Most cyclists breeze around the Cabot Trail in 3-4 days but there are so many world-class hiking tracks on the Cabot Trail it almost seems criminal to pass them by. I found Baddeck, the summer home of Alexander Graham Bell, to be a good place to start because of its proximity to Sydney - and plane connections. This would complete the loop. The trail can be divided into the North Coast and South Coast sections. Your email address will not be published. Day 2. You'll see a side of Cape Breton that isn't revealed until you walk away from the road. Click here to upload more images (optional). The cycling is definitely manageable by most cyclists in reasonable shape, but it does include some steep climbing sections. Cycling The Cabot Trail: Nova Scotia's 185-Mile Gem " I t's rutting season for the moose." The ranger told us as we hovered over our bike seats, our loaded panniers seeking to unbalance us. Just past French Lake is the Bog Walk, an interpretive boardwalk trail that explains the highlands incredible beauty! It's a 4.6km path that takes you through a beautiful forest with glimpses of the Chticamp River. Looking out into the Bay, youll see rocky points known as the Bird Islands. Restaurant Acadien was my choice! While not the longest day of the tour in terms of distance, this was by far the toughest, with two big climbs and a temperature that felt like 35C in the shade according to The Weather Network except I was riding in full sun, on black pavement. Every summer, hundreds of cyclists drive through the heart of Nova Scotia en route to Cabot Shores, an idyllic Cabot Trail cycling basecamp. Tour de Slate, Middletown Springs, VT, August 6, 2022. I enjoyed the fresh night (12C on July 2nd) and slept well, in preparation for the toughest day of the tour. We were a happy bunch of cyclists!! We stopped to snap some pictures at the Scarecrow Theatre. There are many different ways to cycle the Cabot Trail, so research the route that best suits your ability level and interests. Any suggestions about where we can leave a bit of luggage for the week while we cycle? Each year about 250,000 people drive it, but cycling Canada's famous Cabot Trail is the bucket ride destination for bikers. The Normaway knows what Cycling the Cabot Trail is like so they fed us very well. The slightly cooler weather is a plus for those long climbs youll be enjoying! Day 3 - Neil's Harbour to Chticamp ( 91 km, 1830 m of climbing) While not the longest day of the tour in terms of distance, this was by far the toughest, with two big climbs and a temperature that felt like 35C in the shade according to The Weather Network - except I was riding in full sun, on black pavement. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Required fields are marked *, The Cabot Trail is a world-famous cycling route that winds its way through the stunning scenery of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. I love cycling and I love camping..to be done separately! I took possession of my touring bike from FrameWork Cycle & Fitness at $175 for the week, I figured it made sense to rent rather than carry my own bike on the plane, with the associated hassle and surcharges. After about 8 hours, I finally got to my Airbnb RV in Neils Harbour and went to have dinner at the Chowder House, only to find out that it is closed on Mondays. Next day, on to Ingonish to stay at the Keltic Lodge. Our adventure called 'Cycling the Cabot Trail'started the next day as we headed from Baddeck to Margaree. There are few places to stop along the way, so ensure you have enough supplies to last the entire trip. Spring is your best bet if you want warmer weather and fewer crowds. The Ultimate One Day Cabot Trail Itinerary. The ride runs parallel to the Continental Divide, and can start in either Banff or Jasper, both of which are exceptionally scenic towns. The exit to the Cabot Trail is right next to it. Ride the eastern coastline of the National Park, then explore the roads heading north to quaint fishing . Once you reach the top of the trail, you will be rewarded with some of the most incredible views in all of Nova Scotia. Once we arrived some went golfing and the others headed to Ingonish beach which was a short walk from our rooms. The next day was our biggest day. Ill share my experience here in case it can help other people planning similar trips, especially given the relative scarcity of information I could find prior to my own trip. Spring is a particularly beautiful time to cycle the Cabot Trail. Any hotel, motels that are recommended or not recommended. Our luggage was transported in a van so we only needed to carry our day packs. Stop 1: Charlene's Bayside Restaurant and Cafe. Note that this post contains affiliate links and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you buy something. This is a must stop for everyone. 