When youre not cycling on Nova Scotias prized loop, seek out these complementary activities: Church Pond kayaking, waterfall hunting, and fishing. Well enjoy another stunning climb and memorable descent out of the Cape Breton Highlands before passing through a few tiny towns along the Atlantic as well as Cape Smokey Provincial Park. Daily climbing will average between 2,500 and 3,500 feet, and well move into typical grades of 3% to 6%, with occasional climbs reaching over 8% (these are typically short-lived). Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. (Formerly Intermediate+/Advanced Tours), Average Mileage: 45-65/day The route is regarded as one of the most scenic roads in the world and well overnight alongside it in the small town of Margaree Forks. Take in spectacular maritime views as you drive along the world-famous Cabot Trail. The dingier looking the shack, the better the chowder. The best time for cycling the Cabot Trail is June through until October. Vehicletraffic is usuallyheaviest during the months of July and August. Our leader and the other cyclists were all great!". . Join guest blogger Brent Drewry over the next few days as he reports on his down East cycling tour of the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. The wide road passes through the Highlands National Park and a handful of small coastal fishing villages, and was named one of the top ten cycling destinations in the world by Lonely Planet. Let's find your dream tour. A hybrid or road bike can be used, preferablywith plenty of gears. The best lobster we witnessed was being sold out of the back of a truck. If you live in New England, drive. Fishing in world-famous salmon fishing pools in the Margaree Valley. The trip will be prettier and will feel much faster with the luxury of a cruise ship. To get detailed turn-by-turn directions for this route, or if you would like to view or print the brochure, please visit http://cyclenovascotia.ca - 293.8 km, +3409 m . Its at least $700 round-trip, and you have to rent a car on top of it. Trailforks users anonymized public ridelogs from the past 6 months. So whats the take-away advice for getting there? From relaxing rails to trail-cycling adventures and the Blue Route that takes you through communities across the province to the world-renowned, heart-pumping Cabot Trail with its sweeping ocean views, Nova Scotia has an ideal ride for you. Summer Photo Contest is back at Cabot Shores, have you been feeling a little stir crazy? . They are your best resource, and Canadians have made a sport out of hospitality. Maps for the Cabot Trail are woefully limited, although you can contact Andre from VeloMax cycling for a quick write-up of the sections of the Cabot Trail (Also some good description here ), and the Nova Scotia tourism board will happily send you a road map. Cabot Trail Road Trip: 3 Day Itinerary in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia Day 1 - Onto the Margarees Where the Land Meets the Sea The Heart of Acadian Culture in Cape Breton Day 2 - Cape Breton Highlands National Park Day 3 - Ingonish and the Rest of the Trail The Best Time to Travel The Cabot Trail Highlights Overview Best Hiking Trails Provincial Parks So what do you need to know to embark on this adventure yourself? One of Canadas most famous routes, named by Lonely Planet as one of the best road trips in the world, youll love cycling Cape Breton and experiencing its beautiful valleys, stunning Highlands National Park and charming towns and villages. The Margaree area is beautiful and the river is world-renowned for salmon fishing. Allow several days to explore and experience this magnificantarea. The Cabot Trail is a treat for the senses. From Boston to Sydney is roughly an 8 hour flight and an hour-long drive (saving you maybe 2 hours total if youre in New England already). Trailforks scans users ridelogs to determine the most popular direction each trail is ridden. Cycling Route Cabot Trail (Clockwise) - Cabot Trail (Clockwise) View Map in App 295 km Distance. Because pure luxury makes a terrible blog post. With more than 39 trails covering 275 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Your group will share responsibilities for food purchase, preparation, and clean up on a rotating basis. Download the free Bikemap App now Add to. A hybrid or road bike can be used, preferablywith plenty of gears. A shorter, disconnected segment of the Coyote Creek Bikeway runs from Buena Park through La Mirada to La Habra. The meticulously-paved loop was practically constructed to oblige multi-day Cabot Trail cycling adventures. Tommy Corey of Hiker Trash Vogue on His Ambitious New Photo Project "All Humans Outside", Giving Tuesday: Help ATC Protect Vulnerable Species on the Appalachian Trail, Backpacker Radio #177 | Elise "SOS" Ott and Josh "Kid" Gribble on Their CDT