This "Margaree Trail " is known by a few names .
The general area is called "Margaree " or "The Margarees".
It is also called "The Margaree River Valley "
It is that part of the Cabot Trail that begins at a location inland called Lake O'Law , if you are traveling West and North from the Route 105.
It is often reached when a traveller follows a coastal route known as the "Ceilidh Trail", which is Route 19 to Margaree Forks or by taking a second optional coastal route on Route 219 .
The above three photos are at the intersection of that route 219 /Ceilidh Trail and the Cabot Trail which is at Margaree Harbour .
Many people select Margaree as a destination on their trip to Cape Breton . There is so much to see and do especially if traveling with children as there are four beaches along the coast ; namely Chimney Corner , Whale Cove , Margaree Harbour and Belle Cote .
When you live in an urban area , you want to stay by and experience the water , especially by the ocean on some of your trip .
Families have considered "Margaree" their summer destination for years . The "ocean " and the "river " are the big benefit as that provides activities such as swimming , kayaking , fishing , and many bird species , including many that "nest" in the area. Most will stay at a riverside or oceanside located cottage . There are many who even have their summer vacation homes as well in the area . These "summer people " have come from places like Florida , Virginia , New York State , New Your City , and the other eastern USA states . Others are from Germany , England , Ireland , or Scotland. There are some historic families that have "summered" and still do on Cape Breton and especially on this West Coast as many have "roots " on Cape Breton .
People travel to Margaree or "summer " in Margaree for all sorts of reasons . Some are here just because it is so quiet and so "natural". Others like the many music venues where they enjoy the various Cape Breton fiddlers at what are known as a "Ceilidh" ( Kay-lee), Scottish for" kitchen party" or a concert or dance . Others like that they are within reach of five major golf courses , Cabot Links , Cabot Cliffs, La Portage , Highland, or Bell Bay . Hey , if you have your own plane , fly into the Margaree Airport .
Unfortunately many travellers do not allow enough time in their schedule of their Cape Breton trip to explore , let alone stay in the Margaree .
This intersection above is one where it is that last chance to at least travel along the Margaree River and explore the Margaree River Valley inland.
Now Margaree is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours from the entry point onto Cape Breton (the Canso Causeway Visitor Center ), or about 4 hours from the Halifax Airport. So , even if travelling on a tight frame around the Cabot Trail , it is a real good and convenient stopping place if only for one night , as it is the one stop you would make where you can see sunsets on the ocean horizon from any of those four beach areas. Once you travel North on the Cabot Trail you will see the tail Trail wind and begin to take you East or South , so no more ocean horizons .
View from Route 219 at Margaree Harbour looking North to Margaree Harbour and it's beach and then farther North to Belle Cote and it's beach .
Margaree Harbour looking to Belle Cote 
Harbour Entrance and Belle Cote beach
