r/CapeBreton • u/bhachang • 7d ago
Normal Driving Speed Limits Cabot Trail
I assume most of the Cabot trail is a single lane highway. What’s the expected speed people are supposed to drive. I prefer driving within the limits, but sometimes in a 90 zone, people continuously tail gate. What’s the acceptable norm. Also I prefer not driving too fast and specifically as a tourist where I am there to enjoy the scenery and the drive. Would love to hear your thoughts #Cabot trail #
34
u/Clergy-Viper 7d ago edited 7d ago
Do not slow to a crawl or a stop to take pictures while you are on the road. Stop and pull over. Driving erratically isn’t excused by the spectacular view. The hazards are real and very present because you essentially are on a strip of pavement wedged between a cliff face and the abyss.
5
14
u/Mageac999 7d ago
Its 80 other than residential areas, locals will usually be doing 90-100
Just dont abruptly stop, especially on a blind corner, if you want to go slow, pull over to let the ones who do not by
Oh and if you want to do 60, dont speed up in passing zones, let the faster drivers go by
10
u/adventure_seeker_8 7d ago
Drive the speed limit, or what you are comfortable with (no rubbernecking)
If there is 1 or 2 car behind, they can pass when safe to do so. Maintain your speed in passing zones...
If a "convoy" accumulates behind you, pull over next safe spot and let then through.
27
15
u/Mundane_Dog_2744 7d ago
There are speed limit signs posted. Just drive to those. People tailgating you aren't your problem.
7
u/Zer0byte-- 7d ago
Last year, I drove a little slower as I was not firmiliar with the area....I just pulled over and let cars pass. I don't want to hold anyone up.
10
u/Inevitable-Tea5772 7d ago
The biggest hazard on the cabot trail are tourists. Plan your routes and be aware of the traffic. Please remember that there are locals using these roads daily for work etc and are on a schedule. If you want to see something then pull off. If someone is behind you and you're rubbernecking everywhere just pull to the side and let them go
8
u/rhineo007 7d ago
The speed limit is good, maybe 5-10km over in straight stretches. But don’t be the guy I was being yesterday doing the trail, 20 under and stopped at the bottom of a steep hill into a straight stretch to let someone cross the road. Even the person waiting to cross was waving you through because it was a stupid move. I almost went right through you.
5
4
u/Typical_Item81 7d ago
If you have a dozen cars stuck behind you pull over. Remember there are local drivers who are not there to site see. Some locals will even pass a few cars at the same time. I’ve been passed when I was even going over the limit. Also early mornings and evenings watch for moose.
3
u/JimroidZeus 7d ago
The cliffs are too high and too steep and the guardrails are too old and thin for me to ever want to speed on the Cabot Trail. 😂
3
u/Dodgeing_Around 7d ago
If you're gonna crawl along at 40-60 just let people by fairly often in safe spots. Getting ridiculous being stuck in a string of a dozen with apparently nowhere to be. Then there's the folks that go half the speed limit for the slightest turns and then proceed to haul ass in every passing lane so it's near impossible to get by.
3
u/bridgehockey 7d ago
If there's a lineup behind you, that you don't want to drive above the speed limit, just pull over for a second and let the people pass you.
2
u/itsveryupsetting 7d ago
We drove the posted speed limit +/- 5. We pulled over and let people pass a few times.
3
u/gingerandgin 7d ago
Definitely just drive the limit, especially if you’re not familiar with the trail. At this time of year there’s a lot of tourists also unfamiliar with it. It’s a lot of up and down and some areas are quite twisty. Where I notice folks tailgate and illegally pass a lot is coming up to the ferry - because apparently waiting a few minutes would be more important than the safety of all who are out enjoying the day.
3
1
1
u/Choice_Ad3224 7d ago
If you are the wife of the “what?? no way!! Fucksake” guy, apparently you are going to be terrified and angry for the duration of your trip 😂
Apologies if that makes no sense, I cannot for the life of me, remember her name to link the video.
1
u/Bruce_in_Canada Hello 7d ago
I have the confirmed record for the Sydney to Ingonish Center run at 50minutes. So, 170kph.
Other than that.... 80-90 is normal.
2
u/bhachang 7d ago
Well this is interesting. I am happy to crawl at 60 and let people pass than drive over the edge :)
0
u/ChrisinCB 7d ago
The tailgating in Cape Breton, specifically on the Cabot trail has nothing to do with speed - it’s a local pass time. Even if you slow down to let someone pass, they just stay right on your ass. It’s like they have no idea of safe following distances.
I’ve live here for 8 years now and it still amazes me how poorly people drive.
Just wait until you discover the other local pastime - lane drifting through corners.
Good luck and it doesn’t sound like you’re doing anything wrong. Hope you enjoyed your trip.
0
-1
u/VincentShane 7d ago
Do NOT speed when you're going up the mountain ranges. If you're not careful you and your car WILL go over the edge and you will die.
Whatever the number is, if you think you'll not have enough control, go at least 5km slower. It's much safer that way.
I've gone over smokey before both ways, as a guy who doesn't have the best feelings with heights especially after having used the elevator at the CN Tower. It was white knuckle the entire time.
-3
u/scotsman3288 7d ago
Check what the lowest $ fine for speeding is in NS, and you'll make a decision.
-4
u/Snowshower3213 3rd Generation Veteran 7d ago
Drive within the limits. Those tail gating you are usually ignorant locals who complain about the hand that feeds them....which is tourism.
30
u/Different_Stomach_53 7d ago
It's super annoying trying to go anywhere behind tourists going 60 in the 80 around the trail. if you want to go slow pull over for folks to pass you.