Nova Scotia: The Cabot Trail
A six-day, challenging cycling adventure on a paved 200-mile loop.
This is one of the world’s greatest rides one that all touring cyclists should have on their “must-ride” list! The beautiful coast - the most dramatic in Nova Scotia - meets the breathtaking highlands in ways that make you appreciate both to the fullest, and the scenic magnificence of the paved trail can be really savoured and fully appreciated at the speed of your bicycle. The landscape and the people may demonstrate to you why Nova Scotia’s name means New Scotland. You will be able to explore the valley of the Margaree River, rich with salmon and its pursuit to play golf on the famous Highland Links, and on some days to expand your rides onto beautiful wooded trails, all while staying at inns famous for their individuality and charm. Many find the highlight a ride through beech woods to salmon pools, where salmon sometimes leap on their way upstream, and you can swim in deep pools below clear waterfalls. The cycling, although manageable by most cyclists (and van-supported for the rest!) includes some challenging sections. We recommend, and can provide, bikes with triple chainrings and good brakes. Combining such awe-inspiring scenery, out-of–the-way charm, unusual inns, and exceptional cuisine makes this loop ride an exquisite experience you simply must have!
The Plan:
Day 1:
Optional transfer is available from Halifax. Meet in Baddeck at 17:00. Evening entertainment and dinner may include live music as an introduction to the unique culture of Cape Breton Island. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only. Note: Self-guided trips include breakfast)
Inverary Resort, Baddeck, www.inveraryresort.com; or
Telegraph House, Baddeck, www.baddeck.com/telegraph; or
Broadwater Inn, Baddeck, www.broadwater.baddeck.com
Day 2: 30 miles/48 km, plus afternoon options.
Begin cycling at about 09:00, riding over Hunter’s Mountain (500ft.) and along Middle River Valley to enjoy a beautiful outdoor picnic at Lake O'Law. Afternoon options include fishing, finding swimming holes, and wonderful cycling on both paved and gravel roads (very quiet) to remote locations along the Margaree River Valley. BLD
Normaway Inn, Northeast Margaree, www.normaway.com
Day 3: 35 miles/56 km, plus afternoon options.
Ride down the East side of Margaree River valley to the ocean, and then follow the shore through the Acadian region to Cheticamp. After an independent lunch, options include cycling forays into the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, whale-watching, shopping, and hiking or off-road cycling to salmon pools. For your independent dinner, choose from several options along the Cheticamp waterfront. B
Pilot Whale Chalets, Cheticamp, www.pilotwhalechalets.com
Day 4: 53 miles/84 km.
Today is a challenging day of cycling through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You will climb two 'mountains' of about 1400 feet, breaking for lunch between them. The scenery is awe-inspiring; the ascents are long, and the descents...ahh, the descents! If only they'd go on forever. BLD
Markland Inn, Dingwall, www.marklandresort.com or
Four Mile Beach Inn, Aspy Bay, www.fourmilebeachinn.com
Day 5: 35 miles/56 km. Optional extra 30 miles/48 km to NE tip of NS at Meat Cove.
Cycle the scenic route between Cape North and Neil's Harbour, stopping for a short hike at spectacular White Point, where eagles often soar over spouting whales. Options include swimming holes, waterfalls, beaches, and golf on the Highland Links. BD
Keltic Lodge, Ingonish Beach, www.signatureresorts.com; or
Castlerock Inn, Ingonish Beach, www.ingonish.com/castlerock
Day 6: 32-50 miles/52-80 km.
A long, undulating ride along the East Coast follows your initial climb over Cape Smokey (950'). Enjoy a picnic feast at Indian Brook or an interesting café in the middle of nowhere, and finish with either a ride to Baddeck, or a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck. Finish your ride by approximately 15:00 at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Bell's airplane, the Silver Dart, was airborne about the same time as the Kitty Hawk. Optional transfer to Halifax available. BL
The Details:
| Guided Cost: | $1995 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps and route notes). |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $1795 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, luggage handling, maps and route notes). Single occupancy: Call. |
| Self-Supported Cost: | $925 (per person, includes 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, maps and route notes). Bike rentals available with Halifax pickup, or with delivery charge. |
| Single Occupancy: | $445 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195. |
| Start: | Baddeck, Cape Breton Island at 17:00 on day one. Optional 4 hour transfer from Halifax is $75. Transfer departs Halifax at noon or Halifax airport at 13:00 on day one. |
| Finish: | Baddeck, Cape Breton Island at 15:00 day six. Optional transfer back to Halifax by 21:00 is $75. |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Sep 6-11; Sep 19-24; Oct 10-15. (autumn colours). New Dates can be added or start a group. Call 800-672-0775 for updates. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | May 29-Jun 3; Jun 12-17; Jun 26-Jul 1, 10-15, 24-29; Aug 7-12, 21-26; Sep 4-9, 18-23; Oct 9-14 |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You Choose! |
| Best Months: | June (spring flowers, extra quiet roads), July (warm weather, cool swimming), August (warm weather and swimming), September (cooler; quieter roads), and October (fall colours, extra quiet roads, Celtic Colours Music Festival) |
| Best Combined With: | NS:Lighthouse Route; Cape Breton Kayak, Bike & Hike, PEI Cavendish to Cardigan; NS Weekend Escapes. |
All
details and pricing are subject to change without
notice. 15% sales tax
applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadian residents. |
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