The Cabot Trail Bike Tour: The Cabot Trail, one of the world’s most beautiful bicycle rides, is named after the famous explorer John Cabot (an Italian, Giovanni Caboto, who sailed under an English flag). The trail winds through glorious valleys and along an expansive coast as it traverses the Highlands. Pods of whales can be seen just off the coast, while bald eagles soar on the breezes.
Alexander Graham Bell once said: “I have traveled around the globe. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes, the Alps & the Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all.”
Pedal & Sea Adventures will show you this splendid place as it should be experienced—on bike! You will start and finish the tour in Baddeck, the place where Alexander Graham Bell wanted to spend the rest of his life. From there you will head clockwise around the trail through the Margaree Valley, Cheticamp, Pleasant Bay, and Ingonish. You will have the opportunity to go whale watching, hike the highlands, or just relax after an incredible day in the saddle. For those of you who wish to get in a round of golf, that can be arranged, too, at the Highland Links golf course, recently ranked as the best golf course in Canada and the one of the top 100 courses in the world!
Day 1: Halifax to Baddeck
We will transfer you from the Halifax Airport or downtown Halifax to your
inn in Baddeck. Once you arrive you might want to ride the bikes around
the community to acquaint yourself with the brakes and gearing, and make
any adjustments for comfort. Options for dinner abound, ranging from
pizza to fine dining, all within walking distance of your inn.
Lodgings: The
Telegraph House, Baddeck.
Day two: (42kms; 1 mile equals 1.6 km)
You’ll cycle through the Margaree Valley and picnic and swim at Lake
O’Law before making your way to the Normaway Inn, your beautiful
setting for the evening. Here, you’ll get your first taste of Cape
Breton music. Lodgings: Normaway
Inn, Margaree Valley.
Day three: (50 km)
The Margaree Valley is an angler’s paradise, as salmon are abundant
along the Margaree River. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the
Margaree Salmon Museum this morning as you leave the valley, joining the
coast road to Cheticamp. In Cheticamp, you’ll have the chance to
go whalewatching and get a glimpse of the highlands where you will be bicycling
over the next two days. Lodgings: Acadian Motel.
Day four: (81 km)
Today’s ride will take you over two small mountains with a well-deserved
lunch for refueling in between. The scenery will amaze you as you make
your way to Dingwall, a prosaic name for an area that is anything but.
This will be your home for the next two nights. Lodgings: Markland
Coastal Resort
Day five: (46 km)
A delightful ride to Bay St. Lawrence awaits you this morning. Those wishing
to exchange biking shoes for deck shoes will have the opportunity to
join Captain Dan on his 52-foot schooner before returning to Dingwall.
Then again, you just might want to let flight or fancy guide you and
enjoy your wonderful surroundings on your schedule. Lodgings: Markland
Coastal Resort
Day six: (58 km)
You will continue along the Cabot Trail taking the scenic route through
White Point and Neil’s Harbour on the way to Ingonish. The Highland
Links Golf Course is located along the way, for those who want to
get a round in before continuing to your inn for the evening. Lodgings: The
Keltic Lodge
Day seven: (54 km)
Continue along the Cabot Trail over Cape Smokey; your descent will have
you gasping with delight! You will bike through Wreck Cove, Skir Dhu,
and Breton Cove as you make your way to Englishtown, your final destination.
Your van will be waiting for you there — where the ferry lands — to
transfer you back to the Halifax Airport or downtown Halifax.
The Cabot Trail: Self-Guided Bike Tour
2008 Season
Our self-guided Tours of Cape Breton can be enjoyed every week in 2008, starting
on May 11th (Sunday to Saturday)
Custom Groups Anytime!
Prices
$1499 Canadian
Our US prices are exchange rate
dependent
20% single supplement
Hybrid Bike Rental: $139 Cdn
Road Bike: $179 Cdn
13% tax (HST) is added to this total
Inclusions
• 6 nights' accommodation
• 2 breakfasts
• needed transfers
• luggage transfers at each change of inn
• toll-free number for
emergencies
