Cycle Canada's Cabot Trail - The Itinerary
Our first day on Cycle Canada's Cabot Trail will include a brief orientation and brunch in Baddeck. We'll cycle a short distance over rolling terrain to our campsite for the night. On this day you'll have a chance to stop by the Gaelic College, the only one of its kind in North Amercia. You'll be greeted by a piper and if we're lucky we'll catch the lunch time "ceilidh" . The music and songs of a ceilidh have common roots in Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Brittany, giving us a living record of the history of settlements in the region.
Leaving camp, it's easy riding until the base of the climb around Cape Smokey. Your reward is a spectacular ocean view at the top. After the descent the ride is mainly close to the coast with many great views. Past Neil's Harbour we take a road that hugs the ocean coast — rugged but beautiful scenery.
If you came to climb, day three is your day. We go over three summits. The climb up North Mountain is the toughest. It's
seven kilometres and you do that early. Through most of the day we are in the national park, where the climate is almost alpine. The next two summits are easier and then there is a long descent into Chéticamp. Chéticamp is a busy fishing port and the district is famous for its hooked tapestries.
On our final day we'll provide a choice of routes back to Baddeck and in Baddeck we'll enjoy a seafood dinner (vegetarian for those who prefer) as our farewell meal together.