5. We will ride a clockwise route in order to take advantage of the stiff tailwinds that will literally help lift us through the two toughest days of climbing. We started by meeting in Baddeck. Biking the Cabot trail. I made one small deviation to go through North Sydney and stopped at the Lobster Pound and Moore for lunch Im glad I did, since thats where I got my best seafood chowder of the trip, with great service and a generous portion. The Cabot Trail is considered to be one of the best places for a cycling tour in all of North America and on the 'must do' list of many a serious biker. For the next two days, youll will be encountering grades up to 15%. A fishing port, it also offers whale-watching. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". They had a neat weather stone out front. Just type!Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. There is a short boardwalk on French Mountain that you might want to check. This blog post will explore some of the best parts of the trail and give you all the details you need to, Whether youre an experienced cyclist or a beginner, spending a few days pedaling around the, The Cabot Trail is a world-renowned cycling route that offers, What to Expect When Cycling the Cabot Trail, Assuming you are starting in Baddeck, you will first notice the lack of services. If you can, lengthen your stay by a few days and stop to explore on foot. You can't miss it. Assuming you are starting in Baddeck, you will first notice the lack of services. From the stunning coastal views to the towering mountains, theres something for everyone to enjoy. Click the button and find the first one on your computer. We leave the Cabot Trail, and follow the 15 mile Alternative Scenic Route which has very little vehicular traffic that affords spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Neils Harbor, a very picturesque fishing village. We are in the planning stage of cycling the Cabot Trail In Nove Scotia Canada. After dropping the bike and showering+taking a nap, I went to explore the Sydney boardwalk and had a donair, then took it easy for the rest of the night since I was flying back to Montreal early the next day. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Honestly, I couldn't make it all the way so I had to push my bike. You have already exited the park but you are still on the Cabot Trail. At mile 35, we continue on the Cabot Trail where Rt. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The Cabot Trail is one of the world's greatest rides; one that all touring cyclists should have on their "must-ride" list! DAY ONE: St. Anns. Featuring dramatic ocean views and highland scenery, the Cabot Trail has been described as one of the world's top bicycle rides. Buy Now! There were only 5-10 km out of nearly 300 that reminded me of Montreal. Hope that helps. That afternoon, take the opportunity to do a sweet preview ride of up to 35 miles around St. Anns Bay. There are lots of people who are more talented and/or dedicated than me when it comes to taking pictures. Its not fancy, but the food is good and I did have a second serving of mussels it was a good spot after a day of riding the bike. Cycling Trail Ridge Road What to Expect as a pro or a beginner? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Day 3: Cheticamp to Aspy Bay - 85 km. Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). Bring plenty of food and water. White Point is one of the most beautiful fishing villages on the route. car2go to YUL/Trudeau Airport Worth it? Distance: 47 miles. But I didn't care I was having fun. The Cabot Trail is about 185 miles long and takes about three days to complete by bicycle. 3. As cyclists, we may well get the opportunity to photograph black bears, moose, and white tail dear. Tonights stay is at the Markland Resort in Dingwall, Cape North. After considering doing it for a few years, I finally did the Cabot Trail this month and am glad I did. Those with little cycling fitness may find North Mountain a challenge (almost 500 metres to the highest point on the trail). If you turn right you'll continue on the Cabot Trail and go toward the St. Ann's Loop. Mountain ride means riding by mountains and not over them. