Canada, Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Island Hike
Six nights; seven days of hiking, showing you the best trails of Cape Breton Island on foot.
“The guides were superb; among the very best we have had in our 12+ tours with different companies.” - Kathleen S. & Manfred K.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Hike many trails in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where coastal hills meet the sea.
- Cape Breton Island inspires musicians, artists, and inventors.
- Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck.
- Walk to a quiet waterfall outside Baddeck.
- Learn about the Grand Derangement in the Acadian village of Cheticamp.
- You may see whales from the shore, moose in the highlands, and eagles in the sky.
- Rest in Mabou, a quiet village that at first glance belies the abundance of musical talent enjoyed there.
- Visit the only single malt distillery outside Scotland.
- Abundant fresh seafood.
- 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 believe you will finish it wanting more!
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
Moderately challenging hikes on wilderness trails, in the national park and in wilder places. You will need to have good footwear, and be capable of walking up to 10km on hilly terrain with a small backpack to carry your lunch, etc. We can provide walking poles. Groups of eight or more are sometimes split into two to accommodate varying abilities.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Introductions, Uisge Bhan Falls ~3km, and Alexander Graham Bell Museum.
- 2: Franey Mountain ~8km, and Middle Head ~4km.
- 3: Mica Hill ~8km and White Point ~2km.
- 4: Fishing Cove ~12km and/or Skyline Trail ~9km.
- 5: Acadian Trail ~9km and/or Salmon Pools Trail ~11km, followed by transfer to Mabou.
- 6: Sight Point up to 17km.
- 7: Mabou to Port Hood on Celtic Shores Coastal Trail up to 20km.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Halifax, The Lord Nelson Hotel, 09:00, day one, for 3½ hours transfer to Baddeck. Please contact us to arrange pickup from other Halifax locations, or Halifax Airport at 09:45. To skip the long transfer, consider a one-way flight to Sydney, and a one hour taxi to Baddeck.
Finish: Halifax, The Lord Nelson Hotel, 17:00, day seven.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Introductions, Uisge Bhan Falls ~3km, and Alexander Graham Bell Museum.
Meet in downtown Halifax at 09:00, or the airport at about 09:45, for a 3 ½ hour transfer to Baddeck. If you prefer to avoid the drive from Halifax, you can fly one-way into Sydney, then taxi one hour to Baddeck. After lunch you will visit Uisge Bahn Falls. Gaelic for “white water”, and pronounced “Ish-ka Ban”, this one-hour walk leads you through a quiet hardwood forest to a misty 50 foot waterfall. Afterwards, transfer to Baddeck to visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum.
Meal Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner.
Lynwood Inn; or, Silver Dart Lodge; Baddeck.DAY 2:
Franey Mountain ~8km, and Middle Head ~4km.
Today’s hikes take you into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Your first hike today is to the top of Mt. Franey from which, on a clear day, the view of Ingonish and the Atlantic are spectacular! Middle Head is a pleasant walk out a rocky headland with amazing views of Cape Smokey and Ingonish Island.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Keltic Lodge; or, Castle Rock Country Inn, Ingonish Beach.DAY 3:
Mica Hill ~8km and White Point ~2km.
Wind through the Acadian forest – a mixture of spruce, birch, hemlock, maple, oak, pine, ash and beech trees, as it climbs to a windswept plateau. The 360 degree views of the Aspy fault, coastal villages far below, and the mountains along the most northern tip of Cape Breton, are breathtaking. The pinnacle is also home to remarkable outcrops of quartz and mica. After a picnic lunch, explore the gorgeous coastline of White Point, and reflect on the unknown sailor whose grave is in this beautiful place. A late afternoon transfer takes you to Dingwall and your coastal resort overlooking a four-mile beach.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Markland Inn, Dingwall.DAY 4:
Fishing Cove ~12km and/or Skyline Trail ~9km.
Today’s hikes are some of the finest of the Cape Breton Highlands. One descends to an idyllic cove with beach, waterfall, and meadow, far removed from anything but its own natural beauty. The other takes you along boardwalks and trails to an expansive vista, from where we often see whales, moose, and eagles, not to mention cyclists conquering the climbs of the Cabot Trail far below. Finish in the Acadian town of Cheticamp.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Maison Fiset House, or, The Archie & Isidore Hotel, or, Silver Lining Inn, Cheticamp.DAY 5:
Acadian Trail ~9km and/or Salmon Pools Trail ~11km, followed by transfer to Mabou.
