Suggested visit
Day 1
Registration in Baddeck · start line
Day 2
Overnight legs through Highlands
Day 3
Finish line · closing ceilidh
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Road Trip Events · Spring
Cabot Trail Relay Race
Baddeck, Nova Scotia Late May · 24-hour relay
A 276-km team relay running the entire Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands.
Type
Road Trip Events
Family Friendly
Yes
Setting
Outdoor
About This Event
The story of Cabot Trail Relay Race
A 276-km team relay running the entire Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands.
Seventy teams of 17 runners tackle the full Cabot Trail loop non-stop over 24 hours, cheered on by musicians and locals at every legs-change through the Highlands.
Why travelers love it
Reasons to go
What makes Cabot Trail Relay Race unforgettable.
01
Iconic 276 km loop
02
17-runner team format
03
Live music at exchanges
04
Cape Breton hospitality
Best areas to stay
Where to stay
Curated accommodations across price tiers and neighbourhoods.
- Inverary Resort
- Keltic Lodge Resort
Explore beyond the event
Things to do nearby
Make Baddeck the start of a wider Canadian adventure.
- Cape Breton Highlands NP
- Skyline Trail
- Alexander Graham Bell NHS
Make the most of your visit
Suggested itineraries
Plans for every length of stay — from a single day to an extended adventure.
Know before you go
Local insider tips
Editorial advice from on-the-ground travelers.
Weather
Pack for the season and check the forecast the week of.
Transit
Use public transportation where possible — venues fill quickly with festival traffic.
Arrive early
Marquee events draw crowds — give yourself 60 minutes of buffer.
Cash
A small amount of cash speeds up small-vendor and food lines.
Photography
The hour before sunset gives the best festival light.
Photo gallery
A visual taste
A glimpse of Cabot Trail Relay Race and the surrounding destination.
Editorial photography curated by The Canadian Explorer.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Extend your trip
Parks, campgrounds and road trips within reach of Baddeck.
National Parks nearby
Provincial Parks nearby
Camp nearby
Explore more of Canada
Related destinations
Continue the journey from where the festival ends.
Trip planning assistance
Need help planning your visit?
Tell us about your trip and we'll send a tailored plan with recommendations for hotels, transport, itineraries and surrounding destinations. This is travel planning assistance — not a booking form.
Curated by Canadian travel editors