A magnificent wilderness, alive with the ever-present scent of the sea. The haunting sound of a distant bagpipe becomes the mystical song of a waterfall. Baddeck, a treasure of a town nestled on the shores of the Bras d'Or Lakes. The Cabot Trail winds like a black ribbon among the cliffs, with breathtaking vistas at every turn. Snow crabs fresh from the sea and fine whiskey from North America's only single-malt distillery. The ancient footpaths of some of Cape Breton's first Scot settlers on Fair Alistairs Mountain. Cheticamp, a vibrant community rich in Acadian culture. Eagles and moose on the Skyline Trail; whales play off the coast. The 'joyful noise' of a ceilidh, the music of Acadian French and the Gaelic still spoken here. A stunning, cliff-bound peninsula juts out into Ingonish Bay. The spectacular view from a top Franey Mountain. A magical experience.
Highlights:
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Cabot Trail
- Mabou Highlands
- Cheticamp: famous for rug hooking
- Keltic Lodge Resort
- Glenora Inn and Distillery
- Whale Watching Cruise
- International Celtic Colours Festival in October
Tour Details:
Level: moderate to challenging hiking
Daily hiking: 4 to 12 miles per day
Tour Dates: July 15-20, July 29-Aug 3, Aug 12-17, Sept 16-21, Oct 7-12
Departure from Sydney, Nova Scotia
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:
We will pick you up at the Cambridge Suites Hotel in Sydney at 10:00 am and whisk you away to the beautiful town of Baddeck, the beginning of the world-famous Cabot Trail, ideally situated on the Bras d'Or Lakes, where Alexander Graham Bell had his cherished summer home for 37 years and where many of his inventions were inspired. After our picnic, we'll follow the trail that explores Baddeck River and the mystically beautiful Uisge Ban Falls (Gaelic for "white water").We'll arrive back in Baddeck in the afternoon to allow free time to explore the town on your own before dinner. Tonight we stay and dine at the beautiful historic Telegraph House Inn. (Hike up to 7 km or 4½ miles, drive up to 1 hour)
Day 2:
Today we will visit the west side of the island and hike the Fair Alistairs Mountain trail in the Cape Mabou Highlands. These trails are ancient footpaths of the first Scottish settlers in Cape Breton. The green hills and blue ocean inspired Conde Nast Magazine to describe this Island as the most beautiful in the world. We'll picnic on the shore where McKinnon's Brook meets the sea and walk a bluff overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence where, on a clear day, you can see Prince Edward Island. An optional climb to the top of Beinn Bhiorach rewards us with a breathtaking view of the coastline. Tonight we'll dine and stay at North America's only single malt whiskey distillery, The Glenora Inn and Distillery, nestled in the hills of Mabou. (Hike up to 13 km or 8 miles, drive up to 2 hours)
Day 3:
We'll enter the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where the Cabot Trail is truly defined by its winding road. We will hike L'Acadian Trail, gradually climbing Burnt Mountain which towers 1000 feet over the Cheticamp River Valley. The breathtaking panoramic views from the summit will reward your efforts. After a delightful picnic we'll walk the Trous de Salmon Trail, on the Cheticamp River with its languid pools interspersed with rushing cascades. Tonight we'll dine at a traditional Acadian restaurant in Cheticamp, where Acadian culture is woven together to create a tremendously vibrant community. We may enjoy a Celtic performance and admire the exquisite hooked rugs and crafts of this area. We'll stay at the hospitable L'Auberge Doucet Inn in the Acadian fishing village of Cheticamp. (Hike up to 21 km or 12½ miles, drive up to 1 hour)
Day 4:
This morning there will be an option of activities that include an exciting whale watching boat tour or a hike that follows a river path to the Corney Brook Falls. After our picnic lunch we'll hike the Skyline Trail with elevations of 1050-1350 feet. It is not uncommon to sight whales, moose and eagles along this trail. We'll take a coastal walk to Le Buttereau, where remnants of the old Cabot Trail can be viewed. Foundations and fields of the early Acadian settlers are visible from this trail. Depending on the weather, an exciting whale-watching boat tour is also available. Tonight, well relax again at the same inn. (Hike up to 15 km or 9 miles, drive up to 1 hour)
Day 5:
This morning we'll hike along the White Point Trail. This hike may provide the most dramatic coastal scenery in Cape Breton. Overlooking Aspy Bay at the end of this point is a cemetery that dates back to the origins of this area as a French fishing village of the late 1700's. After a brief walk through the woodlands of the Lone Sheiling Trail we'll continue to our day's destination, the Keltic Lodge, stunningly located on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, with a backdrop view of Cape Smokey. There is an optional hike on the Middle Head Trail that winds out on this cliff-bound peninsula that splits Ingonish Bay in two. The Keltic Lodge offers fine dining, using the best local produce and fresh seafood. (Hike up to 11 km or 7 miles, drive up to 1 hour)
Day 6:
Our last day there is a choice of one of two exciting hikes. One is around the exquisite, pristine Warren Lake and the other hike is a more challenging climb to 1000 feet and the top of Franey Mountain, one of the highest points in the area. We'll enjoy a spectacular, almost, 360 degree view. We'll arrive back in Sydney and at the end of our adventure, at approximately 4PM. (Hike up to 8 km or 5 miles, drive up to 2 hours)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- All meals
- Lodging at comfortable and often luxurious accommodations
- Knowledgeable and friendly regional guides
- Transportation in modern air-conditioned vans
- All park entrances and other entry fees for museums included in our itinerary
- Fares for ferries
- Whale and seabird watching cruises and tidal bore rafting, where offered
- Gratuities at inns and restaurants
- All taxes.
Not included: airfare, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities for guides.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Nova Scotia
Hiking & Trekking
Wildlife Viewing
|
