Cape Breton island is the northeastern-most portion of the province of Nova Scotia, Canada. The island is actually connected to the Nova Scotia mainland by a mile-long causeway that was constructed in the 1950’s. The “Top of the Island” region is, might be expected, located on the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, and is defined as the region north of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and includes the villages of Neil’s Harbour on the south to Bay St.Lawrence and Meat Cove on the north.

The region is characterized by the mountains that dominate the area and the ocean that surrounds it. Long, deserted beaches are backdropped by rugged cliffs, and shelter large harbours containing a myriad of small islands.

The world famous Cabot Trail is the main artery through the area, with side roads leading off to the various oceanside villages that make up the Top of the Island region.

Visitors travelling to the area by air arrive at the Halifax or Sydney Nova Scotia airports, renting autos at airport outlets. Those choosing to drive their own vehicles travel the Trans Canada Highway to its intersections with the Cabot Trail outside Baddeck, then north on the Trail to the Top of the Island.