Nova Scotia: Custom Cape Breton Island Hike
6 days, 5 nights of hiking, showing you the best of Cape Breton Island on foot.
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 while enjoying some of the best walks available. Starting in Baddeck, where Alexander Graham Bell chose to settle for it’s simple beauty, you will start with a walk to a delightful waterfall, and visit the museum to learn about Bell’s astonishing discoveries. You will then follow the coast to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, to enjoy the best trails of this profoundly stirring area, where coastal hills meet the sea on both East and West coasts. We may be able to finish with a day around Mabou, a quiet village that at first glance belies the abundance of musical talent enjoyed there. You can 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!
Day 1: 2 hour hike, drive up to five hours.
Pick up in downtown Halifax at 09:00 for a 4 hour transfer to Baddeck. Picnic on arrival, then hike two hours beside streams and rivers to a Uisge Bhan falls. Afterwards, learn about Alexander Graham bell at his museum and estate, and settle in to your inn to prepare for tomorrow’s long hike. LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips).
Telegraph House, Baddeck, www.baddeck.com/telegraph/; or overflow at Inverary Inn Resort
Day 2: Three short walks, with additional options. Up to 6 hours hiking; up to 90 minutes drive.
The first hike option today is up Ingonish River into the highlands. Also known as Kalapa Valley, this is a Buddhist retreat and called the centre of their universe. You will see why. After lunch, you will be able to hke along the coast from Black Brook Beach and out to spectacular White Piont to absorb the panoramic sea views. BLD
Keltic Lodge, www.kelticlodge.ca; or
Castlerock Inn, Ingonish Beach, www.ingonish.com/castlerock
Day 3: Up to 4 hours walking; 90 minutes drive. Optional afternoon whale watch.
Morning trip to the most remote community in Nova Scotia, where you can hike to the top of the hill for outstanding views over Bay St. Lawrence. Whales are often seen from the top, for those who want a challenging 2-hour walk. After lunch overlooking the bay, we will walk the Skyline Trail - a reliable place to see moose!. BLD
Pilot Whale Chalets, Cheticamp, www.pilotwhalechalets.com; or overflow at Sea & Golf Chalets, www.seagolfchalets.com
Day 4: 3-6 hours walking. Up to 30 minutes drive. Fishing Cove, Acadian and Salmon Pools Trails.
This is a day packed with the finest walks of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. There are even more if you want them and another opportunity for whale-watching and dinner tomorrow in the same vicinity provides options for more, or less, as the group wishes! Tonight's dinner will be well-earned. BLD
Same lodging
Day 5: 4-6 hours hiking, 20 minutes drive.
This is the part of Nova Scotia that most reminds us of its namesake: Scotland. There is an abundance of walking, and you can choose from what was not covered yesterday, after a stop at the Interpretive Centre for the National Park. In any case you will be amazed at the expansive sea views as you explore this and other trails on a good of walks. BL
Same lodging
Day 6: 5 hour drive
With brief walks to punctuate the drive and stretch legs, transfer back to Halifax by mid-afternoon. B
| Start: | Halifax 09:00, day one |
| Finish: | Halifax 14:00, day six |
| Guided Cost: | C$1995 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners, luggage handling, vehicle and guide support, transfers to and from Halifax) |
| Route Notes: | Hikes are on paths and trails in provincial and national parks, in wilderness settings. Some steep terrain requires sturdy footwear |
| Single Occupancy: | $435 |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | October 10-15, 2011 - timed to coincide with autumn foliage. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates or to add a new departure |
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.
