We broke up the drive with stops at The Bog and Lone Shieling trails for short hikes before taking on the Skyline Trail — just under nine kilometres round-trip, with one of the most iconic viewpoints in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. From the boardwalk at the top, we could see the road winding below and the Gulf of St. Lawrence stretching out past the cliffs. It was quiet, beautiful and worth every step. Between hikes, we listened to music and podcasts on the Outlander’s Dynamic Sound Yamaha Audio System, which sounds more like a home audio system than anything we’d expect in a vehicle. The cabin was quiet, even at higher speeds, and the oversized sun- roof helped keep us connected to the outdoors, even during the longer stretches on the road. As we made our way towards Pleasant Bay and ul- timately Chéticamp, we made a stop at Tartans and Treasures in Dingwall, where I found my family tartan. A small moment, but a meaningful one. Chéticamp is a charming village full of Acadian pride — with rug hooking studios, music and a busy work- ing wharf. We stayed at the Ocean View Motel and Chalet and had dinner at Le Gabriel: mussels, scallops, sole and (yes) more haddock. Our chalet lived up to its name, and after a salty breeze-filled walk to the shore, we fell asleep fast.
Day Four: Heading out We had breakfast overlooking the harbour before set- ting off in light rain. Snow Mode came in handy again, offering extra grip on the wet roads. Even the drive home felt calm. No rush. Just time to reflect on how much ground we’d covered — and how much we’re already looking forward to doing it again. As we crossed the Canso Causeway and left Cape Breton behind, we weren't ready for the trip to end. There’s something about driving the Cabot Trail — the sheer natural beauty, the small communities that wel- come you in, the mix of wild and warm — that leaves a lasting impression. The Mitsubishi Outlander was a perfect fit for this kind of trip. Safe, comfortable and ready for whatever the road handed us. It didn’t just get us from one stop to the next — it let us enjoy the space in between. Mi
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