Nova Scotia Biking: Cape Breton Island
- Pedal along quiet coastal roads, perfect for road cycling
- Enjoy fresh seafood and overnights in quaint coastal towns
- Learn about the rich history of the island at local museums
- Ride through the stunning Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Spot wildlife such as eagles, moose, and whales
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Halifax and OvernightArrive in Halifax at your leisure, and spend the day exploring this vibrant city. Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, explore the public gardens, or stop by the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site before settling in at your accommodation for the evening.
A trio of redbrick heritage townhouses have been cleverly combined to create this charming boutique hotel. Signature dining and individually appointed guest-rooms make The Halliburton a favorite downtown Halifax retreat.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Halifax before catching a midday transfer to Margaree Valley. This evening, enjoy an introduction to the musical culture of Cape Breton Island with live music after dinner at your accommodation.
This beautiful rustic resort, with country-style rooms, is located just off the Cabot Trail near Margaree Forks. Rooms include Wi-Fi, and the on-site restaurant boasts a delicious locally sourced menu.
Your cycling adventure begins as you pedal along the east side of the beautiful Margaree River Valley to its mouth, where you can stop for a lunch of lobster on the beach. If you’re ready to call it a day, catch a ride with the support van. For those wanting a longer ride, follow the ocean through the Acadian region to your destination of Cheticamp. If time permits, spend the afternoon whale watching from the bluffs, hiking to the salmon pools, or simply strolling through the downtown area.
Ride 1: 28 km/17 miles; elevation gain 155 m/510 ft
Ride 2: 54 km/34 miles; elevation gain 344 m/1130 ft
The Maison Fiset House is an elegant retreat on the magnificent Cabot Trail. Built in 1840 and situated in the heart of Cheticamp, enjoy exquisite accommodations with magnificent views of the highlands, harbor and ocean.
Today’s ride brings you through the stunning Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where the mountains meet the sea. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as bald eagles, moose, and even whales. Finish at MacIntosh Brook and catch the van for a shorter day, or enjoy more miles and a heart-pumping ascent before cruising on the downhill to your coastal destination of Dingwall.
Ride 1: 47 km/29 miles; elevation gain 786 m/2579 ft
Ride 2: 78 km/48 miles; elevation gain 1393 m/4570 ft
Enjoy the privacy and seclusion of your own private cottage, only a short walk from the beach. After an afternoon swim enjoy your breathtaking views and a warm meal of wild halibut or lobster at the on-site restaurant.
Your shorter ride today offers magnificent views between Cape North and Neil’s Harbour, and provides the time for a short hike at White Point to spot eagles and whales. Relax after your ride by spending time on the beach, visiting a swimming hole, or hiking to a waterfall.
Ride 1: 28 km/17 miles; elevation gain 306 m/1004 ft
Ride 2: 54 km/34 miles; elevation gain 601 m/1972 ft
Sitting high on top of the peninsula, this historic 1950’s Lodge offers fantastic views, newly renovated guestrooms, an on-site restaurant, 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, spa and is only a short distance from the national park.
Cruise over gently rolling hills today as you pedal along the east coast. Test your legs on the one big climb of the day up and over Cape Smokey, or opt for an easier ride with a van transfer over the challenging cape. This evening, relax at your peaceful inn on the quiet shores of St. Anne’s Bay.
Ride 1: 44 km/27 miles; elevation gain 359 m/1178 ft
Ride 2: 60 km/37 miles; elevation gain 759 m/2490 ft
Situated in historic Baddeck and conveniently located a few blocks from town, enjoy overlooking the picture-perfect harbor and stunning vista of the Bras d’Or Lakes.
Your final ride offers a mix of beautiful riding and fascinating history. Stop along the way at the Gaelic College Great Hall of the Clans Museum, and upon arrival to Baddeck, explore the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. After enjoying lunch in the waterfront town of Baddeck, make the climb over Hunter’s Mountain and along Middle River Valley to finish your adventure with a rejuvenating swim in Lake O’Law. This afternoon, catch an optional transfer to Port Hawkesbury or Halifax for your onward travels. Speak with your adventure specialist in advance to determine your preferred option for onward travel.
