Canada, Nova Scotia: Cabot Trail Bike Tour

A classic cycling adventure around the coastal perimeter of northern Cape Breton Island.

“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.” – Beth J.

WHY THIS TRIP?

• A classic loop long considered one of Canada’s essential cycling experiences, combining ocean vistas, highland scenery, and quiet fishing communities.
• Cape Breton Island has been ranked the #1 island in Canada by Travel + Leisure readers for five consecutive years, and has been listed among the 25 Best Islands in the World.
• A rare chance to ride between mountains and sea in a region that still feels refreshingly remote.
• Wide-open views over both the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic, with the possibility of whales offshore and eagles overhead.
• Evenings feature comfortable inns, coastal hospitality, and excellent local seafood.
• Stay at North America’s first single-malt distillery and at The Markland, set beside a long, empty beach with no crowds in sight.
• Experience the Cabot Trail’s legendary climbs, including the long, steady ascents of French and North Mountains — fully supported and rewarded with unforgettable views.
• Learn about Acadian culture in Chéticamp, including the story of the 1755 expulsion and the community’s remarkable return.
• Travel through Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral homeland of the Mi’kmaq, whose cultural presence remains deeply woven into Cape Breton life.
• Ride through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, home to dramatic climbs, sweeping descents, and some of the east coast’s most memorable viewpoints.

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

This is a spectacular ride—moderate most of the time, but with some black-diamond challenges, including two climbs of about 400 m. Electric bikes are available if you prefer to make things easier. Gravel or hybrid/fitness bikes are the most versatile and popular. The riding surface is almost entirely paved and traffic-shared, except for the optional routes on the first day of riding, for which we recommend gravel or hybrid bikes. There is a rail trail with a crusher-dust surface and a coastal ride on a rough gravel road, both of which can be avoided by taking a paved—but less scenic—alternative. Road bikes are otherwise suitable for the week.

For more info, check out our blog post: Cycling the Cabot Trail: Safety and Road Conditions You Need to Know.

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Daily Distance:

• 1: Introductions.
• 2: Inverness to Chéticamp, up to ~76km (+700m / -800m).
• 3: Chéticamp to Dingwall, up to ~78km (+1400m / -1400m).
• 4: Dingwall to Ingonish, up to ~54km (+650m / -650m).
• 5: Ingonish to North River, up to ~61km (+800m / -800m).
• 6: North River to Baddeck, up to ~35km (+350m / -350m).

(Click image to enlarge)

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Activity Levels

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To help you choose an appropriate level of daily challenge, we use elevation profiles to represent the route, and a challenge-rating system using symbols from the skiing world. Many of you will already be familiar with it; If not, here is a brief explanation. Note that these classifications may vary with weather and/or road conditions, and you should always arrive with a sense of fun and adventure. If you are unsure, choose a guided trip. The vehicle support can help you get over any hill, and can turn even the most difficult trip into an easy one.

 

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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.

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