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Interested in The boardwalk is called The Bog (hike#8 in the park). Dolar Blue: getting the best rate for Argentine Pesos (ARS). Make sure your bike is in good condition. This blog post will explore some of the best parts of the trail and give you all the details you need to plan your own cycling adventure. We rejoin the Cabot Trail at Neils Harbor, another fishing village, with shops and services. We biked along the coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It really depends a lot on what youre looking for. The trail is named after John Cabot, the Italian explorer who discovered Newfoundland in 1497. I wanted to get to Baddeck early if possible in order to visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, so I took fewer breaks and did my best time that day (17.1 km/h average including breaks, despite the slow start). It does not store any personal data. Reach it by travelling 470 Km (290 miles) north east from cosmopolitan Halifax. Borrowing from the lines of a classic Cape Breton barn, the Inn celebrates the regions First Nations, Gaelic and French heritage and the beauty of nature in an elegant setting along the Cabot Trail. You now have about 30 km (19mi) before you arrive in Baddeck. There are no coffee shops and no places to get food or water. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Called the beginning and the end of the 185-mile Cabot Trail loop, Baddeck is your perfect jumping-off point for this iconic Canadian drive. I had driven through the area many times but this was the first time on a bike. My buddieswere not disappointed with our meal. The weather can be changeable, even in summer, so be prepared for all conditions by packing appropriate clothing. This allowed me to visit the city (public market, harbour walk, citadel, public library and Canadian Museum of Immigration) and it was a nice side trip. The Markham is on Aspy Bay and the view from our cottages was gorgeous. I got in Baddeck early enough to spend 1.5 hours at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and found it interesting and worthy of a visit hes well known for his invention of the telephone, but I didnt know he had worked on a lot of other things, including planes and hydrofoil boats. Dress for success. You will need to be prepared with everything you need for the day. The Cabot Trail is notoriously hilly, so ensure youre physically fit enough to tackle the challenge before setting out. Drivers were respectful and generally gave me plenty of room when passing, but having a helmet mirror would have made me feel better when I heard them coming. Whether youre an experienced cyclist looking for a challenge or a beginner looking for a leisurely ride, the Cabot Trail has something to offer everyone. They were quite impressed when I was able to speak with the waitress in french and get us a table even though there was a long line-up. World renowned for its beauty, the Cabot Trail is also the most popular multi-day cycling route in Canada. At just 360 miles, you could probably ride the entire length of Canada's second-smallest. It turns out that there are taxis waiting at the airport, and a driver came to me while I was trying to get connected on the phone with the taxi company. The long descent following that was nice. You'll be in Pleasant Bay when you descend MacKenzie Mountain. I was having the time of my life. Here you go note that this one has car driving directions, which stay on the Cabot Trail. This area is very beautiful. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Distance : 44 Miles. Any sites that would The Margaree area is beautiful and the river is world-renowned for salmon fishing. Two miles before reaching Englishtown, we take a 5 minute ferry ride (cyclists ride free, and the ferry leaves every 10 minutes.) Services and amenities are not close by, meaning you'll definitely need a car to run your errands. The Margaree area is beautiful and the river is world-renowned for salmon fishing. Cape Breton Cycling Cabot Trail, Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia One of the the World's Best Adventures Facebook Route close to 300 km along the Cape Breton Highlands Both cyclists and motorcyclists will enjoy the dramatic ocean views and scenery to make this a trip to remember. But if youre searching for stunning fall foliage and an unforgettable experience, then head out on the trail in autumn! Great! The complete hike takes about 1.5 hours on a maintained pathway, and leads you to a tall waterfall. Do you have some pictures to add? It will be on your right! By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The route is named after John Cabot, who explored the island in 1497. @Dolena I would assume youre going to stay somewhere one night maybe a B&B so Id ask your host. The area around #19 36785 Cabot Trail is highly car-dependent. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I was with a tour group and we took 5 days to do the trip. 4. Named after Italian explorer John Cabot, who landed on these shores in 1497, the winding coastal route climbs from sea-swept beaches and sleepy fishing villages to forested slopes and cliff-tops. The beautiful coastline meets the breathtaking highlands in ways that make you appreciate both to the fullest, while savouring the magnificence of the paved trail at the speed of your bicycle. There were dozens of sailing boats in the bay and even in the rain it was quite beautiful. Upon reaching Tarbotville, we turn south, returning to St. Anns on the Cabot Trail. