The Cabot Trail — one of the world’s most beautiful bicycle rides — is named after the famous explorer John Cabot, also known as Giovanni Caboto, an Italian who sailed under the English flag. The trail winds through glorious valleys and along an expansive coast as it traverses the Highlands. Pods of whales can be seen in the waters just off shore, while bald eagles soar overhead.
Cape Breton Island recognized with Condé Nast Traveller's 2019
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Our self-guided tours are designed for those who would like the details to be looked after for them (such as accommodations and route notes), but wish to cycle the week at their own pace
Pedal & Sea Adventures will show you this splendid place as it should be experienced — by bicycle! You will start and finish the tour in Baddeck, the place where Alexander Graham Bell wanted to spend the rest of his life. From there you will head clockwise around the trail through the Margaree Valley, Chéticamp, Pleasant Bay and Ingonish. You will have the opportunity to go whale watching, hike the highlands and relax after an incredible day in the saddle. For those who wish to get in a round of golf, that can be arranged, too. We spend time near the Highland Links golf course, recently ranked as the best golf course in Canada and one of the top 100 courses in the world.
Day One — Transfer from Halifax to Baddeck
We will greet you at the Halifax Airport or downtown Halifax and transfer you to your inn in Baddeck. Upon arrival there will be time to ride the bicycles around the community to acquaint yourself with the brakes and gearing, making any adjustments for comfort. The Alexander Graham Bell Museum is worth a visit and only a 10-minute walk from your inn. Options for dinner abound, ranging from pizza to fine dining, all within walking distance of your inn. Lodging: The Telegraph House or The Lynnwood Inn.
Day Two — 58 km, with optional 25 km (easy to moderate; 1 mile equals 1.6 km)
You’ll cycle through the Margaree Valley and picnic and swim at Lake O’Law before making your way to the Normaway Inn, your beautiful setting for the evening. Once at the inn you can decide to cycle the optional ride we have included in your package (a loop that starts and ends at the end, crossing rivers and swimming holes) or explore the property via hike. Tonight at the inn you might also get your first taste of Cape Breton music. Lodging: Normaway Inn.
Day Three — 50 km (easy to moderate)
The Margaree Valley is an angler’s paradise with abundant salmon in the Margaree River. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Margaree Salmon Museum this morning as you leave the valley, joining the coast road to Chéticamp. In Chéticamp, you can go whalewatching and get a glimpse of the Highlands where you will be bicycling over the next two days. Tonight you’ll stay at the Maison Fiset House or Silver Lining Inn & Motel.
Day Four — 81 km (moderate to sometimes challenging)
Today’s ride will soon have you in the famous Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The national park encompasses almost 1,000 square kilometres of breathtaking highlands that descend to dramatic rocky shorelines. The Highlands are teeming with wildlife: moose, eagles, fox, deer, coyotes, lynx and bobcats are plentiful. The day’s final destination is Dingwall, your home for the night. Lodging: Markland Beach Cottages.
Day Five — 58-70 km (moderate)
You will continue along the Cabot Trail taking the scenic route through White Point and Neil’s Harbour on the way to Ingonish. The Highland Links Golf Course is located along the way, for those who want to get a round in before continuing to your inn for the evening. Lodging: The Keltic Lodge or The Castlerock Inn.
Day Six — 46-56 km (moderate)
Follow the Cabot Trail over Cape Smokey, with a descent that will have you gasping with delight. You will bike through Wreck Cove, Skir Dhu and Breton Cove as you make your way to Englishtown, your final destination. Your van will be waiting for you there — where the ferry lands — to transfer you back to the Halifax Airport or downtown Halifax.
* Details subject to change.
** For self-guided tours, it is assumed you are able to do your own small bicycle repairs such as mending a punctured tube.
5 nights’ accommodation
3 breakfasts
Luggage transfers at each inn change
Route notes, maps for the daily rides, toll free number
Prices
All prices in CAD. Click here for a currency converter.
$2,199 per person based on double occupancy
$735 single supplement
Premium hybrid bicycle rental: $209
Road bicycle rental: $259
Carbon road bicycle rental: $289
Electric bicycle rental: $449
Tour Guest Halifax to Baddeck shuttle (return): $109
15% tax (HST) is added to the bill, 7.5% for non-Canadian residents.
