Location

Situated on the western side of Cape Breton Island, Inverness County’s boundaries embrace the lay of the land from Port Hawkesbury to Meat Cove. The southern boundary of the county includes portions of the saltwater Bras d’Or Lakes with picturesque villages like Whycocomagh, Orangedale and Marble Mountain. The county's landscape changes from rolling farmlands to rugged coastlines and stunning highlands as it meanders through country roads and quiet fishing villages.

From Mainland Nova Scotia, cross the Causeway and follow Route 19 after the rotary. Route 19, also named the Ceilidh Trail, is a coastal drive to the Cabot Trail. It follows the northwestern or Gulf of St. Lawrence shoreline of Cape Breton Island and takes you on a wonderful drive along saltwater bluffs and beaches and inland, through hills dotted with farmland and river valleys. Route 19 connects with the Cabot Trail at Margaree Forks where you enter into the beautiful “Margarees”, a series of villages scattered along one of the world’s most celebrated salmon rivers.

Alternative routes take you into the heart of Inverness County. From the rotary follow Highway 105 to Whycocomagh, driving inland and through farm country and many small rural communities, including Waycobah First Nation. Taking Route 395 at the village of Whycocomagh puts you on your way to Lake Ainslie, Nova Scotia’s largest fresh water lake. Route 395 also connects to Route 19 at Strathlorne.

Every corner of the County boasts trails, look-offs and scenic vistas where visitors can hike during the day and, in the evening, if you wish, enjoy heartwarming, shimmering sights as the sun sinks into the ocean. Locals refer to western side of Cape Breton as the "sunset side of the Island" and visitors soon find out why.

Cape Breton Island

Inverness County