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For this ride, we take the Cabot Trail south to Rt. Invest in a good quality bike and have it serviced before hitting the trail. Stop 4: Middle Head Hiking Trail. I was nervous, very nervous! Be prepared for hills. Just before reaching town, well stop in at the Alexander Graham Bell museum, a National Historic Site. The total distance is 179 miles. Whether youre an experienced cyclist or a beginner, spending a few days pedaling around the Cabot Trail is an unforgettable experience. Day 4. Easy..the seafood chowder or crab dinner or lobster dinner. The Giant Fiddle in Sydney. Leigh McAdam is an award-winning photographer and three-time author. It took me over 4.5 hours to ride the 47 km to Pleasant Bay, and I stopped *many* times during the North Mountain climb that morning. Do you have some pictures to add? DAY FIVE Cape North to Ingonish Although not as challenging as the day before, there are plenty of climbs and descents. Stop 3: Cape Smokey Picnic Park. The island that forms the northeastern part of the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia. It was an awesome day and yes, we all made it! My biking buddies were by my side asking what to order. The Cabot Trail is a world-renowned cycling route that offers stunning scenery, challenging climbs, and a sense of adventure. I felt the pressure! Cycling the Cabot Trail is one of the best outdoor adventures I have ever had in Nova Scotia. We begin to encounter the foothills of the Cape Breton Highlands. It was officially opened in 1932 and has since become a mecca for cyclists worldwide. Your email address will not be published. Sturdy 30km $45 10:00 AM 30 km 100 $45 I ended up drinking more than 6 liters of water and used two electrolyte maintenance powder pouches on that day. The Cabot Trail is a world-famous cycling route that winds its way through the stunning scenery of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. There were a lot of pretty views along the way, and I got to Chticamp a bit past 7 PM. And the waitress was very impressed that we were cycling the Cabot Trail. Whether youre an experienced cyclist looking for a challenge or a beginner looking for a leisurely ride, the Cabot Trail has something to offer everyone. I was concerned about food options, so I had cookies, chocolate bars and chips on my bike, and had some of that around kilometer 20 to get an energy boost after a climb. We enjoyed a great evening meal. Fall is another great time to ride the Cabot Trail. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story.TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph. You'll see a fork in the road after cycling about 60km (37mi). #19 36785 Cabot Trail is in a somewhat bikeable community, so you'll have minimal cycling infrastructure at your disposal. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. For this itinerary, we will travel clockwise and take the third exit past Baddeck. Truth be toldpushing your bike up the side of a mountain is probably just as hard as being on your bike!! Learn how your comment data is processed. I had driven through the area many times but this was the first time on a bike. Right after Wreck Cove, there was a 250+ meter climb on Smokey Mountain some parts were challenging, but it wasnt too much of a problem in lower gear. Whycocomagh to Margaree Forks, 43 miles. And, if youre lucky, you might even get to see some wildlife! It is uncanny but Cape Breton and Scotland have practically the same shape, too! Oops I almost forgot, we stopped at Neil's Harbour for lunch. Not to disappoint.that evening we enjoyed a great meal of fresh crab at a local pub and grill. It was another beautiful day and I enjoyed every minute. We turn west on the Cabot Trail, ride past Lake O Law, with rolling hills, following the Margaret River. The Cabot Trail is a scenic road that traverses the northern tip of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Guess what I had for supper that night..you got itlobster!! You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. Catch your breath as North Mountain is the next climb!! With a little planning and preparation, youre sure to have an unforgettable experience. It's a mostly flat, 8.7km gravel loop. The Cabot Trail offers 186 miles of winding roads and exhilarating scenery. You are now biking on a sand bar into St. Ann's Bay. The trail is named after John Cabot, the Italian explorer who discovered Newfoundland in 1497. We ride close to the Ocean, again with spectacular views. Be prepared for a lot of climbing! The Cabot Trail is lauded as one of the most scenic drives in North America, but scores of spandex-clad cyclists have caught on that it's best to enjoy this majesty of Mother Nature from the