The Cabot Trail: A Nova Scotia Bicycle Tour

A 7-day Nova Scotia cycling trip with Summer Feet

The Cabot Trail bicycle tour is the quintessential Nova Scotia cycling loop. Swooping along the paved highway that hugs the sea wall, we enjoy thrilling coastal scenery before some challenging climbs into Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Along with some of the most stunning natural landscapes in North America, you also might be lucky enough to spot some of the fantastic wildlife that calls this region home, including moose, bald eagles, and multiple species of whales.

Enjoy a Nova Scotia bicycle tour at your own pace…

On other days, we’ll ride gentle, congestion-free roads beside the largest lakes in Nova Scotia: the mighty Bras D’Or and Lake Ainslie. And, of course, no Cape Breton bicycle tour is complete without a visit to Glenora Distillery for a taste of their renowned Glen Breton single malt. Perhaps an after-dinner ceilidh (traditional Scottish communal dance) might even appeal after a dram or two! With your expert Summer Feet guides, you can be assured of a cycling adventure that will be undertaken at a pace that you are comfortable with.

Enjoy an Unforgettable Biking Holiday in Canada…

What are you waiting for? Book your dream Nova Scotia trip today! Below is a detailed itinerary. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

(If you’d like to explore further adventures with Summer Feet, explore our Bicycle Tours in New England and Self-Guided Bike Trips in Europe.)

Highlights

Explore the Cape Breton Highlands “one of North America’s best rides” (Bicycling Magazine)
Experience Coastal Riding and Celtic culture
See whale breaching off the northernmost tip of Nova Scotia

Pricing

The Cabot Trail: $3595.00 pp

Bike Rentals: Choice of hybrid or road bike included
Lodging Extras: Single Supplement: $600

2025 Dates

By Request for 4 or more people

Pickup/Drop Off

Halifax, NS (YHZ)

Itinerary

DAY 1 Transfer From the Halifax Airport, Warm Up Ride and Welcome Reception

Leaders will collect you in Halifax on the first morning of our Cabot Trail bicycle tour. From here we will transfer to Baddeck, a lovely village on the lake. We enjoy a short warm-up ride before a welcome reception to begin our week.

Cycling Options: 14 or 24 miles
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Lodging: First of 2 Nights at The Inverary Resort

DAY 2 The Isle of Iona

This morning we’ll set sail for the Isle of Iona out in the middle of the wide Bras D’Or lake. From the landing we ride around the island on un-trafficked roads with a stop at the Highland Village, a recreation of a 19th century pioneer settlement.

Cycling Options: 43 or 75 miles
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Lodging: Final Night at The Inverary Resort

DAY 3 Lake Ainslie to Glenora

Today we leave Baddeck and ride along the water until we turn inland over rolling hills to the beautiful Margaree Valley. We travel on through more quite back roads and around the clear waters of Lake Ainslie to our home for the night, the Glenora Distillery. Here we can tour the distillery to see exactly how Uisge Beath or Water of Life is made from the pure, clear brook that bubbles outside our rooms that night. After dinner there is always a fiddler in the lounge playing traditional jigs and reels.

Cycling Options: 40, 56, or 68 miles
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Lodging: Glenora Inn

DAY 4 Along the Sea to Cheticamp

On to Cheticamp and Acadian fishing village perched on the shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. After some rolling hills through wooded countryside we emerge to ride close by the sea with stunning vistas on all sides. Stop and visit the spectacular beach and harbor in the old coal town of Inverness before we continue biking to Cape Breton.

Cycling Options: 40 to 68 miles
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Lodging: Lauries’ Motor Inn

DAY 5 Over the Highlands

This is the big one. two challenging climbs of French and North Mountains as we traverse the highlands across the island to Aspy Bay. Take a break from biking to hike the Skyline Trail, a stunning ridge that abounds with moose and vistas that sweep away to the Magdalene Islands far out at sea. Tonight we can have a bonfire on the beach on the shores of Aspy Bay where mountains plunge down into the Atlantic Ocean.

Cycling Options: 46 miles
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Lodging: Markland Coastal Resort

DAY 6 Sea and Mountains

We’ll ride next to the ocean as we continue our Cabot Trail bicycle tour, pedaling to our final destination, the beautiful Keltic Lodge on Middle Head, Ingonish Beach. We’ll start the day with a whale-watching excursion off the northernmost tip of Nova Scotia, and, after a quick lunch, hit the road for some of the most beautiful scenery and sweet riding you’ll find …anywhere!

Cycling Options: 46 to 62 miles
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Lodging: The Keltic Lodge

DAY 7 Climbing Cape Smokey

Our Cape Breton bicycle tour concludes with a dawn ride to the peak of Cape Smokey, high above the sea. After checking out the look-off, we’ll button up our jerseys for the 10 km descent back to Ingonish. Then, after a bountiful breakfast at the Lodge, we’ll load up, say our farewells, and head to Halifax. You’ll take home sweet memories of biking Cape Breton that you will recount fondly for years. We conclude with a transfer back to Halifax

Cycling Options: 18 miles

Please Ask a Question or call us at 1.866-857-9544 if you have any questions.

What's Included

Six nights’ lodging
All lodging taxes and gratuities
Most meals – including six dinners, six breakfasts, and seven lunches
All taxes and gratuities for these meals
Choice of Hybrid or Road bike for the tour
Transfer To/From Halifax, NS

Experienced Summer Feet Guides
Detailed route notes and maps
Van support including fresh water, ample snacks, and “relief rides”
Summer Feet Souvenirs – a cycling water bottle and t-shirt (available in men’s and women’s fit)
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the package price and are always at your discretion

Views were amazing. Guides were friendly and personable. Lobster roll was delicious. I upgraded to the ebike (first time riding one) and 10/10 recommend it. I wasn’t looking for a workout. Just wanted to see the sights and enjoy myself. Portland was my favorite stop from a New England cruise.

Five Stars to Rick (our guide) and the folks at Summer Feet Cycling. The ride was perfectly tailored to our group of nine middle aged individuals. The sights were terrific and the lobster role for lunch was the best I have ever eaten. Thanks for making our time in Maine a memorable experience.

Our Summer Feet cycle along the Maine coast was glorious. In early September, we had perfect weather. We cycled along breathtaking views. Then we caught our breath in quaint Maine towns and fishing villages. Each evening our luggage was waiting for us at a charming inn, where we were served breakfast before heading out the next morning. The Summer Feet staff were friendly and efficient. We will hope to plan another Summer Feet trip soon! Pedal The Coast

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