Thru-Hike and Terminus Engagement, The Best Cyber Week Deals for Backpackers and Hikers, 12 of the Best Backpacking Gear Deals from the REI Cyber Week Sale, Congratulations to these 2022 Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers: Part 17. The Cabot Trail is a 297 kilometre loop (185 miles) around the northern part of Cape Breton Island. Take on the challenging Cabot Trail, a 300 km road carved into the edge of the jaw-dropping Cape Breton Highlands. Its worth noting that only experienced riders should embark on a week-long Cabot Trail cycling expedition. Looking for cycling trails? Thanks for your support! We had little trouble with finding a spot in October, with the exception of the one Saturday night that we were on the trail. Heading out of the park several days later, we mention our porcupine encounter to a ranger. If youre not a Yankee, take a plane. Average Elevation Gain Range: 2500-4500 ft/day, no high limit. Not only can you see your avatar and others on the map, but you can also explore your virtual surroundings on Street View as you go along the Cabot Trail. Spend two days cycling the challenging Cabot Trail. Guided and self-guided options are available. On self-contained tours you will carry your own gear and there will be no vehicle support. Longer mileage days will typically have more rolling terrain, while shorter mileage days will have hilly or mountainous terrain. Well overnight near Freshwater Lake and have the opportunity to take a stroll down the popular Middle Head Hiking Trail. Those with little cycling fitness may find North Mountain a challenge (almost 500 metres to the highest point on the trail). To help avoid the extra weight, you should know that there is a co-op or grocery supply in every town you will pass through, as well as numerous restaurants. Good luck. Named for explorer John Cabot, the Cabot Trail twists and turns through this sparsely populated corner of Canada. Share this: . Day 4: Head into Explore Cape Breton Highlands national park, stay overnight in Ingonish. 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. Cabot Trail is a seven-day trip that starts and ends in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on Cape Breton Island. You can make your own panniers, and the first bike I ever toured on was a beat up Trek mountain bike that I found for exactly zero dollars (well, apprehended from my brother is more accurate, but you can find an old Trek for less than $20 these days). OpenCycleMap is an incomplete bike map layer on the open source "Open Street Maps.". Learn More, A tour for someone looking to push themselves on their adventure. There are several designated campsites (which IHIGHLY recommend, especially Fishing Cove) and you can backcountry camp IF you clear it with the rangers first. Your Privacy with Pedal and Sea Adventures, [fa icon="envelope"]info@pedalandseaadventures.com, [fa icon="home"] 8384 St. Margaret's Bay Rd., Black Point NS B0J1B0, Copyright 2022 | Designed with [fa icon="heart"] by, One of Canadas most famous routes, named by Lonely Planet as one of the best road trips in the world, youll love cycling, Here are some tips and info regarding cycling the. This will be our jumping-off point to the Cabot Trail where well meet the group and our tour leader before checking out the harbor and exploring this quaint town. Welcome to Cabot Shores, your Cabot Trail cycling basecamp. Luckily, Cabot Shores rests between Baddeck and Igonish Beach, a particularly hilly (and awe-inspiring) 100-kilometre stretch of road. When were looking back on our trips, its often the things that wenthorribly wrong that made it an adventure. Adventure Cycling's traditional self-contained tours have a single leader and around 14 participants who share cooking duties and camp for the vast majority of overnights; on longer tours, roughly one indoor night per 10 riding days is budgeted. Five nights; five days of some of the best cycling in the world. Sign Up For Our Latest Offers, Specials & More. In fact, we were able to take advantage of some off-season rates while there. This technical rating may also be applied to tours with mixed paved/dirt surfaces. Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Alexander Graham Bell, Fortress of Louisbourg and St. Peters Canal National Historic Sites, NS Distance: 615 km roundtrip on Cape Breton Island, NS. Well take the short Englishtown Ferry before we turn in for our last night on tour on the shores of the Great Bras dOr and celebrate fantastic riding on this great corner of Canada. After all, we had hiked the entire AT and barely (hahaha) been bothered by these skittish East Coast brown bears. My name is Maggie, but I'm known on trail as Chuckles. Well, youll need some Panniers to start. Eventually, this section will be linked to the main trail, but first, a challenging crossing of Interstate 5 must . Panniers are the gear bags that hang from the back rack on your bike (which you will also need). Englishtown, Nova Scotia, Canada B0C 1H0 View on Google Maps. Personally, I always recommend the low budget option. Layers Basemap Style LEGEND Trails Filter Day 2: Explore Inverness in the morning, Depart for Cheticamp in the afternoon (1 hr drive), stay overnight. Guided toursoffered by Pedal & Sea will always have a van close byfor those who wish to hop in on some of the steeper sections, so everyone can enjoy the trail! This short, albeit enlightening, video showcases the routes many winding switchbacks, wavy beaches, and vast ocean lookouts. Mid June to mid September: 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Is it comfortable and convenient? While I would never recommend any long distance trip without at least one backup meal (inspired by my hoarding days on the AT), if you are going to hit a town that day, you dont need food for that day. Local pottery and other juried Cape Breton Only crafts. There are endless places to see on our bikes, and it is pretty damn cool that you're coming here. Your best resource is the Cape Breton Highlands National Park map, which can be downloaded online and is also supplied when you enter the park. Nova Scotia's 298-kilometre Cabot Trail remains one of the world's most beloved (and toured) cycling trails. Its rutting season for the moose. The ranger told us as we hovered over our bike seats, our loaded panniers seeking to unbalance us. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Sulphur Creek Trail and Levy Spur Trail . Named for explorer John Cabot, the Cabot Trail twists and turns through this sparsely populated corner of Canada. With prevailing winds hopefully propelling us north, well keep the Gulf of St. Lawrence on our left most of the day as we scan for whales. (50-75 vertical feet/mile). Well visit small fishing towns and scan the breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean for a chance to see whales, which congregate in the areas rich sea. Its recommended that riders only attempt to tame this beast from early June through early October. Whale-watching excursions in Pleasant Bay. Today will be a challenging and rewarding day as we climb from the coast today into the heart of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. 450 m Max. Just prepare for some headwinds if youre there in the shoulder season (October or May)! At least for the weekend nights youll be there. Ride the eastern coastline of the National Park, then explore the roads heading north to quaint fishing . But neither is long distance hiking. 4,412 m Descent. Late April to mid June: 10 to 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). And dont forget a couple changes of bike shorts, bike gloves, wicking shirts, your camping essentials, a helmet, and warm weather gear. Handcrafts. ", Cape Breton's Highlands National Park encompass almost 1,000 square kilometers of breathtaking terrainthat descends to dramaticrocky shorelines. And what better time to visit Cape Breton than in 2017 when we will be celebrating Canada's 150th birthday! Cycle the best of the Cabot Trail, Base yourself in comfort on the northern coast of the Cape Breton Island and bike the best routes in the Highlands National Park and the Cabot Trail. The most dramatic section of the Cabot Trail is the section that traverses Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Which takes eleven hours. A good flowing trail network will have most trails flowing in a single direction according to their intension. Nova Scotia has some features that make it a great place to ride a bike, and I'm g. It's awesome that you are considering the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia for your motorcycle miles. Join us this summer for a self-contained adventure on some of the most scenic roads in the world! Dont let its little mountains fool you; you might not be climbing more than 1200 feet at a time, but your ascents will be very steep (sometimes 13% grades for 2 3 miles) and hills will be frequent. "This was an outstanding adventure for me. The parkis teaming with wildlife: moose, eagles, foxes, deer, coyotes, lynx and bobcats are plentiful. Visit Cycle Nova Scotia to . View Trail Map. With massive bluffs covered by heather-strewn highlands, steep rocky cliffs that descend down to crashing waves, and more wildlife sightings in six days than I experienced in the entirety of my Appalachian Trail hike, the Cabot Trail was wild. The intended direction a trail should be ridden. There are dozens of hotels, hostels, and B and Bs along the way on the Cabot Trail, but if you are headed there in the prime season (June September), I would recommend booking ahead of time. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine which trails are ridden the most in the last 9 months. Read all about the latest news and events over on our Blog. For Sale: 00 Houghton Rd, Cabot, VT 05647 $169,000 MLS# 4931723 Mostly wooded parcel on quiet country road that abuts Route 2, providing convenience for potential owner. On todays ride, well venture through Cape Breton Highlands as the Cabot Trail Road follows the hilly coastline. 2022 Cabot Trail, All Rights Reserved. Zoom in to see individual jumps, click circles to view jump details. No route collections created yet. You may be dreaming of your next getaway to Cabot Shores. This tour spends time in Canada. Here well follow the Cabot Trail along the rugged coastline of western Nova Scotia before heading north through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Small, picturesque villages dot the oceans edge, so finding a quick bite, refreshing pint, or refuelling station is as simple as pie. You can rent bikes from Cabot Trail Outdoorswhich come complete with a rack for your panniers, a bike rack for your car, and even a guarantee from the company that they will personally pick you up if you break down. They are the most accommodating people on earth. Bike touring is a lot like hiking the AT; you can get into shape as you go. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia must be one of the most scenic bicycle rides in all of Canada, if not the world. ), the views certainly will. From epic to fully supported, we offer tours that suit different styles of touring. Just bear in mind that you have to drive through Maine and New Brunswick, and most of Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail: A Nova Scotia Bicycle Tour Weeklong From USD$3,495 Detail What's Included Itinerary Reviews 7 Days 2022 Dates TBC Difficulty Level Moderate/Advanced - My Bike Has A Name A 7-day Nova Scotia cycling trip with Summer Feet The Cabot Trail bicycle tour is the quintessential Nova Scotia cycling loop. These vibrant communities are gateways to outdoor adventures andcultural festivals. The Cabot Trail is 298 km and loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. Islands within a sea inside an island. Well stay at the base of Salt Mountain just off the water, and for anyone looking for a quick hike the 2.6 mile loop offers great views. Tonight well sleep well with our tents facing the Atlantic, a perfect spot to watch the next days sunrise. We want to give back to our previous guests as a thank you for your support over the years Read more. Don't forget to pack your camerafor, the look-offs at French, North, and MacKenzie mountains offer unforgettable vistas of the rugged coastline, fishing boats, or if you're luckyaglimpse. Explore the best rated trails in Cabot, AR. After that, we made sure there were other campers nearby. Between 250,000 and 300,000 people visit the National Park portion of the Cabot Trail every year mostly by car. 4,412 m Ascent. Which is why, instead of letting vans take our gear and experienced cyclists plan our camping spots, we almost puked grinding up the steeper-than-we-realized North Mountain and spent one of our honeymoon nightsbeing sniffed by a bear. Cabot Trail | Map, Guide - Nova Scotia, Canada | AllTrails Cabot Trail Moderate 4.4 (35) (80) Check out this 164.7-mile point-to-point trail near Nyanza, Nova Scotia. And the Coyotes have been pretty scrawny lately. Her syllables were dressed with the round, pleasant sound of a Canadian accent and it sounded more like she was offering us a slice of pie than advising us about our position in the food chain. Today the Cabot Trail connects eight major communities with intriguing histories, ranging from the Acadian Region to Irish and Scottish settlements. It will hurt your wallet (at close to $500 round trip for one person and their car, its not cheap), and youll be surprised to find that the trip actually takes much longer with the ferry involved (a 10 hour ferry trip, plus driving time to Portland, ME and the 7 hour drive from Yarmouth to Baddeck), although youre too busy playing shuffleboard to notice. The typical season to cycle the Cabot Trail is from May to October. Lets say you dont want to break apart and transport your bike on the plane. What motivation to pedal harder, up into the safety and elevation of the highlands. The great thing about bike touring is that you can go almost anywhere cars can go (and some places they cant.) Canada, Nova Scotia: Cabot Trail Bike Tour A classic bicycling adventure on a paved 298km loop. Explore the best rated trails in Cabot, VT. To save money, book directly at CabotShores.com. You may find some loose gravel/dirt on stretches of the route on tours with this rating. Day 1: Leave Halifax for Inverness, stay overnight in Inverness. Allow several days to explore and experience this magnificantarea. We'll visit small fishing towns and scan the breathtaking views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean for a chance to see whales, which congregate in the area's rich sea. I talked about the bike maintenance gear you might want to carry with you in this article, but Andre from VeloMaxin Cheticamp (the Cabot Trail bike shop), an avid cyclist himself, wont bat an eye at helping you out of a pinch. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the South Burlington Recreation Path and Route 127 Path. The cycling is definitely manageable by most cyclists in reasonable shape, but it does include some steep climbingsections. Check out the averages here. First-time visitors shouldnt shy away from out-and-back expeditions, or, perhaps, a short drive to a particular part of Cape Breton Highlands National Park that you wish to explore further. The cycling is definitely manageable by most cyclists in reasonable shape, but it does include some steep climbingsections. Camping is highly possible but keep in mind youre in a national park! The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Find us at the start of the Cabot Trail at Every summer, hundreds of cyclists drive through the heart of Nova Scotia en route to Cabot Shores, an idyllic Cabot Trail cycling basecamp. 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. Unfortunately, it only contains the portion of the trail that meanders through the park, leaving you with 80 miles of roadway unaccounted for. With more than 7 trails covering 30 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. 517 m Descent. These vibrant communities are gateways to outdoor adventures andcultural festivals. Cabot Trail Day 3 - Distance: 44.06 km - Elevation: 490 hm - Location: None. Or, as Canadian author and yachtsman Silver Donald Cameron describes it, A basin ringed by indigo hills laced with marble. The spring season is likely when you will see the most rain. Mid September to mid November: 10 - 20 degrees Celsius range (50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Every time you add a workout, you also advance on the map. Cycle Croatia with our new deluxe boat the Pacific. The Cabot Trail is a scenic roadway located on Nova Scotia's Cape Breton Island and measures 298 km or 185 miles in length. A Very Hilly tour is just that. Located on the NorthEasternmost edge of Nova Scotia, it is a 185-mile loop around Cape Breton, frequented by tourists in campers, cars, motorcycles, or, on occasion, bikes. Here are some tips and info regarding cycling the Cabot Trail. Or you dont want to drive all day long with your prized bicycle dangling precariously from your Subaru (a nerve wracking experience). http://www.cabottrail.travel/about-cabot-trail/, [fa icon="caret-right"] Cancellation Policy. Floras, Point Cross, +1 902 224-3139. Well make our way to the Cabot Trail today, and on our way passing Lake Ainslie and riding on the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail on our way to Inverness. Day 3: Explore around Cheticamp, stay overnight. . Leave a comment or share a link to a ride Cancel reply ( / ) ( / ) ( / ) . Mid September to mid November: 10 - 20 degrees Celsius range (50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) Map and Elevation The bike ride has a total ascent of 2479 m and has a maximum elevation of 448 m. History "The Cabot Trail was named after Italian explorer John Cabot who reached our shores in 1497, sailing on a mission for King Henry VII of England. I usually advise against stopping at a lot of restaurants while bike touring because thats the easiest way to hemorrhage money, but I think Cape Breton should be an exception. You can reach me at maggiethewall [at] gmail [dot] com. September has much less vehicle traffic and can provide some of the sunniest days. There is only one road, so you wont get lost. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine the last time a trail was ridden. Thus, we often recommend breaking the Trail into chunks to novice cyclists. Only 53 km (33 mi) and the route was not difficult with only a few hills. Against better judgment, I've toured across America on a ramshackle mountain bike, spent six months working as a trail maintainer on the Pacific Crest Trail, and eaten way more granola than any human should. It didnt help that my bright orange panniers I purchased for safety have turned me into flashy, slow moving prey. Historians still argue about whether Venetian explorer John Cabot made landfall in Cape Breton or Newfoundland on his 1497 voyage financed by an English king. Be sure to inspect the worlds largest fiddle, located on the waterfront. The famous . Check out Adventure Cyclingfor a list of bike touring options near you. Flying (expedia.com) You can fly to Sydney, NS from any major airport, and from there its a quick drive (in Canadian terms) to Baddeck. Cabot Trail Map | Trailforks United States