saddle, making the Cabot Trail one of Canada's most iconic multi-day bike rides. Learn how your comment data is processed. Select it and click on the button to choose it.Then click on the link if you want to upload up to 3 more images. Click the button and find the first one on your computer. Distance: 45 miles. Then theres a 3 mile descent, with some very steep drops, an average 12% grade. The days are longer, making getting in a full day of riding easier. Traveling to Europe after 2021, A Complete Guide to Camping in Kananaskis, A Stay at Historic Reesor Ranch in Saskatchewan, A Guide to Visiting Liverpool, Nova Scotia, 2022 HikeBikeTravel Outdoor Lovers Holiday Gift Guide, Mountain Hardware PCT 70 L Backpack Review, 2022 Outdoor Lovers Spring Products Guide. Being a native French speaker, I enjoyed being able to communicate in French with several of the Acadian people living/working there. You'll bike along St. Ann's Bay as you cycle south. The North Coast section of the trail is more challenging, with longer climbs and rougher terrain. The trail is named after John Cabot, the Italian explorer who discovered Newfoundland in 1497. Cycling the Cabot Trail What Really to Expect. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The Cabot Trail is notoriously hilly, with some very steep sections. The cyclings not too difficult here. Powered by Walk Score We even stopped along the shores of Lake OLaw and our tour guides prepared us a lovely picnic. The acadian village of Cheticamp is special. The Cabot Trail is a world-famous cycling route that winds its way through the stunning scenery of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Once over Kelly's Mountain, keep driving until you see a big red barn called The Red Barn. Because it's a loop, you can in theory start anywhere. Get travel tips & outdoor inspiration by signing up for our monthly newsletter. We stayed at the Normaway Inn. Tonights stay is at the Keltic Lodge, perched on a narrow stretch between two bays. We toured Cape Breton and the famous Cabot Trail in the summer of 2003. Searching Google Images for Cabot Trail should yield good results. 2. However, this section also offers more spectacular views of the ocean. I then got to Sydney past 11 PM and was a bit concerned about getting a taxi to my Airbnb as the airport website is not very clear on the system. I admire these people but I don't think I could ever to do it! Our adventure called 'Cycling the Cabot Trail' started the next day as we headed from Baddeck to Margaree . The descent on Cape Smokey with the rain was a little scary but we made it. The last thing to know is that the Cabot Trail is a loop, so you will end up back where you started. Stop 6: Rusty Anchor Restaurant. We head back to St. Anns, through an area known as the Artisans Loop, where you might want to obtain souveniers from the ride. Day 3. Be sure to inspect the world's largest fiddle, located on the waterfront. Entering your story is easy to do. The ride runs parallel to the Continental Divide, and can start in either Banff or Jasper, both of which are exceptionally scenic towns. Considered one of the top drives in North America, it should be considered more a destination than a drive for the variety of activities available around this 400-km (190-mile) loop. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes, the Alps and the Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty Cape Breton outrivals them all Alexander Graham Bell. There was also construction/road work on maybe 20-30 km, but eh, thats the price to pay for keeping the pavement nice. Our van support was great and we were all safe! The coast is famous for whales, porpoises, and seals. It guides you through a section of the plateau to see rare flowers (pitcher plants, orchids) and fauna. Stop 5: White Point Harbor. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, Sulphur Skyline Trail Hike, Jasper National Park, Coyote Buttes South An Alternative to the Wave, A Guide to 3 Perfect Days in the South Okanagan, Cottage Grove Covered Bridges Bike Tour, Oregon, Camping for Beginners What You Need to Know, What is ETIAS? After riding north 5 miles, we pass the Visitor Center at the Cape Breton Highlands National Park entrance. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". DAY SIX Ingonish to St. Anns After passing through the villages of Ingonish Ferry, Ingonish harbor, and Ingonish Beach, we begin a 3 mile ascent to the summit of Cape Smokey (elevation 366 meters), with a breath-taking view of the ocean and its coastlines. We were there in the early evening so while one member of the group went salmon fishing the others sat outside on the beautiful grounds. Here we begin a 6 mile moderate descent to Pleasant Bay on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 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