Visit the Ingonish beach and the stunning Highland Links Golf Course.
Capture perfect photos from Kelly’s Mountain and the soaring cliffs of Cape Smokey.
Explore serene countryside and authentic fishing communities.
Perfectly timed for cruise passengers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts.
Shared tours max 7 guests. Requires min 3 bookings or full refund.

What's Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance fees for parks, attractions, and activity sites.
  • Meals
See 1 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Meeting Instructions Your guide will meet you just outside the main cruise terminal exit. Look for a sign with your name or "Shuttle Tours"Timing & FlexibilityDisembarking: Please aim to disembark early; your guide will wait for 30 minutes.Schedule Changes: If your ship docks earlier or later than planned, we will automatically adjust your tour start time.Preferences: You may request a morning or afternoon start by adding a note in the "Special Requirements" section.Pickups & Updates For hotel or airport pickups, please specify your preferred start time. We will send you a final update the evening before your tour.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Sydney (pass by)

Your journey begins with a hassle-free pickup right from the Sydney Cruise Port, followed by a relaxing, scenic drive through downtown Sydney. As we cruise along Charlotte Street—the vibrant heart of the city—you'll get a firsthand look at bustling local shops, markets, and cozy cafés, alongside popular local landmarks like Tim Hortons and the casino area. Along the way, you’ll pass charming historic homes and notable architecture that showcase Sydney's rich heritage and local character. Designed specifically for cruise passengers, this comfortable drive-by experience offers the perfect, time-efficient overview of our waterfront city’s everyday charm and culture before continuing on your unforgettable Cabot Trail..
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Seal Island Bridge

As your tour journeys along the Trans-Canada Highway toward the Cabot Trail, prepare for one of the most breathtaking engineering marvels in Atlantic Canada: the Seal Island Bridge. Towering over the Great Bras d'Or Channel, this iconic green through-arch bridge connects Boularderie Island with Cape Breton’s mainland. Your Shuttle Tours guide will pause at a prime look-off point, giving you the perfect opportunity to capture panoramic photos of the sweeping mountain ranges and the rushing tidal waters below. Spanning over 700 meters, crossing and viewing this magnificent structure is an unforgettable highlight that showcases Cape Breton’s rugged, dramatic scale.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St. Anns Overlook

Get your cameras ready for one of the most breathtaking panoramic vistas on the entire St. Anns Loop! Shuttle Tours will pull into this elevated roadside lookout, offering you sweeping, unobstructed views of the sprawling St. Anns Bay and the rolling green highlands that frame it. Your guide will point out local landmarks and share the history of the Gaelic settlers who fell in love with these very views centuries ago. It’s the ultimate postcard photo-stop and a perfect spot to breathe in the crisp, salty Atlantic air.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Englishtown Ferry

Experience a charming piece of Cape Breton tradition with Shuttle Tours! We will cross the narrow gap of the St. Anns Bay aboard the Torquil MacLean—a classic, 15-car cable ferry that has been connecting the local communities for decades. The short, scenic crossing takes just a few minutes, giving you a wonderful chance to step out, feel the fresh Atlantic breeze, and look out for local marine life like bald eagles and seals. It’s a unique, authentic maritime experience that perfectly connects you to the spectacular St. Anns Loop and the Cabot Trail.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cabot Trail (pass by)

The north side of the Cabot Trail up to Ingonish offers breathtaking scenery and rugged beauty. As you drive along this coastal route, you'll be captivated by towering cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and vibrant green forests. The trail passes through small, charming fishing villages where you can experience local culture and hospitality. Highlights include Cape Smokey, with its dramatic cliffs and panoramic vistas, and the scenic drive through the Cape Breton Highlands. Near Ingonish, enjoy pristine beaches, the famous Keltic Lodge, and world-renowned golf courses. This area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and outdoor adventure, making it an unforgettable part of your journey through Cape Breton.
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Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery ( Seasonal may- October)

Time for a delicious taste of local flavor! Shuttle Tours will pull into this beloved, ocean-view staple right on the Cabot Trail. Known for its warm maritime hospitality and mouth-watering, scratch-made treats, it’s the perfect place to refuel. You can stretch your legs, grab a fresh-brewed coffee, and indulge in their famous giant cinnamon buns, savory meat pies, or fresh seafood chowder. Sit out on the deck, soak in the ocean breeze, and enjoy a true Cape Breton pit-stop.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Pathend Brook Lookout

Tucked right alongside the winding highway near Wreck Cove, Pathend Brook Lookout offers one of the most serene pull-off vistas on the eastern side of Cape Breton. Stop here to stretch your legs and take in stunning views where rolling green hills meet the open Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for road trippers, nature lovers, and photographers looking to capture the rugged beauty of the Maritime coastline without leaving the trail.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Ingonish Beach

Prepare to be amazed by the dramatic landscapes of Ingonish Beach, located inside the spectacular Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Shuttle Tours brings you to this rare geological gem, famous for its unique barachois design—a massive natural stone barrier that separates the crashing, salty waves of the Atlantic Ocean from a perfectly calm, warm freshwater lake. Walk along the smooth cobblestone ridge, sink your toes into the soft sand, and admire the towering green cliffs that frame the bay. It’s a jaw-dropping landscape stop that perfectly captures the wild beauty of the Cabot Trail.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Gaelic College

Step into the living history of Cape Breton at the world-renowned Gaelic College in St. Anns. Shuttle Tours brings you to this unique institution dedicated to preserving traditional Celtic culture. Take a stroll through the beautiful craft shop featuring authentic tartan wear, explore the Great Hall of the Clans museum to uncover the deep Scottish roots of the island, and if you're lucky, catch a live demonstration of traditional kilt-making, weaving, or Cape Breton step-dancing. It is a deeply enriching cultural stop that connects you to the heartbeat of the island's heritage.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sydney Port

We time our return perfectly, ensuring you arrive with plenty of time to board your ship comfortably, browse the local artisan shops at the terminal, or snap a final photo with the world's largest fiddle!
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 9 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Cabot Trail Cruise Tour: Ingonish & Highlands Escape?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-471448P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.37
19 reviews

Average 4.37 out of 5 stars based on 19 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
15
4 stars
0
3 stars
1
2 stars
2
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Cabot Trail Cruise Tour: Ingonish & Highlands Escape?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Entrance fees for parks, attractions, and activity sites.
The following is NOT included:
  • Meals.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Cabot Trail Cruise Tour: Ingonish & Highlands Escape is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Cabot Trail Cruise Tour: Ingonish & Highlands Escape will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance fees for parks, attractions, and activity sites.
  • Meals

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name