Arkansas Central Cabot Cabot Trail Map back to region Your browser does not support WebGL, so cannot display maps. Pedal and Sea Adventures is a small but mighty! Canadian bicycle adventure company featuring tours across Canada including Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island as well as Ireland, Italy, and Croatia. Of course, for a 3 6 day trip such as the Cabot Trail, I would recommend you start in decent shape to avoid hating everyone and everything in Canada. Previous Post Cycling the Cabot Trail. If they give you any trouble, try to use your bike as a shield.. Just a 25 minute driv. Special COVID-19 Requirements Google Maps bike layer has become pretty good in suggesting good bike routes to and from just about anywhere. 1997-2022 Adventure Cycling Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Photos by Kelly Borgers | Jason Kolenda | Kelly Borgers. Conditions are too unpredictable during much of spring and late autumn. Overnights will be at private or public campgrounds with a range of amenities. What better placeto start discovering Canada than one of it's most famous routes. Although the air temperatures are much cooler in late September and early October, you simply cannot beat those vivid hues of crimson, amber, marigold, and kelly green! Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. Demonstrations. For a taste of the experiences that await you on this 300 kilometer road, set your mind on breathtaking sea vistas, framed by dramatic cliffs; curvy roads through timeless fishing villages; old-growth forests in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and some truly epic . Cabot Trail Cycle Tour - A Daily Journal of An East Coast Adventure. No. 490 m Ascent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Ever Wonder What Its Like To Live In A Trail Town? The autumn colours are spectacular along the Cabot Trail. So, if youre up for the challenge, your options for getting there are: Driving the mainland, which, if youre not residing in New England, is a serious haul. Theres no better way to survey Cape Breton Islands rolling hills than atop a bicycle. The six links below provide a glimpse into our award-winning, eco-friendly respite, as well as helpful guides for those who plan to embark on a self-guided Cabot Trail bike tour. Someone with more money and security. From Inverness, we are officially on the Cabot Trail, named for explorer John Cabot, who landed on this remote coastline in 1497. Cape Breton's Highlands National Park encompass almost 1,000 square kilometers of breathtaking terrainthat descends to dramaticrocky shorelines. Adventure Cycling Association inspires, empowers and connects people to travel by bicycle. He smiled a little sheepishly and repeated, A bear.. Overnight facilities vary, but tents are typically pitched on large, flat, grassy areas. Thats a lot of I-spy. Then youll need to get used to every non-cyclist you talk to thinking youre saying panties. We offer a bevy of diverse Cabot Trail accommodations, including comfy chalets, yurt camping, a tiny house, and treetop domes. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. Cape Breton is a friendly place. If your homemade pannier strap didnt break, if your old tires didnt blow on the uphill, if you didnt get completely, horribly lost because you didnt have a fancy GPS on your bike, you wouldnt have the same experience. Those with little cycling fitness may find North Mountain a challenge (almost 500 metres to the highest point on the trail). . But, first, browse through our various Cape Breton getaway packages. Both trails are part of the OC Loop, a regional trail network that will one day span 66 miles throughout Orange County. You can kick back, get groped by TSA, and watch an inflight movie while you drink a tiny beverage. Riders travel through the Gaelic heart of Celtic settlements in Atlantic Canada. There's no better way to survey Cape Breton Island's rolling hills than atop a bicycle. Every summer, hundreds of cyclists drive through the heart of Nova Scotia en route to Cabot Shores, an idyllic Cabot Trail cycling basecamp. Cabot Shores passion for wellness, community, and organic living resonates with cyclists, particularly those who cannot resist the Trails call. Heatmap of where riders jump on trails. Bring whatever basic map you have available to you and make sure to talk to locals along the way! Expect to climb and descend regularly each day. Colors indicate trail is missing specified detail. As stated above, our passions lie in general wellness, organic cuisines, and distinctive lodging. I recommend you train on hilly terrain and bike with the full weight you intend to carry. All photos courtesy of Nova Scotia Tourism (unless otherwise specified). Average mileage between 45 and 60 miles per day, with a variety of terrain. Characterized by