This is one of the world’s greatest rides! The scenic splendors of the Cabot Trail can be savored and fully appreciated by bicycle. The breathtaking coast and highlands will show you why Nova Scotia’s name means New Scotland.
- One of the world’s best trips - Outside Magazine
- Earth’s most beautiful island - Conde Nast Traveler
- Golf option on Highland Links – the top course in Canada – Golf Magazine
- Cape Breton Island #2 in US & Canada category of the World’s Best Islands. Travel & Leisure Magazine
- Rated #2 in the world by National Geographic Traveler’s sustainable tourism destination
You'll be able to explore the valley of the Margaree River, rich with salmon and its pursuit, to play golf on the renowned Highland Links, as well as following the paved Trail itself and riding on beautiful wooded trails, all while staying at inns famous for their individuality and charm. Highlights include 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.
Highlights: Baddeck, the Margaree Valley, Acadian Culture, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, challenging climbs, exhilarating descents, fresh seafood, Alexander Graham Bell Museum, moose sightings, coastal scenery, mountains. Route Notes: A moderate ride on paved roads with some steep, challenging sections. 50-90km (30-55 mi.)/day, with some optional extras and off-road options.
2009 Guided Dates: May 31-Jun 5; Jun 14-19; Jun 28-Jul 3; Jul 12-17; Jul 26-31; Aug 9-14; Aug 23-28; Sep 6-11; Sep 20-25; Oct 9-14 (autumn colours); Oct 11-16. (autumn colours).
Tour starts: Baddeck, Cape Breton Island at 17:00 on day 1. Optional 4 hour transfer from Halifax is $75. Transfer departs Halifax at noon or Halifax airport at 13:00 on Day 1
Tour finish: Baddeck, Cape Breton Island 15:00 day six. Optional transfer back to Halifax by 21:00 is $75
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Optional transfer is available from Halifax. Meet in Baddeck at 5pm. Evening entertainment and dinner may include live music with your introduction to the unique culture of Cape Breton Island. Dinner is included on guided trips only. Lodging: Broadwater Inn, Baddeck.
Day 2: 30 miles/48 km, plus afternoon options. Begin cycling at about 9:00am, 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. All meals are included on guided trips, breakfast only on self-guided trips. Lodging: Normaway Inn, Northeast Margaree.
Day 3: 35 miles/57 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 at a local chowder house, options include cycling forays into the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, whale-watching, shopping, and hiking or off-road cycling to salmon pools. Breakfast is included for your independent dinner, choose from several options along the Cheticamp waterfront. Lodging: Pilot Whale Chalets, Cheticamp.
Day 4: 53 miles. 53 miles/85 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...ah, the descents! If only they'd go on forever. Finish at your beachfront chalets, and dine at the Markland Inn Resort. Breakfast is included on self-guided trips. All meals are included on guided trips. Lodging: Markland Inn, Dingwall.
Day 5: 5 miles/57 km plus an optional extra 30 miles/48 km to the northern tip of Nova Scotia at Meat Cove. Cycle the scenic route between Cape North and Neil's Harbour, stopping at spectacular White Point, where eagles often soar over spouting whales. Options include swimming holes, waterfalls, beaches, and golf on the Highland Links. Breakfast is included. Dinner is also included on guided trips. Lodging: Keltic Lodge, Ingonish Beach.
Day 6: 32 - 50 miles. 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 cafe 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 3pm at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Bell's airplane, the Silver Dart, was airborne about the same time as the Kitty Hawk. Optional return transfer to Halifax is available. Breakfast is included. Lunch is included on guided trips.
Combining such awe-inspiring scenery and exceptional cuisine makes this loop ride an exquisite experience you simply must have!
Testimonials:
"Experiencing the Cabot Trail on bicycle was simply amazing – the incredible views, sounds of nature, and the smell of fresh air and ocean, all combined to make this the most exhilarating and personally rewarding holiday. I wholeheartedly recommend Freewheeling Adventures."
(Beth Jones)
"This trip will remain one of our favorites of all time. You guys run a first class operation."
(J. McCreary & L. Figado, CT.)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: C$ 2195 (US$ 1975) pp. dbl. (5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, van & guide support, maps & route notes)
- Self-Guided Cost: C$ 1895 (US$ 1795) pp. dbl. (5 nights, 5 breakfasts, luggage handling, maps & route notes)
- Bike Rental: Light hybrid - $145 ; Super light road - $195
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Nova Scotia
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
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