One of the world's 'most exciting' road trips in a 'spectacular valley' with ocean views

Road trips promise holidaymakers the chance to witness some incredible sights and take in more than one location on their trip, with experiences you would miss by staying in just one place. Canada is home to some of the most incredible road trips in the world, its many highways traversing a vast array of landscapes and scenery.

However, one road in particular has been highlighted as being one of the most "exciting" and "adventurous" in the world according to travel bloggers from The Gap Decaders, who travel the world by car and motorhome.

The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. The road is a 298km (approximately 185 miles) loop of the northern tip of the island, passing through the Cape Breton Highlands and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

As you might imagine, the drive promises plenty of incredible views of nature.

Nova Scotia's tourism board said the drive "rewards travellers with spectacular valley and coastal views all along the way."

As the road is a loop, it doesn't matter which direction you set off from. However, experts from The Gap Decaders recommend starting on the eastern side of the trail.

"Beginning on the eastern side of the trail gives drivers better views of the majestic mountains sweeping up from the shimmering blue Atlantic Ocean," they said.

"It also gives access to the many scenic stops to stretch their legs and take some breathtaking pictures."

The direction the visitor takes will depend on what they plan to see along the way. The route offers lots of opportunities to stop, including lots of impressive views and hiking trails to explore.

Black Brook Beach promises incredible ocean views bordered by a gentle waterfall at one end. There is also a short hiking trail.

The Skyline Trail is an easy walk which has wheelchair and pushchair accessibility, offering visitors an eagle's view of the Cabot Trail as it winds its way down the mountain. You can even watch for whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence from the viewing decks and plenty of wildlife call the area home, including moose, bald eagles, bears and numerous boreal birds.

For a more challenging hike, stop off at the Franey Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The uphill hike rewards walkers with some incredible views from the top.

Large flat rocks offer the perfect spot to sit down and soak up the 360-degree views of the entire Clyburn Brook canyon and the Atlantic coastline from Cape Smokey to Ingonish.

In total, there are 26 official trails which lead to beautiful beaches, waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, forests and impressive mountain vistas.