Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Island Multisport
Kayak, Bike & Hike
7-day adventure by sea-kayak, bicycle, and on foot through Cape Breton Island. Includes Acadian Isle Madame, Saint Peter’s Canal, the Bras d’Or and Ainslie Lakes, and the musical hotbed of Mabou.
If you have ever wanted to see why Cape Breton Island has inspired musicians, artists, and inventors, spreading their good will around the world, this is a perfect way to do so without tackling the challenging terrain of the Cabot Trail. Starting with the charming Acadian Isle Madame on the south coast of Cape Breton, you will sea-kayak the waterways and islands leading to the entrance of the Bras d’Or lakes at St. Peter’s Canal. You will then ride your bicycle, following lake shores and valleys across Cape Breton Island to the west coast at Mabou, a quiet village that at first glance belies the abundance of musical talent enjoyed there. An evening at The Red Shoe will give you some idea of the culture thriving in the surrounding hills. You can enjoy one of our favourite rides around Lake Ainslie, and visit the only single malt distillery outside Scotland, before a fantastic hike on your last day, along the path cut into the side of the coastal hills at Sight Point. This is a full week of Cape Breton magic, but we guarantee you will leave wanting more!
The Plan:
Day 1:
Meet in downtown Halifax at 13:00 or the airport at 14:00, for a 3½ hours transfer Isle Madame. Good nightlife and music are available in Arichat, one of the oldest communities in Nova Scotia, whose growth prospered on the boatbuilding and fishing trades. Its skyline of tall ship’s masts in the 1700’s is now echoed by the steeple of Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral – a shining example of the wooden churches built in all Acadian communities. You can visit a restored 1793 shipbuilder’s blacksmith shop, and make a visit to Cannon Lookoff. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only. Note: Self-guided trips include breakfast)
Acadienne Inn, Arichat, www.acadienne.com
Day 2: Cycling on Isle Madame. 40-110 km/25-68 mi.
From Arichat, cycle along some of the island’s most scenic roads, visiting picturesque fishing villages in which Basque and Portuguese fishermen found refuge from fierce Atlantic storms as early as 1500, and take in Acadian life and culture at the Acadian Culture Centre in La Picasse. Petite Anse is one of the most picturesque villages in the province, with colourful marine architecture nestled along a rocky coast and connected with a winding roadway. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: Paddling 4-6 hours.
Paddle the delightful coast of Isle Madame, and the beaches and islands surrounding Janvrin Island. Transfer at end of day to your inn at St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site. The quiet pathways along the canal are a pleasant spot to test your bike to make sure it functions perfectly for tomorrow’s long ride. BLD
Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s, www.brasdorlakesinn.com
Day 4: Cycling approximately 100 km/60 mi.
A beautifully long and quiet ride today, starting at St. Peter’s canal, skirting the southern end of Bras d’Or Lakes’ West Bay, and passing through the native village of Whycocomagh enroute to the hotbed of music and culture in Mabou. BLD
Duncreigan Country Inn, Mabou, www.duncreigan.ca
Day 5: Paddling 4-6 hours from Mabou Harbour.
This is a beautiful inlet, leading to coastal scenery rivalling Scotland’s, with gorgeous hillside meadows tumbling down hillsides toward the sea. We look forward to showing you the beauty. BL
Same lodging
Day 6: Cycling approximately 80 km/50 mi.
This is one of our favourite rides. For simple, idyllic beauty, and quiet rural roads with beautiful views, this is superb. Near the end of the day, you will be able to stop for a visit at the first single malt distillery outside Scotland. Even if you eschew the opportunity to taste, you will enjoy the setting at the foot of the Mabou hills, straddling a stream whose waters become, with the distillers’ art, the golden liquid that puts this place on the map. Enjoy some traditional Cape Breton music this evening after a final dinner together. BLD
Same lodging
Day 7: Hiking up to 15km.
Just wait ‘til you see this hike! Cut into the edge of a hill that tumbles all the way to the sea, the path along Sight Point or the Skyline Trail will leave you giddy with excitement, and maybe vertigo. This is the part of Nova Scotia that most reminds us of its namesake: Scotland. You may even see some sheep illustrating the area’s heritage. In any case, you will be amazed at the expansive sea views as you explore this and other trails on a good day of hiking. Transfer back to Halifax at day’s end; 3½ hours. Arrive by 19:00. BL
The Details:
| Start: | Halifax 13:00 or Halifax Airport 14:00, day one. |
| Finish: | Halifax 19:00, day seven. |
| Guided Cost: | $2395 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, sea kayak equipment, luggage handling, vehicle and guide support, maps and route notes, transfers from/to Halifax) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2395 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, sea kayak equipment and guide, luggage transfers, essential vehicle transfers, maps and route notes, transfers from/to Halifax) |
| Single Occupancy: | $395 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Aug 29-Sep 4; Sep 5-11. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jun 5-11; Jul 3-9, 24-30; Aug 28-Sep 3; Sep 4-10. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure. |
| Similar Trips: | Nova Scotia: Multisport or PEI: Family Multisport |
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.
