Raise your hand if you plan your trips based around what you’re eating? Hey there’s no shame in your traveling foodie game. The way I see it, if you’re going through ALL the effort to plan a super fun trip you might as well get a few ideas of where you’re going to eat amiright??
If you’ve got an appetite for travel well lucky for you I’ve done the heavy lifting (it’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it). Simply add these food stops to your Cabot Trail travel list, and you’re GOOD TO GO!
In leui of Covid-19 I feel compelled to brief you a little bit. Obviously things are little different right now with travel. Currently here in Nova Scotia we are allowed to travel within the Maritimes, a “Maritime Bubble” if you will, so please make sure to adhere to the rules in your area and be safe. Wash your hands as much as possible , and always use hand sanitizer before entering an establishment.
If you’re wondering how we made out dinning out during the current lift on restrictions we were VERY impressed with how careful everyone was given the current situation, but more than that how warm and welcoming they were on top of that. Being in masks, shields, kindly prompting people to use hand sanitizer you would think they’ve been doing this their entire lives. Everything went off without a hitch, and we felt more than safe making our way through the Cabot Trail with hungry bellies. Well done to all the serving staff!
Not ranked in any particular order, but rather by location I’ve itemized this list for you when you’re traveling clockwise around the Cabot Trail. From the freshest seafood to sweet treats a plenty here’s…
10 Food Stops to Make Along The Cabot Trail
1 DANCING GOAT
One of my favorite sandwiches I’ve ever had OMG those olives though those are things that you’ll think about at 3 am when you can’t sleep or the entire time you’re driving to Cape Breton because you’re just SO excited. Can you tell it’s getting close to dinner time as I write this?? If you’re in the area definitely make a stop you won’t regret it.
LOCATION: 6289 Cabot Trail Rd, Margaree Valley, NS B0E 2C0
2 AUCOIN’S BAKERY
“offering assorted breads and rolls, homemade pastries, sandwiches, Acadian style meat pies, tea, coffee, free wi-fi and friendly service with a smile. Established in 1959, the Aucoin Bakery rose to success by offering products and services from homemade family recipes and continues to grow strong serving customers throughout Cape-Breton Island”. Might I suggest the cinnamon rolls?? They are so yummy!!
LOCATION: 14 Lapointe Rd, Chéticamp, NS B0E 2M0
3 L’ABRI
An Instrammer’s D-R-E-A-M. L’Abri is so freaking cute with all the youthful vibes. Food was great service was great I’d definitely go back again. Also be sure to use the loo when you’re there as they hilariously used bingo cards as wallpaper and I’m OBSESSED. PS: order the truffle parm fries. YUM!
LOCATION: 15559 Cabot Trail Rd, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
4 MR CHICKEN
Looking for the best fried chicken on the island?? You will find it here. When I asked my followers where to eat along the Cabot Trail Mr Chicken had to have been the most popular.
LOCATION: 15546 Cabot Trail Rd, Chéticamp, NS B0E 1H0
5 RUSTY ANCHOR
Arguably one of the best lobster rolls I’ve had during the trip and well I had many. If you’re not a big fan of mayo you will love these tasty little lobster rolls that are LOADED with huge chunks of lobster served in warm dinner roll buns. I was very impressed. As a side I opted for a caesar salad (figured I could use something green in my life), but then ordered onion rings “for the table” which were served pipping hot and offered up a serious CRUNCH! Would highly recommend.
LOCATION: 23197 Cabot Trail Rd, Pleasant Bay, NS B0E 2P0
6 PERIWINKLE CAFE
This place is SO freaking cute!! From a cafe that serves up the yummiest breakfast sandwiches to evenings of wine and charcuterie this cafe is a must visit. Be sure to also explore the Salty Rose Shop (also located inside) for beautifully hand crafted jewelry, items created by other local artisans. The breakfast sandwich seen here is the smoked salmon it was super yummy the perfect fuel to start a day of exploring.
