15 Canadian Tourist Traps That Are Total Letdowns

8. Cabot Trail (NS): Gorgeous… Then Crowded and Commercial

Yes, the Cabot Trail delivers epic coastal vistas and sweeping turns, but during peak season, the scenic drive can feel more like a bumper-to-bumper parade float than a personal adventure. Every overlook has been claimed by RVs, motorcyclists, and busloads of camera-wielding tourists, and the roadside “local crafts” often lean more kitsch than cultural. The magic of Cape Breton’s raw landscapes gets diluted by souvenir traps and long queues for mediocre seafood. If you’re after soul-stirring silence or spontaneous moments with nature, the trail might not be it. Instead, explore the Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail, a rugged multi-day hike with cliffs, beaches, and zero bus crowds. Or follow the Acadian Coastal Route, where the music, language, and food carry authentic stories—and the traffic is measured in sea breezes, not vehicles.