Canada, Nova Scotia: Cabot Trail Bike Tour
A classic bicycling adventure on a paved 298km loop. Five nights; five days of some of the best cycling in the world.
“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?
- It’s a must-do trip for touring cyclists. The loop nature engenders a wonderful satisfaction, and this is one of Freewheeling’s most popular rides.
- Cape Breton Island is an award winning destination: rated the #1 island in N. America by Condé Nast Traveler, and consistently the top island travel destination by Travel & Leisure.
- The simple beauty of cycling between mountains and sea, in a remote island setting not on the way to anywhere.
- Margaree River Valley – a pretty salmon-fishing river.
- Acadian culture in Cheticamp. Learn about the 1755 expulsion of Acadians and their re-settlement.
- You may see whales from the shore. Moose in the highlands, and eagles in the sky.
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park – a natural treasure.
- The Markland Inn – a spectacular place far from crowds.
- Abundant fresh seafood.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
This is a spectacular ride, moderate most of the time, but with some black diamond challenges including two climbs of about 400m. on day 3. Electric bikes are available if you prefer to make things easier. Road bikes are suitable. Hybrid/fitness bikes are the most popular. The riding surface is almost entirely paved and traffic-shared, with very few short gravel sections.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: Short ~30km; Long ~50km + options
- DAY 3: Short ~47km; Long ~78km
- DAY 4: Short ~26km; Long ~54km
- DAY 5: Short ~45km; Long ~61km
- DAY 6: Short ~35km; Long ~77km
Cabot Trail Bike Tour – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Cabot Trail Bike Tour
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, 13:00, day one, for an optional transfer (included), or at your first inn in Margaree.
Finish: Cycling finishes mid-afternoon, day six, at the inn in Margaree. Freewheeling shuttle gets you back to Halifax by 19:30.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions
Our transfer departs Halifax at midday. Otherwise, meet late this afternoon at your first inn (a good place to park your vehicle for the week if you’re driving yourself). D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only)
Normaway Inn, Northeast Margaree
Margaree to Cheticamp. Short ~30km; Long ~50km + options
Ride down the East side of Margaree River Valley to its mouth, where you can stop for lobster on the beach. Short option riders will transfer to Cheticamp from Belle Côte. The long option follows the ocean through the Acadian region to Cheticamp. If you arrive early enough, you can spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring this very Acadian town and its surroundings. There are hiking, off-road riding, and swimming opportunities, and you can sometimes whale watch from the bluffs at Cheticamp Island. BL
Maison Fiset House, or The Archie & Isadore Inn, or Silver Lining Inn, Cheticamp
Cheticamp to Dingwall. Short ~47km; Long ~78km
Today is a challenging day of cycling through Cape Breton Highlands National Park; cycling distances and terrain can be adjusted using transfers. Short option finishes at MacIntosh Brook with a transfer to your inn at Dingwall. Long option includes climbing the second of two ‘mountains’ each of about 430m/1400 feet. The scenery today is awe-inspiring; the ascents are long, and the descents…ahh, the descents! If only they’d go on forever. BLD
Markland Inn, Dingwall
Dingwall to Ingonish. Short ~26km; Long ~54km
Cycle the scenic route between Cape North and Neil’s Harbour (where the shorter ride begins), stopping for a short hike at spectacular White Point, where eagles often soar over spouting whales. Options include swimming holes, waterfalls, beaches, and golf at the Highland Links. BLD
Keltic Lodge, Ingonish Beach; or Castle Rock Country Inn, Ingonish
Ingonish to Baddeck. Short ~45km; Long ~61km
A nicely undulating ride along the East Coast follows the initial climb over Cape Smokey. You can choose to ease the ride with a transfer up and over Smokey. Enjoy a picnic at Indian Brook or an interesting café in the middle of nowhere, and finish at a secluded inn on the shores of St. Anne’s Bay. BD
Chanterelle Inn, St Anne’s Bay; or Lynwood Inn, Baddeck
Final Ride & Farewells. Short ~35km; Long ~77km
On this morning’s ride to Baddeck, you can stop to visit the Gaelic College Great Hall of the Clans Museum, or if you are already in Baddeck, visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Bell’s airplane, the Silver Dart, was airborne about the same time as the Kitty Hawk. There are good lunch options to choose from in the waterfront village of Baddeck, before climbing over Hunter’s Mountain (152m/500ft.) and along Middle River Valley to finish your activity with a refreshing swim in Lake O’Law. Your adventure concludes this afternoon at your inn in the Margaree Valley, from where the optional transfer to Halifax departs. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Jun 18-23
- Jul 2-7
- Jul 9-14
- Jul 16-21
- Jul 30-Aug 4
- Aug 6-11
- Aug 13-18
- Aug 20-25
- Aug 28-Sep 2
- Sep 3-8
- Sep 10-15
- Sep 17-22
- Sep 24-29
- Oct 1-6
- Oct 8-13
2024 Guided:
- Jun 16-21
- Jun 30-Jul 5
- Jul 7-12
- Jul 14-19
- Jul 21-26
- Jul 28-Aug 2
- Aug 4-9
- Aug 11-16
- Aug 18-23
- Aug 25-30
- Sep 1-6
- Sep 8-13
- Sep 15-20
- Sep 22-27
- Sep 29-Oct 4
- Oct 6-11
- Oct 13-18
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 2985 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, transfer from Halifax to Cape Breton and back, support vehicle and full-time guide/driver, maps, route instructions, 15% 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 2735 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, your transfer between Halifax and Cape Breton if necessary, maps, route instructions, on-call emergency support, 15% 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.
Single Occupancy: 735
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid: 165
Flat bars. Trek FX3 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
Road: 295
Drop bars. Trek Domane AL5, SL5, or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag (no rack/bag on carbon frames).
Electric: 465
Flat bars. Trek Verve+ 2 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
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 date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
This is one of the world’s greatest rides; one that all touring cyclists should have on their “must-ride” list! The beautiful coast – the most dramatic in Nova Scotia – meets the breathtaking highlands in ways that make you appreciate both to the fullest, and the scenic magnificence of the paved trail can be truly savoured at the speed of your bicycle. The landscape and the people may demonstrate to you why Nova Scotia’s name means New Scotland. You will ride through the valley of the Margaree River, rich with salmon and its pursuit. You can choose to linger at the famous Highland Links if you prefer golf to cycling, and on some days you can expand your rides onto beautiful wooded trails, or to find swimming holes beneath waterfalls. The cycling, although manageable by most cyclists (and van-supported for the rest!), includes some challenging sections – especially on day three with two 1400ft climbs. Combining such awe-inspiring scenery and out-of–the-way charm with comfortable inns and exceptional cuisine makes this loop ride an exquisite experience you simply have to add to your list!