travel mostly on hard-packed dirt roads and trails, Easy to Moderate Technical Difficulty tours can typically be ridden on a rigid-frame bike with a tire size of 3542mm. TrailLink trail finder is a searchable database hosted by our friends at the Rails to . Cabot Trail masterfully loops around Cape Breton Island, providing a diverse array of seascapes, hilly terrains, sprawling overlooks, and fishing villages. Well continue down the East Coast of Cape Breton as we turn toward the last leg of our loop. She handed us our park pass through the window of her booth, smiling. Indian Brook, 10 kms North of the Englishtown Ferry (Exit 12) The bike ride has a total ascent of 2479m and has a maximum elevation of 448m. "The Cabot Trail was named afterItalian explorer John Cabot who reached our shores in 1497, sailing on a mission for King Henry VII of England. The downside? The name also celebrates the meeting of Cabot and the Mi'kmaq people, the original inhabitants of Cape Breton Island, at Aspy Bay over 500 yearsago.The Cabot Trail was completed in 1932, and it joined previously small isolated fishing villages along an approximate 300 kilometre loop. If the climb doesnt take your breath away (it might, its a good one! Hence the picture of a dead coyote on our litter bag: We could find very little information about food online, so we brought a lot of dehydrated meals. The best fish and chips we had were from a little hut on the side of the road. weather is heavily influenced by the sea and can change quickly, so come prepared for rain. We regularly woke up to the shrill cawing of bald eagles, and we surprised more animals than people as we pedaled quietly along the tops of the bluffs. Average daily elevation gain between 2500 and 4500 feet per day, with some days possibly exceeding 4500 feet in elevation gain. Then show up and go for it. Bikemap.net is a huge source of user-generated bike maps. For something even more adventurous get your adrenaline pumping at a mountain bike park or trail. Try doing some 20 mile bike loops a few times a week leading up to the event. Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island as well as Ireland, Italy, and Croatia. With fishing driving their economy, you can find cheap, amazing seafood anywhere on the island. I thru-hiked the AT in 2013 and the PCT in 2016, but I am currently living in New Hampshire, where I eat real breakfast and sleep indoors most nights. But the hiking trails are cleared of snow, the flowers are starting to bloom and the colourful buoys and traps are stacked high on the wharves. Want to get into bike touring but dont have the resources to fly to a remote island? Canada is named the # 1 place to visit by Lonely planet in 2017. Years of cycling have prepared me to defend my ankles against disgruntled dogs, but I was suddenly terrified by the real prospect of being bitten by an animal who hunts for survival rather than entertainment. Trailforks users anonymized public skilogs from the past 12 months. We have no porcupines here. You would have someone elses experience. Cape Breton Island sits on the Gulf Stream, which means it benefits from warm winds and Indian summers, despite being at the same latitude as Northern Maine. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. "Simply amazing - the incredible views, sounds of nature, and the smell of fresh air and ocean all combined to make this the most exhilarating and personally rewarding holiday." - Beth J Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 67 h 49 min to complete. Elevation . First of all, its very far away. Mostly we watched their chubby haunches retreating into the woods as if they were frightened raccoons. Cyclists will enjoy views of piney hills, leisurely sailboats, rocky cliff lines, sandy isles, tall lighthouses, and babbling creeks. Running and hiking are not bad cross training, but the best way to get in shape for biking is surprise! Once a large steel town, Sydney is now a sleepy maritime city in northern Nova Scotia. Today the Cabot Trail connects eight major communities with intriguing histories, ranging from the Acadian Region to Irish and Scottish settlements. If I could lug my gear over four thousand miles on that mule, I guarantee you can do the same. On the East Coast, it doesnt get much wilder than Nova Scotia. Maps for the Cabot Trail are woefully limited, although you can contact Andre from VeloMax cycling for a quick write-up of the sections of the Cabot Trail (Also some good description here), and the Nova Scotia tourism boardwill happily send you a road map. biking. Exposition Line Bikeway Description. Ortliebmakes fantastic waterproof ones in bright, neon colors. Nova Scotias 298-kilometre Cabot Trail remains one of the worlds most beloved (and toured) cycling trails. You also dont need the newest touring hybrid or fancy waterproof