Ride 1: 35 km/22 miles; elevation gain 297 m/974 ft
This trip has a carbon score of 15kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 15kg is equivalent to 4.5 cheeseburgers. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This biking holiday in Nova Scotia is perfect for riders seeking to discover a region from the saddle you are comfortable riding a bike over a few consecutive days with a few larger ascents and descents of about 400m. There are shorter and longer ride options each day. The rides are almost entirely on paved and traffic-shared surfaces with exception of the optional ride on the first day. E-bikes are available for hire should you wish to have some battery-powered assistance.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling
Coastal Walking
The minimum age for this tour is: 5 Years
This trip is rated as moderate. There are two days with climbs of about 400m. Riding surface is almost entirely paved and traffic sharing roads with a few short unpaved, gravel sections.
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of accommodation. You will stay in carefully selected 3* small hotels. Your room will always have an ensuite or private bathroom. A delicious breakfast is also included.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we will always try and accommodate you subject to availability. A single supplement is payable. This trip is not available to solo cyclists.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunches and dinners are not included so you are free to choose from the surrounding options. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby restaurants.
Our local partner will provide the GPX tracks and route notes in their smartphone app and they will provide the information on how to download all of this information to your cell/phone on arrival.
- 6 nights in characterful accommodations (B&Bs, lodges, & cabins)
- 6 Breakfasts
- Hybrid Bike rental
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- Detailed pre-departure information pack
- Route instructions
- 24/7 telephone support
- Transfers as per the itinerary
- Travel to/from Halifax
- Lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Additional nights before, during, or after the trip
- E-Bike upgrade
This trip is available mid June to mid October. You can start on any date subject to availability. Nova Scotia is a popular destination with limited lodging capacity, so it is best to book as far in advance as you are able.
Your trip starts and ends in Halifax. You can fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport
Baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 50 lbs / 20 kg per person.
Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice on what to bring. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, including rain gear, sunscreen, and appropriate cycling clothing, as the weather can vary greatly. If you have any questions, we would be happy to share our tips and advice. Please limit your baggage to 1 bag per person of no more than 50 lbs / 20 kg. Your bag will be transported between your inns.
Bike Rental
Hire of a Trek FX2 Hybrid bike, helmet, lock, waterproof bag, flat repair kit, water bottle cage, and first aid kit are included in the trip cost. Please supply us with your height for your bicycle rental so we can make sure your bike is the perfect fit.
E-bikes are also available should you want a little extra assistance to help you along the way. These are subject to availability and require a supplementary payment.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance that covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
-
Save %7 Days 6 Nights0 Reviews
Biking Prince Edward Island
Pedal across Prince Edward Island on the historic, easygoing Confederation Trail.Highlights- Cycle along spectacular red rock coastline
- Enjoy relaxed, mostly car-free cycling
- Visit museums and historic sites along the route
-
Save %7 Days 6 Nights
Cycle Sicily's South
Cycling in Sicily, discovering its UNESCO listed Baroque towns and charming fishing villages.Highlights- Ride from the Mediterranean to the Ionian Sea
- Discover the Baroque cities of Syracuse and Modica
- Indulge in local cuisine; seafood is the specialty
-
Save %7 Days 6 Nights
Cycling Portugal's Atlantic Coast
Enjoy easy-going, flat cycling from Porto south along the rugged Atlantic coast.Highlights- Enjoy the relaxed Portuguese life and culture
- Cycle along canals and through immense pine forest
- Explore the ancient winding streets of Porto
- 12 Days 11 Nights
Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
Walk the entire TMB, staying in comfortable accommodation, with bag transfer included.Highlights- Walk all of Europe’s Classic Alpine trek
- France, Italy and Switzerland on foot
- Stay in hotels and huts in private rooms
- 16 Days 15 Nights
Camino Le Puy Way: Stages 5 & 6
Walk Stages 5 & 6 of the Camino Le Puy pilgrimage route from Lectoure to St Jean Pied de PortHighlights- The gorgeous rolling countryside of Gascony
- Snow-capped Pyrenees Mountains on the horizon
- The ancient walled town of St Jean Pied de Port