Getting Here & Around
Accessibility & Mobility Services
Cape Breton Island welcomes travellers of every ability with a growing range of barrier-free transport, adaptive equipment, and accessible trails. Use the services below to plan a smooth, inclusive trip, and check each provider’s site for the latest availability, eligibility requirements, and fare details.
Accessible Public Transit
Low-floor buses with ramps serve Sydney, Glace Bay, North Sydney, New Waterford, and Sydney Mines. For door-to-door trips, the Handi-Trans program offers shared rides for registered passengers who cannot use regular routes. Bookings open 24 hours in advance and include lift-equipped vehicles.
Riders must register for Handi-Trans before their first trip. Exact cash fare or mobile ticket required.
Transit Cape Breton – Handi-Trans
Download the registration form, view operating hours, and check live bus locations.
Community Door-to-Door Transit
Strait Area Transit and Victoria County Transit operate accessible vans across Port Hawkesbury, Inverness, St. Peter’s, Baddeck, and Ingonish. Reserve by 1 p.m. the business day before travel; same-day rides depend on space.
Strait Area Transit
See fixed-route schedules, Dial-a-Ride booking details, and wheelchair lift specs.
Victoria County Transit
Reserve accessible vans, view fare zones, and read rider guidelines.
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis & Shuttles
City Wide Taxi in Sydney, Bud’s Taxi in Glace Bay, and Dave's Taxi in Port Hawkesbury each run lift-equipped vans. Call at least one hour ahead and request an accessible vehicle. Evening service is limited outside Sydney.
City Wide Taxi
Sydney, NS
1-902-562-5432
Bud's Taxi
Glace Bay, NS
1-902-849-4055
Dave's Taxi
Port Hawkesbury, NS
1-902-631-1510
Accessible Trails, Beaches & Parks
- Freshwater Lake Trail, Ingonish Beach: 1.7 km fine-gravel loop with ≤5 % grade, handrails, and accessible washrooms.
- Warren Lake, Cape Breton Highlands NP: beach wheelchair and access mat available free by reservation.
- Celtic Shores Coastal Trail: rail-grade path with hard-packed surface, multiple roadside trailheads.
- Nova Scotia Parks maintain mobi-mats and adaptive beach chairs at select provincial beaches.
Parks Canada – Cape Breton Highlands Accessibility
Find accessible trails, beach equipment reservations, and detailed terrain descriptions.
Celtic Shores Coastal Trail
Access points, surface details, and printable maps for all 92 km of trail.
Accessible Lodging & Attractions
Many hotels, inns, and vacation rentals now feature roll-in showers and barrier-free entrances; Cape Breton Villas and Hillcrest Hall Country Inn are two examples. Always confirm room specifications and elevator access when booking.
Planning Tools & Apps
AccessNow - Accessibility Map
Search and rate accessible places, filter by feature, and download the free iOS or Android app.
Final Tips
- Book Handi-Trans, community transit, and accessible taxis at least 24 hours ahead.
- Confirm lift availability and door widths with accommodations before arrival.
- Coastal weather changes quickly; carry a spare battery or mobility-aid charger.
With routes planned and services reserved, Cape Breton’s vistas, culture, and trails are ready to explore barrier-free.