Cape George Loop

This scenic drive along the ruggedly beautiful Cape George Loop* is not to be missed.  Take route 337 from the green bridge on Main Street, Antigonish and, before leaving town, take some time to visit the Antigonish Heritage Museum in the old railway station where you can learn about the local cultures and history.  Just across the railway tracks turn right and at the end of the street park and you can take an easy walk along the 4 km Antigonish Landing trail with its unique flora and fauna.

Returning to route 337, travel up the hill and take a few minutes to visit the historic barn at Mount Cameron Estates.  The view of the harbour is fantastic and the barn contains a café and an art display by the painter Margaret George.

Back on route 337 you will find many points of interest and it is worth exploring many of the roads that lead off to the right like Jimtown road that leads to a small beach and view of Crystal Cliffs.  Watch for the sign to Cribbon's Point where you can take a guided zodiac tour with Antigonish Ocean Adventures or enjoy the scenery at this busy wharf.  At the Lakevale Community Centre stop for a visit to the craft shop or conversation with the local resident artist.  

Visit the Tuna Interpretive Centre at Ballentyne's Cove and then make the winding climb up to Cape George and the trail to the Cape George Lighthouse.  On a clear day you can see PEI and Cape Breton.  There are 33 kms of looped trails in the Cape George area which go from sea to sky.  Continuing around the Cape, make your way to the beautiful village of Arisaig; one of the earliest settlements along this coast.  Arisaig also has a Provincial Park where you can walk the trail to the lovely waterfall and beach.

If you have the time continue along route 337 through many of the early Scottish communities and watch for a sign to Big Island.  Here on this small island, the scenery is fantastic, the sand sparkles in the sun, and you will imagine you are in a tropical paradise.

If you can tear yourself away, return to route 337 and backtrack to Malignant Cove where you take route 245 across country and back to Antigonish.

*You may want to bring a picnic lunch on this day-trip.

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