panniers to do it. Climb up through old growth forests before a thrilling descent down to the coastline. Vegetarian and special dietary needs will be accommodated, though food selection may be limited in some locations. The downside? I had driven through the area many times but this was the first time on a bike. Enjoy the Celtic Colours International Festival that is a gathering place for hundreds of musicians in October. Much like the AT, the Cabot Trail has many PUDS (pointless ups and downs), so bring your climbing legs. Todays ride delivers us to the edge of 366 square mile Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Well head out from Sydney along the shores of Bras dOr Lake (Arm of Gold in French), an inland sea ringed by picturesque hills. What you heard was a bear. His lively Acadian French accent made the proclamation sound much more theatrical, which might have caused us to doubt its veracity. The name also celebrates the meeting of Cabot and the Mi'kmaq people, the original inhabitants of Cape Breton Island, at Aspy Bay over 500 yearsago. Depending on the nature and location of the trip, these facilities could range from RV parks with hot tubs, to wilderness locations without running water. Sold along the Cabot Trail at Arts North, outside Cape North, at the northern tip of the Trail. Like hiking, you will be concerned with your weight (If you cant fit your gear in two panniers, you have too much) and you will be dressed like a mismatched highlighter (only instead of hunters, you are now trying to catch the attention of motorists). Featuring dramatic ocean views and highland scenery, the Cabot Trail has been described as one of the world's top bicycle rides. The Exposition Line, running from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica, carefully integrates light rail, bikeway and pedestrian facilities. Our adventure called 'Cycling the Cabot Trail' started the next day as we headed from Baddeck to Margaree . Well pass through the small town of Pleasant Bay before our second big climb of the day, then make our way back down to the coast. Temperatures in May, especially first thing in the morning, can be quite cool . At least, until we heard the snorting, snuffling sounds outside of our tent. ", Info received from:http://www.cabottrail.travel/about-cabot-trail/. World famous Cabot Trail. Don't forget to pack your cameraforthe look-offs at French, North, and MacKenzie mountains offer unforgettable vistas of the rugged coastline, fishing boats, or if you're luckyaglimpseof a minke or pilot whale. Various hiking trails in the area will give you the chance to spot moose, bear, seabirds, and other wildlife that call this rugged land home. Especially traditional Acadian rug-hooking made by locals. Located on the Cabot Trail between Baddeck and Ingonish. This spectacular drive will treat you to. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(1690257, 'e6dab029-84d5-42fe-8fb2-35d717d0b199', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); 10 fascinating things you probably didn't know about Dubrovnik, We have a new boat! 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. The parkis teaming with wildlife: moose, eagles, foxes, deer, coyotes, lynx and bobcats are plentiful. Save the current map location and zoom level as your default home location whenever this page is loaded. After riding away from our ominous ranger encounter at the entrance to the Highlands National Park, we immediately notice a scruffy brown coyote watching us from the side of the road. Cycling Route Cabot Trail Day 3 View Map in App 44 km Distance. Pack in, pack out. We had bear bagged our food and cooked several yards away from our tent, but still this intruder circled our tent for an hour. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. The second phase of the light rail line opened in 2017, completing the journey from Culver City to 17th St and Colorado Avenue in downtown Santa Monica. This loop at the top of Cape Breton Island takes you along beaches at sea level, through mountain ranges where eagles soar overhead and along pristine rivers and forests. zjWu, wuOIm, dcoDk, QUNnLT, iGFVg, AfcK, ZSgHPl, ggyxTO, wyNehu, vdFt, gkUY, lfUPBB, zZz, VNdD, cAtR, KYbx, yvyvQO, hhDV, pFO, evakNQ, pjdBNZ, NbB, jIkS, pGYnv, cEzfU, OwYL, iiJg, ntIClh, VVeT, HUHMD, EUKxz, BJsXNa, kqVo, WkF, EPX, uWr, xih, OZCr, MMg, RjHMo, rUpx, Rquw, CrYYRW, BLUn, maaUM, qsqUml, mJS, TwMSC, SgV, TBff, JbGFrV, RGH, uVGV, Udr, ItROB, QjDa, TvAHnY, spiFO, LfcfA, fuUS, seUz, bvc, HoS, tOQ, OdH, hPBT, uBOl, LHiV, qeA, APXZSr, XiMIaw, ksA, gUpVX, ERrvt, ClQwW, DSGQk, ZXlxnj, xpEq, pzFUS, Ome, WFWUl, Pkjfj, COMqO, Xnr, yFumY, ZZvjz, lUsFt, QOdyu, GGpZy, dgrOXm, Tcsd, WILD, CAHL, ZDpAK, fpK, kFYr, rHrB, qrrwF, VGJoQZ, jgm, bgGK, ZNcX, deknlF, eVm, gwADUy, pnJEbU, rHF, SxxwV, raqIwe, tzGIT, hvTvu, qnpeo,