Cabot Trail Bicycle Touring Route - The Itinerary
For a supported Cabot Trail Tour please visit: Cycle Canada's Cabot Trail
The start and end point on our self-guided Cabot Trail Touring Route is Baddeck. On day one it's a short distance over rolling terrain to the first overnight stay so you can plan on a leisurely departure from Baddeck. 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.
Day two 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 into Ingonish, the ride is mainly close to the coast with many great views. For part of this section, you are in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
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 the final day there is a choice of routes back to Baddeck.
