There is perhaps no cycling destination as well known as the Cabot Trail. Legendary among cyclists, this loop was named Bicycling Magazine’s must-see, and Cape Breton Island was named continental North America’s best island destination. Stunning coastlines, nesting eagles, rewarding climbs and incredible descents - this is a cyclists dream. Beginning and ending in Baddeck, this camping tour takes in the entire Cabot Trail loop through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Length: 5 days
Distance: 314 km
Average Day: 77 km
Longest Day: 94 km
Dates: July 28th - Aug 1st, 2013
Distance: 314 km
Average Day: 77 km
Longest Day: 94 km
Dates: July 28th - Aug 1st, 2013
Cost:
$1199
Save an additional $100 for raising a minimum of $100 in donations to Bicycles for Humanity!
$1099 - with Bicycles for Humanity fundraising
$999 - if booked by April 30th, 2013
Save an additional $100 for raising a minimum of $100 in donations to Bicycles for Humanity!
$1099 - with Bicycles for Humanity fundraising
$999 - if booked by April 30th, 2013
Day 2: Baddeck Inlet to Cheticamp - 78 km
Our first day of cycling begins through the beautiful Margaree Valley. We'll have a few climbs and descents as we follow the route alongside nesting eagles and streams abundant in fish. We'll stop for a lakeside picnic lunch, and continue on to the coast. From here there are some small ups and downs as we follow the scenic coastline to Cheticamp, and our beachside campground.
Day 3: Cheticamp to South Harbour - 84 km
A beautiful day of cycling, we'll start out by entering the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and continue on to our first real climb of the Cabot Trail. Reaching nearly 425 meters it will be a difficult climb, but also a great descent into Pleasant Bay for lunch. We'll take some time to enjoy some delicious, fresh seafood before starting our second climb, over North Mountain. Again, it's a steep one, but as you're flying down the other side, you'll have forgotten all about the climb. We'll finish the day camping once more with the sea in view, at South Harbour.
Day 4: South Harbour to Jersey Cove - 94 km
After a delicious home cooked breakfast, we'll take in the scenic route past White Point - one of the most scenic and quiet stretches of the route. After rejoining the Cabot Trail we'll follow the coastline south, to Ingonish for lunch. Our last climb awaits, up over over Cape Smokey, before descending back down to the ocean. We'll follow the undulating road to our campground at Jersey Cove.
Day 5: Jersey Cove to Baddeck - 50 km
Our final day of cycling will bring us back inland before reaching the edge of the Bras d'Or Lake once again, leading us back to Baddeck. We'll re-convene, and have transportation back to Halifax available for those wanting it - however, don't be too surprised if you decide to stick around the island for a little bit longer...
View Cabot Trail Camping in a larger map
Day 1: Baddeck - Baddeck Inlet - 8 km
To begin the tour, transportation will be available from Halifax to Baddeck, on Cape Breton Island, an approximately 5 hour drive, for $89 per person, for a round trip. Baddeck, located alongside the shores of Bras d'Or Lake, is our starting point for the tour. We'll meet for some sightseeing and a chance to get to know each other in the historic town, and maybe even visit Alexander Graham Bell's museum. We'll warm up with an 8 km cycle to our campground, where we'll enjoy a delicious dinner to fill our stomaches before getting ready to cycle this epic route.
*Map is an approximation of the route we will follow.
Camping Adventure
Difficulty: