Looking Downriver from the Cabot Trail

This view to the northwest is not too distant from the estuary seen in the previous photo, being about 2 km (1.25 mi) further upriver around a sharp bend. Although it is no longer flowing through a deep ravine, as it does above la Montagne Noire, it now has more of its usual character. While still fairly placid, the cobblestones, rocks, and boulders strewn with abandon on its shores and littering its course attest to times of the year when its flow is strong enough to move such heavy objects. It also appears to be much shallower than the waters closer to its mouth.

The Cabot Trail bridge over the Chéticamp River, completely rebuilt in 2010–2011 long after this photo was taken, is found just before the Cape Breton Highlands National Park Visitors’ Centre; the road is often busy and there is no good place to park, but it is only three minutes’ walk from the Vistors’ Centre where ample parking is available. Although some utility wires get in the way, it is still a very pretty scene and one of the very few places one can see this beautiful river from the road.