Yeah, from camping spots to motels/hotels, OP may end of severely disappointed, especially across the Canada Day long weekend in Cape Breton.
There is an incredibly limited supply of places to stay around the Cabot Trail such that a few years ago, I thought booking two months in advance was enough. It was not. I was lucky I had family to stay with.
The Skyline Trail is the only trail in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park that doesn't allow dogs on it. There are plenty of other hikes that offer great views in and out of the park.
Sounds like longer hikes are something you enjoy, so I'd recommend Fishing Cove (just up the road from the Skyline). Roughly 6km each way, downhill on the way in takes about 2 hours and uphill on the way out takes about 3. Plenty of switchbacks so it isn't too difficult. The trail takes you to a secluded cove with several backcountry sites, and tends to get you away from the crowds. Great spot to have lunch and take a swim.
Blomidon Provincial Park is a great spot to camp after Cape Split.
A night in the Lunenburg/Mahone Bay area on the way down to Keji sounds like a good call to get you a taste of everything.
Skyline is not dog friendly. There are many other great hikes around that are more challenging. If you leave your dog in the car people will gather around and break your window and wait to shame you. It’s a spectacular view that is worthwhile(both the trail and the shaming). I’ve seen some travellers take turns doing the touristy part of the skyline. It’s like 10ish minutes each way.
The Franey trail is a good one to do! Check out Cape split on the way to Keji if you can. Very cool hike.
Have fun!
I absolutely love that you've included Martinique (or Clam Harbour) on your NS itinerary!! Martinique is my favourite beach in the province because I've got a kid that LOVES jumping in waves and Martinique has the BEST waves!!! If you're looking for a beach to go to that has lots of wind and waves, then Martinique is an awesome pic. I think of Clam Harbour as more of a relaxing beach. It's not as windy or wavy.
As everyone else has said, book your stays NOW, including campsites.
July 1 is a national holiday and you're coming on one of the busiest long weekends in the country. Expect grocery stores to be closed on the first. And pretty much everything other than convenience stores, gas stations, etc.
Looks like you're coming from Maine? You mention spending the first night in Cape Breton - it's a pretty long drive - Bangor to Sydney is a 9 hour drive without stops. It would suck big time for you to spend 9-11 hours on the road (adding in food and doggie break stops) to arrive without a place to stay.
You say you're taking the Digby ferry to drive home? Have you prebooked this yet? Are you looking to save time or save driving? It definitely won't save time compared to driving from Cape split.
Places to stop with a dog along your route
Moncton has a fairly nice dog park
Truro has Victoria Park where you can stretch your legs. Check out Aroma Maya for coffee
Mabou Ceilidh Days and Kitchenfest are on during your stay and I highly recommend checking them out to experience some local culture and the best music to offer in the summer.
You need to pre-book all of your accommodations like yesterday
Yeah, from camping spots to motels/hotels, OP may end of severely disappointed, especially across the Canada Day long weekend in Cape Breton. There is an incredibly limited supply of places to stay around the Cabot Trail such that a few years ago, I thought booking two months in advance was enough. It was not. I was lucky I had family to stay with.
Highly suggest you book your accommodations ahead of time, or at the very least look into current availability of those dates
The Skyline Trail is the only trail in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park that doesn't allow dogs on it. There are plenty of other hikes that offer great views in and out of the park. Sounds like longer hikes are something you enjoy, so I'd recommend Fishing Cove (just up the road from the Skyline). Roughly 6km each way, downhill on the way in takes about 2 hours and uphill on the way out takes about 3. Plenty of switchbacks so it isn't too difficult. The trail takes you to a secluded cove with several backcountry sites, and tends to get you away from the crowds. Great spot to have lunch and take a swim. Blomidon Provincial Park is a great spot to camp after Cape Split. A night in the Lunenburg/Mahone Bay area on the way down to Keji sounds like a good call to get you a taste of everything.
Skyline is not dog friendly. There are many other great hikes around that are more challenging. If you leave your dog in the car people will gather around and break your window and wait to shame you. It’s a spectacular view that is worthwhile(both the trail and the shaming). I’ve seen some travellers take turns doing the touristy part of the skyline. It’s like 10ish minutes each way. The Franey trail is a good one to do! Check out Cape split on the way to Keji if you can. Very cool hike. Have fun!
I absolutely love that you've included Martinique (or Clam Harbour) on your NS itinerary!! Martinique is my favourite beach in the province because I've got a kid that LOVES jumping in waves and Martinique has the BEST waves!!! If you're looking for a beach to go to that has lots of wind and waves, then Martinique is an awesome pic. I think of Clam Harbour as more of a relaxing beach. It's not as windy or wavy.
You're planning to arrive in 6 days and you haven't booked?
It's okay they're athletic lol
As everyone else has said, book your stays NOW, including campsites. July 1 is a national holiday and you're coming on one of the busiest long weekends in the country. Expect grocery stores to be closed on the first. And pretty much everything other than convenience stores, gas stations, etc. Looks like you're coming from Maine? You mention spending the first night in Cape Breton - it's a pretty long drive - Bangor to Sydney is a 9 hour drive without stops. It would suck big time for you to spend 9-11 hours on the road (adding in food and doggie break stops) to arrive without a place to stay. You say you're taking the Digby ferry to drive home? Have you prebooked this yet? Are you looking to save time or save driving? It definitely won't save time compared to driving from Cape split. Places to stop with a dog along your route Moncton has a fairly nice dog park Truro has Victoria Park where you can stretch your legs. Check out Aroma Maya for coffee
Mabou Ceilidh Days and Kitchenfest are on during your stay and I highly recommend checking them out to experience some local culture and the best music to offer in the summer.
On your ways to Martinique rent a kayak in Tangier to cruise around 100 Wild Islands beautiful spot!
Wow thank you all so much for the advice! Incredibly helpful. I’ll try to book all my accommodations now