Named after the famous explorer John Cabot (an Italian, Giovanni Caboto, who sailed under an English flag), the Cabot Trail is one of the world’s most beautiful bicycle routes. The Cabot 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.

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 cycle clockwise around the trail through the Margaree Valley, Chéticamp, Pleasant Bay and Ingonish.

You will have the opportunity to go whale watching, hike the Cape Breton Highlands and relax after an incredible day in the saddle.

“I have travelled around the globe. 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

Day One

A welcome dinner awaits at our historical inn in Baddeck, where you’ll have the chance to feast on fresh lake trout or Digby scallops, arguably the world’s best. This charming hamlet is nestled on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lakes. It’s the place where Alexander Graham Bell tinkered, and where an engaging museum bearing his name is located. You will get there early enough to take in the sights before dinner.

Day Two — 58 km / 36 mi

Leaving your lovely inn, you’ll cycle across the one-lane Baddeck Bridge, where families of bald eagles may be seen showing their young how best to fish. You’ll bike through the splendid Margaree Valley along Lake O’Law. We have an optional 18.7-kilometer bicycle ride in the afternoon, crisscrossing the Margaree River Valley. Your ultimate destination is the Normaway Inn, set upon a beautiful 250 acres. You’ll get your first taste of foot-stomping Cape Breton music in the evening at the Fiddler’s Barn!

Day Three — 50 km / 31 mi (easy to moderate)

Salmon are abundant along the Margaree River making the Margaree Valley an angler’s paradise.  We will hit the coast road and be bound for Chéticamp. Here, have your first chance to go whale watching (at an additional fee), as well as garnering your first glimpse of the highlands, where you’ll be cycling over the next two days.

Day Four — 81 km / 50 mi (challenging)

Today’s ride will soon have you cycling in the Cape Breton Highland’s National Park. The Highlands encompass almost 1,000 square kilometers of breathtaking terrain that descends to dramatic rocky shorelines. The park is teaming with wildlife: moose, eagles, foxes, deer, coyotes, lynx and bobcats are plentiful. We’re heading for Dingwall for the night.

Day Five — 47.5 km / 30 mi (moderate)

You will continue cycling along the Cabot Trail taking the scenic route through Neil’s Harbour on the way to Ingonish. Before lunch, you’ll bike down to the quaint fishing village of White Point, where whales and seals often frolic just offshore. From here we will follow the Cabot Trail to the Town of Ingonish. We will finish our days ride at the beautiful Ingonish Beach and then load up and shuttle back to our accommodations for the night.

Day Six — 32-42 km / 20-26 mi (moderate)

You will continue cycling the Cabot Trail over Cape Smokey where your descent will have you gasping with delight. Before lunch at the Clucking Hen, take the opportunity to visit the area’s local artisans. We will load the bicycles on the van for the return trip to Halifax.

*Please note: Itinerary is subject to change to provide our guests with the best tour experience.

Pick up times and location and drop offs.
PICK-UP - First day of the tour

• Westin Hotel at 10:00 AM

• Halifax Airport Area at 10:30 AM

OR

We can meet you in Baddeck at 1:00 pm

DROP-OFF - Last day of the tour

• Halifax Airport area at 5:30 PM

• Westin Hotel at 6:00 PM

Shall I dress for cycling on the first day?
There will be no cycling on the first day of this tour.

Can I bring my own bike?
Absolutely! All bike types are welcome—road, gravel, hybrid, or e‑bike. If you’d prefer to ride your own bike, we’ll transport it for you on the back of the van if needed. Our team can also assist with basic maintenance and adjustments throughout the trip to keep you rolling smoothly.

Do bikes come with a bag?

Yes – all of our rental bikes come equipped with a rear bag (pannier or trunk bag) or a small bag (Road bike) to carry essentials like snacks, cameras, or extra layers while you ride. Larger luggage will be transported separately by our support van each day.

What happens if it rains on the tour?
Our tours run rain or shine! We recommend packing quality rain gear and layers so you can stay comfortable in wet weather. If the conditions become unsafe (such as high winds or lightning), our support van will be available to shuttle you and your bike to the next stop. We always adapt plans to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Can I not cycle some days?
Yes! If you’d like to take a break from cycling, you’re welcome to ride in the support van to the next destination. Some guests choose to take a day off to relax and recharge by enjoying the views form the van. You are always able to call it a day cycling or start cycling at any point throughout the ride.

Is travel insurance included?
Travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We strongly recommend purchasing your own travel insurance to cover trip cancellations, medical expenses, lost luggage, and any unexpected events before or during the tour.

Do you provide the GPS routes?
Yes – we provide GPS routes for every tour. Before your trip, you’ll receive digital route files that can be used on a GPS device or smartphone app.

What size luggage can I bring?

We recommend bringing one to two carry‑on sized suitcases per person. This helps us fit everyone’s bags comfortably in the support van. Larger items are best left at home, but we can assist with storing any extra luggage that won’t be needed during the tour.

Are tips included in the price?

No – gratuities for your guides are not included and are left to your discretion. As a general guideline, we suggest $20–$25 per guest, per day, per guide. Gratuities for meals and lodging are covered, but bar bills and any personal extras are not included.

Are helmets provided?

Yes – helmets are provided and must be worn at all times while cycling, as they are mandatory by law and the tour operator. Guests are also welcome to bring their own helmet if they prefer to use one they’re already comfortable with.

What comes with the bikes?

• Phone holders

• Water bottle holder

• Water bottle

• Rear bike light