Today’s hike takes you high above the Chéticamp River for panoramic views of the Acadian coastline, the Chéticamp River valley and the park’s highland interior. The trail honors the pioneers of Chéticamp who settled here more than 300 years ago. After hiking, you will transfer one hour to the musical hotbed of Mabou, where the delights include the Rankin Family’s Red Shoe Pub. Traditional musical entertainment is a nightly occurrence here, but first, we will dine at the only single malt whisky distillery outside Scotland.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Duncreigan Country Inn, Mabou; or Glenora Inn & Distillery, Glenville.DAY 6:
Sight Point up to 17km.
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 has been known to leave hikers 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 trail – a good day of hiking before a musical supper at the Red Shoe Pub.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Same lodging.DAY 7:
Mabou to Port Hood on Celtic Shores Coastal Trail up to 20km.
Today’s trail offers easy terrain with very minimal grade. Likely a welcome change after some of the week’s hillier days! You will start on the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail in Mabou and make your way toward Port Hood. This trail was once a rail line that was home to the famed Judique Flyer- a coal fired train that ran the sixty-mile rail line and carried residents, visitors, soldiers and all the necessities of life to the communities along it.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 5295 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners, luggage handling, ground transportation including transfers from/to Halifax, guide/driver support, relevant maps and trail notes, 14% sales tax
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 4645 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, welcome briefing, on-call support, inn to inn luggage transfers, ground transportation as indicated in the itinerary, detailed maps, route descriptions, 14% sales tax
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Drive: C 2745 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, relevant maps and trail notes, car rental recommendations, 14% sales tax
Fully independent travel including lodging, detailed itineraries, route instructions and resources. Choose your own dates, provide your own transportation. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1295
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is mid-June to mid-October.
- Spring daytimes warm up to 10 to 20 °C (50 to 70 °F) by mid June. Note that seasonal businesses may still be closed, or on off-season hours, until late June.
- Summer, mid June to mid September, is normally 20 to 25 °C (70 to 80 °F). Freshwater and saltwater swimming is encouraged.
- Autumn, mid September to mid October, daytimes 10 to 20 °C range (50 to 70 °F). Nights can be chilly, but rarely down to freezing. Mid-October is the best time to see spectacularly colorful fall foliage.
GET TO THE START
If you fly: The best option is to fly to Halifax (YHZ). We meet you at your inn in Halifax, for a transfer (four hours) to Cape Breton Island with the Freewheeling shuttle. We depart Halifax 8am, day 1. Halifax’s downtown core is located about half an hour from its airport. Taxis are readily available; Maritime Bus offers an airport express shuttle ($40 roundtrip or $22 one way); and Halifax Transit provides hourly departures on its MetroX bus service ($4.25 fare).
Second option: Fly to Sydney (YQY). Arrange your own transport (taxi or rental car; one hour) to first inn.
If you drive: Meet at your first inn, 17:00 day one. It is 400km from Halifax, 1500km from New York, and 2000km from Toronto. You can park at the inn for the week.
AFTER THE FINISH
Cycling finishes mid-afternoon on the last day, normally in Baddeck. Freewheeling shuttle gets you back to Halifax usually by about 19:30pm. It is best to fly out the following morning. Contact us for hotel recommendations.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
Rent a car (we can drop you at Halifax airport on day 6), and visit Wolfville, from where you can experience the highest tides in the world by car or on a 4-hour hike, visit wineries in the Gaspereau Valley, or just enjoy the rural university town.
Join us for a day trip kayaking on the South Shore, or rent a bike from our HQ and ride the Aspotogan loop.
If you have several days:
Join one of our other tours in Nova Scotia, or the adjacent provinces, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland .
We recommend the following accommodations in Halifax for before or after your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
• The Lord Nelson, 1515 South Park Street Ph: 902-423-6331 or 800-565-2020
• Prince George Hotel, 1725 Market Street Ph: 902-425-1986 or 800-565-1567
• The Halliburton Inn, 5184 Morris Street Ph: 902-420-0658 or 888-512-3344
MORE READING
Cape Breton Island has inspired musicians, artists, and inventors since it was first settled by Europeans centuries ago. You are likely to feel similarly inspired, as you follow these spectacular trails along coastlines, through valleys, and to viewpoints with the ability to make you breathe deeply and appreciate the magnitude of the beauty in such special places. You will walk to a delightful waterfall outside Baddeck, where Alexander Graham Bell chose to settle because of its simple natural beauty, and will 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. Then it is on to 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 couple of fantastic hikes to polish of the week - one along the path cut into the side of the coastal hills at Sight Point, and another on the new Celtic Shores Coastal Trail. This is a full week of Cape Breton magic, but we guarantee you will leave wanting more! See why Cape Breton Island has been chosen as one of North America's Top 5 Islands by Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards!