Day 29 we drive from Truro to North Sydney, this day you can also choose from two routes; the Trans-Canada Highway NS-104, a broad four-lane highway that heads north through New Glasgow and Antigonish. The second option is to take the minor state roads to North Sydney. These roads are quieter and nicer to drive and are described here because Nova Scotia is too beautiful to traverse a highway.

We leave the city via Bible Hill across the Salmon River and take the NS-4 (Pitcou Road), a beautiful two-lane road through the green hilly landscape. This road is largely parallel to the TCH, but is slightly higher and you have a better view.

Along the way you pass beautiful small villages, farms and the typical white churches. Along the route are just a few places to stop for a little longer, such as the Carmichael Stewart House Museum (RP10). Discover the history of Pictou County at the historic home of James Matheson Carmichael, a prominent New Glasgow shipbuilder. Built in 1880, the house is filled with beautiful Victorian architecture, from stained glass windows to a grand staircase. Trenton glassware, a Penny Farthing, Scottish regalia and historical photos are just a few of the many items on display. In addition, the museum has a historic garden with plants that were present in Nova Scotia before 1900.

After this we continue the drive on the Sherbrooke Road NS-347 a lovely road that winds through the green hill, with beautiful panoramas and nice small villages along the route. We also pass some beautiful lakes such as the Lochiel Lake at RP13 where the Lochiel Lake Provincial Park is also located. Here you can pause for a picnic and take a few pictures.

We drive further to Antigonish (RP15) a nice small town with several restaurants where you can have a good lunch. Park the bike and take a stroll down Main Street with its quaint colorful wooden shops and restaurants.

After lunch we take the Trans Canada Highway (RP18) which becomes a dual carriageway from RP19. The road is mostly straight, but you have beautiful views along the way and we make good progress.

At RP23 we take the Canso Causeway (Cabhsair Chanso in Gaelic) is a rocky embankment with a causeway crossing the Strait of Canso. This Causeway connects Cape Breton Island to the Nova Scotia Peninsula. The top thickness is 40 m, with the two lanes of the Trans-Canada Highway; Nova Scotia Highway 104 on the mainland side and Nova Scotia Highway 105 on the Cape Breton side, as well as the single-track main line of the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway. Built in an "S" shape, the causeway has a base width of 244 m in the water with a maximum depth of 65 m.
The island of Cape Breton remains navigable thanks to the 24 m wide and 570 m long Canso channel, which is located at the eastern end of the dike, allowing shipping traffic to cross the Strait of Canso. The 94 m long Canso canal bridge (RP24) is a swing bridge that leads the road and the railway over the canal. The word "Canso" is believed to be derived from the Mi'kmaq word kamsok, which means "opposite the high cliffs".

When we get to the other side, we drive further on the TCH which is getting much more twisty here and it is therefore a pleasure to blow through the beautiful green Nova Scotia. From RP25 see the Bras d'Or Lake and from here we also drive part of the famous Bras d'Or Lake Scenic Ride which has also been described in another review (see bottom left of this review). At RP26 the Little Narrows cross by ferry (cost $ 7).

At RP27 you can stop to visit the Nova Scotia Highland Village Museum, which is an open-air living history museum and a Gaelic folklife center illustrating the story, culture and identity of Nova Scotia Gaels. 11 historic buildings are staffed by costumed actors who are passionate about sharing Gaelic culture and identity. They also organize special events and programs throughout the year.

After this stop it is still about 66km to North Sydney, this road (NS-223) winds along the shores of the lake. Along the way you can enjoy the beautiful green surroundings with the occasional beautiful view of the Bras d'Or Lake. There are a number of small parking spaces where you can stop for a photo.

In North Sydney you can stay in one of the many Bed and Breakfasts, if you prefer to stay in a hotel, you will have to drive to Sydney across the bay. You can also choose to take the crossing to New Foundland required for ride on day 30 in the evening hours. More information about this crossing in the review of day 30.

As a bonus, you can plan a few extra days in North Sydney to drive the beautiful Cabot Trail and / or the Bras d'Or Lake Scenic Ride in this area. Both routes are also included in the links of this review. From the second day of the Bras d'Or Lake Scenic Ride we have already driven almost 100 kilometers today.

This route is worth 5 ***** Stars because of the beautiful roads, beautiful nature and sights along the way.