Cabot Trail & Baddeck tour from Sydney: cable ferry crossing

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/23

Duration5h

GroupUp to 24

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

A cable-pulled ferry is part of the route to the Cabot Trail.

This five-hour guided tour departs Sydney cruise port and travels through Cape Breton's countryside to the world-famous Cabot Trail, including a traditional cable ferry crossing, stops at the Gaelic College and Baddeck village, and entry to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. The guide speaks English throughout, and admission fees are included; the tour suits all fitness levels and accommodates strollers, rollators and service animals.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic Cabot Trail and Baddeck Tour

Drive through Charlotte Street in Sydney
Cross Seal Island Bridge near New Harris
Stop at St. Anns Overlook near Englishtown
Take Englishtown Ferry across St. Anns Bay
Visit Gaelic College in St. Ann’s
Stop at Cabotto Chocolates in Indian Brook
Travel along the southeastern Cabot Trail
Stop at Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery
Visit Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck
Return to Sydney with scenic stops

The Experience

The tour leaves Sydney and heads through downtown along Charlotte Street before crossing the Seal Island Bridge, which spans the Bras d'Or Lake with views of forested hills and coastal water. A stop at St. Anns Overlook gives a quiet vantage point over St. Anns Bay and the rolling landscape ahead. From there, the route continues toward the Gaelic College on Cabot Trail Road, where you'll learn about Cape Breton's deep Scottish-Gaelic heritage and the cultural traditions that shaped the island. The Englishtown Ferry—a short, traditional cable-pulled crossing—connects you across St. Anns Bay and marks your gateway onto the Cabot Trail itself.

The scenic southeastern section of the Cabot Trail unfolds with ocean vistas and inland bay views as the drive winds through the Cape Breton Highlands. A seasonal stop at the Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery (open May to October) offers fresh baked goods, coffee and a restroom break. Cabotto Chocolates in Indian Brook provides a chance to pick up locally made treats and souvenirs. These comfort stops break up the drive and let you stretch your legs without losing the rhythm of the day.

The tour ends in Baddeck, the beautiful lakeside village on Bras d'Or Lake. You'll have time to stroll the waterfront, browse local shops and cafes, and explore the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, which houses exhibits on the inventor's work in communication, aviation and marine technology. Your return to Sydney includes a few final scenic stops, wrapping up the afternoon with a mix of natural landscape, local culture and historical depth. The live English-speaking guide narrates throughout, so the day holds together as a story rather than a list of stops.

What’s included

Pickup from Sydney cruise port.
admission to the Gaelic College, Englishtown Ferry crossing, and Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
a live English-speaking guide throughout the five-hour tour.
comfort stops at cafes and shops along the route.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Red Leaf Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're arriving by cruise ship and want a guide who narrates the entire route—you'll follow Cape Breton's story without needing to read maps or decide where to stop.