Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Island Seakayak
7-day adventure by seakayak, spending nights in cozy inns, with one final day of spectacular hiking.
If you have ever wanted to see why Cape Breton Island has inspired musicians, artists, and inventors, this is a perfect way to do so. From Isle Madame on the south coast of Cape Breton, you will paddle the waterways and islands frequented by native and Acadian paddlers of the past, between here and the entrance to Bras d’Or lakes at St. Peter’s Canal. You will paddle around the islands of the Malagawatch First Nation – an idyllic archipelago with abundant shorelines along which you can glide in your quest for the company of great blue herons, moose, and eagles. Mabou will be your base for the final adventures. It is a quiet village that at first glance belies the abundance of musical talent enjoyed here. An evening at The Red Shoe will give you some idea of the rich culture thriving in the surrounding hills. You can visit the first single malt distillery outside Scotland, enjoy fantastic paddles in the harbour; along the coastal hills to solitary beaches and an amazing lighthouse, and hike a dizzying trail overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This is a full week of Cape Breton experience, but we guarantee you will leave wanting more!
Day 1:
Meet in downtown Halifax at 13:00 or the Halifax 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. A once bustling seaport full of tall ships in the 1700’s it still boasts Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, an excellent example of the wooden churches built by the Acadians in all their communities, as well as a restored 1793 shipbuilder’s blacksmith shop, and an interpretive display at Cannon Lookoff. D
Acadienne Inn, Arichat
Day 2: Paddle Isle Madame
From Arichat, paddle through 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 rocky coast you will enjoy from your kayak. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: Paddle West Bay
Transfer to St. Peter’s Canal. Paddle the southern end of West bay, past beaches, an out-of-the-way marina, and the St. Peter’s Canal approach. BLD
Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s
Day 4: Paddle the Bras d’Or Lakes
Transfer to the Malagawatch First Nations Reserve, to paddle the perimeter of the beautiful islands they call home. The Bras d’Or Lakes are partly saline, connected to the sea at its extremities. Tides are minimal, and the surface stays much calmer than the sea, even on exposed headlands. The hills and untouched forests surrounding it make it a particularly scenic and satisfying place to enjoy days on the water. BLD
Duncreigan Country Inn, Mabou
Day 5: Paddle Mabou Harbour
Transfer to Mabou, to paddle out towards the mouth of its beautiful harbour, and along a coast with scenery rivalling Scotland’s, where gorgeous hillside meadows tumble toward the sea. We look forward to showing you the beauty. BL
Same lodging
Day 6: Paddle Port Hood Island
Today’s outing takes you to Port Hood Island, where the Henry Island Lighthouse makes a fascinating stop. Afterwards, the downwind (if the prevailing wind prevails) paddle can be as long as you like! 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 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
| Start: | Downtown Halifax, 13:00, or Halifax Airport, 14:00, day one. |
| Finish: | Downtown 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, full-time guide, van support, maps and route notes, transfer from/to Halifax) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | Not yet available |
| Single Occupancy: | $395 |
| 2013 Guided Dates: | Jun 23-29; Jul 21-27; Aug 11-17; Sep 15-21. Add your own dates (learn more) |
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.
