Video: Tag along as Jeff experiences the route from Wreck Cove to Meat Cove for the first time.
Wreck Cove
to
Meat Cove
| The Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia |
Last updated May 2024
Suitable for:
Dualsport Riders (Easy)
Adventure Riders (Easy)
Important information
Ensure you refuel at “Highland Gas - XTR Energy” before heading to and when returning from Meat Cove to ensure you do not run out of gas.
Cell coverage will be intermittent throughout the Highlands, consult with your carrier’s coverage map for details.
Fees must be paid when entering Cape Breton Highlands National Park (as described below)
6 Wreck Cove to Meat Cove 2024
Welcome to the World Famous Cabot Trail
Welcome to the start of your motorcycle pilgrimage. The next 2 hours (116km) will have you conquer the Eastern half of the Cabot Trail before ending in Meat Cove.
Expect to enjoy twisty, cliff-side riding with breath-taking views of the coast. Your foot-pegs will likely make gentle (or not so gentle) contact with the pavement on some of the sharper switchbacks.
While you’re busy making your foot-pegs scream for mercy; keep an eye out for the numerous look-offs, information centres, hiking trails, campgrounds and picnic parks marked along the way!
Be mindful of the elevation changes and suggested cornering speeds, as some posted speeds are less suggestions and more of a necessity. The Cabot Trail is a dangerous place to suffer a brake failure, so ensure you have plenty of life left on your brake pads before proceeding.
Nothing in life is free… (Except this guide of course)
You will be required to pay a daily fee to drive the Cabot Trail as it passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This daily fee will also be required if camping at Cheticamp Campground or any of the other locations throughout the National Park.
As of May 2024, the posted fee is $9.00 CAD per person, per day. Planning to be in the National park more than 3 days? A significant discount is available if you purchase a “Seasonal Early Bird” pass prior to June 1st ($22.00 or $43.50 after June 1st).
Camping & Accommodations
There are many places to stay along the Cabot Trail with a quick google search giving you lots of options. In this guide we recommend spending the night at Meat Cove Campground or rough camping at the Bay St. Lawrence Look-off.
At the time of writing, Meat Cove Campground offers 30 tent sites on a “first come first serve basis” as well as cabins and a “Chalet Guesthouse” which are available for reservation starting June 1st. Free WiFi, free showers, fresh drinking water and a Food Truck are available on site.
While we have never had an instance where we were unable to secure a campsite at Meat Cove, it is possible that the campground could reach maximum capacity before your arrival. If that is the case, then the Bay St Lawrence Look-off is a reasonable back-up if you’re comfortable with rough camping.
A notable mention is Hideaway Campground and Oyster Market in Dingwall. This campground is worth the stop, even if it is just to try the oysters!
Points of Interest
Hidden in the files, map, and videos is a small look-off just before meat cove. You’ll recognize the view from the video thumbnail at the top of the page.
For Graham Jarvis and the Masochists Among You
To 1% of the riders out there, the normal off-road route just won’t be enough. That’s why we’ve included Lowland’s Cove near Meat Cove and Money Point near the Bay St Lawrence Look-off in this guide.
These are EXTREME trails with EXTREME consequences for the EXTREME rider. Do not take these on without tireless contemplation and preparation.
It is worth noting that both of these trails can be hiked, which is an unarguably safer way to complete them.
A Forever Changing Guide:
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