Towing on the Cabot Trail

I have driven the Cabot Trail twice and would not recommend towing unless you are completely, (and I do mean completely) comfortable behind the wheel.

I guess a lot would depend on what you're towing and your tow vehicle but there are some extreme grades on the trail (east side more than west) that going up or down are pretty hairy.

We were out there a couple of years ago but found a campsite on Bras d'Or Lake that we used as a base. We have a 23' Roo Hybrid and our TV is a Mercedes Benz ML320 Diesel.

If you plan to camp on the trail I would recommend going clockwise.

Have fun!

A few years back we drove our Class C (not towing) from Cheticamp through Cape Breton Highlands National park. There were several good grades inside the Park, but the worst was between Ingonish Beach and Cape Smokey. We made the climb in second gear but needed first gear plus braking going down. In addition to the steep down grade, there was a sharp left turn at the very bottom. Fortunately, the down grade was only a mile long.

IMHO, it depends on two things.

First, is your rig properly equipped? If so, then on to #2, if not, well ...

Second, are you comfortable towing in the mountains? Not the interstates, the two lane roads. The Cabot Trail is not what we might think of as mountains in the lower 48, but, the road conditions you'll likely encounter are often similar.

Last time we were there, some of the locals (delivery trucks mostly) were not amused at the pace we chose. So, when we could, we got out of their way. When we couldn't - no pull offs/outs - well, they just had to be a bit patient. We had one straight truck delivering dairy products get tired of waiting and pass us on a double yellow downhill - he must have been on the far side of 70MPH, and a sharp curve at the bottom. Dumb, dumb, dumb. But, we never saw him again.

If you're equipment is ready, and you use prudence and some caution, you should be fine.

'Tis lovely country.

Cheers.

When a question like this is asked all kinds of scary opinions come to the surface....let me tell you that the Cabot Trail is no different than the average mountain road in British Columbia or Albertta's Rocky Mountains. Been there, done that trail, nothing special. :-)

All of those campgrounds on the Cabot Trail that are for trailers and motorhomes are there for a reason. We did it in a motorhome with a tow and did not have any problem.

I certainly was not intending to scare anyone, but just wanted to point out that if you are a nervous driver while towing, the added stress of dealing with steep grades and hairpin turns might not be your thing. I have seen trailers on the freeways going 120 km (75 mph) and 85 km (53 mph). Obviously we all have different skill levels and I was just trying to make that point.

If you are comfortable behind the wheel while towing and have driven mountainous terrain than you will do fine on the Cabot Trail. Personally, I'm glad I didn't tow, but that's me.

Re Cabot Trail

No problem with a 150HP V6 Nissan Minivan towing a 2,500lb Coleman Rio Grande Pop up. We went counter clockwise and did the big climb near the end in 1st gear. It was a nice ride.

There are so many spectacular views and you will not be able to appreciate them properly if you are towing. Suggest using a base camp (we loved Bras D'Or Lakes Campground) - leave your trailer there and enjoy the amazing Cabot Trail experience to the fullest.

Thanks to everyone for your input. It is most appreciated. :C
Have a lovely and safe summer! Judi

did it about 4 days ago. just be careful of the fog. nice provencial park right at the beginning (or end, depending which way you are going). One small section of road gone and under repair, but minor delay.