LOCATION: 36056 Cabot Trail Rd, Ingonish, NS B0C 1K0
7 COASTAL RESTAURANT
THIS SANDWICH was so good! Not fussy whatsoever the service at the Coastal Restaurant was incredible, and the prices were great. All around great experience. OH almost forgot their “Ringer Burger” was featured on the very popular show “You Gotta Eat Here” in hindsight we really should have ordered that!! LOL Next time.
LOCATION:36404 Cabot Trail Rd, Ingonish, NS B0C 1K0
8 WRECK COVE GENERAL STORE
Need a refreshment?? Perhaps an ice cream?? The Wreck Cove General Store is the perfect spot to make a pit stop they have lots of snacks, but also they have some great souvenirs and gifts (that are honestly SUCH a great price). I got the cutest tie dye Cape Breton t-shirt, and Travis picked up some mugs for his family. Definitely be sure to make a stop when you’re coming through.
LOCATION:42470 Cabot Trail Rd, Birch Plain, NS B0C 1H0
9 DANCING MOOSE
Whether you prefer sweet or savory you gotta try their Pannekoek!! Pannekoek is the Dutch way to enjoy a different kind of “pancake” served at both breakfast and lunch! When we came through the chickens were out of their coop, so naturally I had some fun filming them. Such a cute spot.
LOCATION: 42691 Cabot Trail Rd, Birch Plain, NS B0C 1H0
10 THE CLUCKING HEN CAFE & BAKERY
YUMMMM this chowder was so GOOD and so filling phewf. Served with fresh bread and crackers it was the perfect fuel I needed for our adventures out on the water! Also don’t leave without grabbing some of their baked goods. I got a Spinach and Feta Bistro to have for a snack later, and OMG it was SO good I wish I bought more of them. You gotta stop here!
LOCATION: 45073 Cabot Trail Rd, Englishtown, NS B0C 1H0
Any food places I missed??? PLEASE comment below, and I’ll add it to my list for next time!
Hope you enjoyed today’s food adventures. Special thanks to Visit Cape Breton Island for inviting us to tour around the Cabot Trail we had an absolute blast I’m working on a round up post of the trip, but for now feel free to browse our Instagram feed, and “Cabot Trail” Highlight @SHORTPRESENTS
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You know that part in movies after the credits roll and you are about to get up to leave, but there’s still a little clip left?? Consider this kind of like that. If you’re in a gas station or convenience store while in Cape Breton, and spot a “Paul’s Pizza Burger” buy one!! Also if you want to enjoy it like the locals add some chips after you’ve heated it up. I usually do Salt and Vinegar, but I know lots do Doritos too. Trust me it’s delicious.
**This post was not sponsored; however, these experiences were gifted in collaboration with Visit Cape Breton Island.
13 Comments
Gaelic College for breakfast or lunch
Hi, why isn’t Main Street restaurant and bakery on there?
Main Street Restaurant and Bakery
harbour restaurant in cheticamp
you should check out the main street restaurant located in ingonish beach.
You got to try seafood stop best fish and chip and seafood chowder
All top notch spots! You will have to stop by Clay’s Confectionery Shop in Ingonish Beach for one of our homemade drumsticks next time. They have been called “life changing” lol, 😋
I love l’Evangeline in Cheticamp, as well as the Bean Barn in Ingonish.
You missed the Herring Choker deli…great sandwich and picnic options, fantastic baked goods.
Try the BaRyKin Cafe and Bakery in Port Hawkesbury, guarantee you won’t be disappointed
Thanks for this post. We are doing the Cabot Trail soon and though we have done it many times before it’s always good to have great dining recommendations. I do wish you had mentioned WHAT your sandwiches were/what you ate in more of the blurbs. Pics of food are gorgeous but I don’t know what to order if I want to try what you had!
Home made drumsticks at Doucette’s Market & eatery in Ingonish Beach! Yum!!
Do any of these food outlets have gluten free options?