Fall 2018
Nova Scotia Cabot Trail Ride
Spend six days cycling through Southern California’s beautiful desert landscapes
About the Ride
The beautiful coast – the most dramatic in Nova Scotia – meets the breathtaking highlands in ways that make you appreciate both to the fullest and the scenic magnificence of the Cabot Trail which can be really savored at the speed of your bicycle
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Halifax, Nova Scotia
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
This is one of the world’s greatest rides; one that all touring cyclists should have on their “must-ride” list! The beautiful coast – the most dramatic in Nova Scotia – meets the breathtaking highlands in ways that make you appreciate both to the fullest and the scenic magnificence of the Cabot Trail which can be really savored at the speed of your bicycle.
The landscape and the people may demonstrate to you why Nova Scotia’s name means New Scotland. You will be able to explore the valley of the Margaree River, rich with salmon and its pursuit, climb the ascents and huge descents of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and on some days expand your rides onto beautiful wooded trails, all while staying at local inns, supporting their unique island economy and enjoying their individuality and charm. Many find that the highlight is a ride through beech woods to salmon pools, where salmon sometimes leap on their way upstream, and you can swim in deep pools below clear waterfalls. The cycling, although manageable by most cyclists includes some challenging sections, but we’re there to offer shuttles and daily mileage options for every cyclist. Local guides and environmental experts will enrich our understanding of the conservation and climate issues facing the Maritime Region.
Daily cycling mileages to suit all types of cyclists. This is a fully supported ride which means you can focus on the pedaling and making connections with your new friends while we take care of everything from overnight details, meals, snacks, luggage transport, and much more to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Learn more in the FAQ.
Photo Gallery
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details.
Transfer to Cape Breton
Meet & greet in downtown Halifax for a 3 ½ hour transfer to Cape Breton departing at 12:00 or 13:00 at the Halifax Stanfield Airport. Settle into your accommodations in Baddeck and enjoy a Climate Ride welcome dinner. Dinner may include live music as an introduction to the unique culture of Cape Breton Island. Enjoy an evening stroll along the boardwalk on the Bras d’Or Lakes to relax and prepare for your 200-mile cycling adventure.
Dinner is included today. Telegraph House Inn & Motel.
Bike 60 Miles | Elevation Gain: 2655 ft
Begin cycling over Hunter’s Mountain (500ft.) and along Middle River Valley to Lake O’Law. There is an optional diversion on very quiet paved and gravel roads to remote locations along the Margaree River Valley, before heading to the east side of Margaree River to the ocean and then along the coast through the Acadian region to Cheticamp. Breakfast and lunch are included today. For your on-your-own dinner, choose from several options along the Cheticamp waterfront.
Laurie’s Motor Inn
Bike 44 Miles plus optional 30 Miles | Elevation Gain: 5110 ft
Today is a challenging day of cycling through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You will climb two ‘mountains’ of about 1400 feet, breaking for a picnic between them, or once you have them behind you. The scenery is awe-inspiring; the ascents are long, and the descents…ahh, the descents! If only they’d go on forever. The extra mileage is beyond your inn’s location, making it easy to decide whether to do it or not.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner are included today. Markland Inn *For guests sharing a room with two beds, please be aware that this accommodation may be a queen bed with a pullout couch.
Bike 35 Miles | Elevation Gain: 1780 ft
Cycle the scenic route between Cape North and Neil’s Harbour, stopping for a short hike at spectacular White Point, where eagles often soar over spouting whales. An independent lunch stop along the way, at the well-known Chowder House, is always enjoyable. Along the route, explore swimming holes, waterfalls, beaches.
Breakfast & dinner are included today. Keltic Lodge Resort
Bike 36 or 50 Miles | Elevation Gain: 2500 ft
A long, undulating ride along the East Coast follows your initial climb over Cape Smokey (950′). Enjoy a picnic feast at Indian Brook or an interesting café in the middle of nowhere, and finish with a ride to Baddeck, or a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Bell’s airplane, the Silver Dart, was airborne about the same time as the Kitty Hawk. Your tour concludes this afternoon in Baddeck by 15:00. Those transferring to Halifax can expect to be at the International Airport by 18:30 or downtown by 19:00.
Breakfast is included today.
Ready to get started?
FAQs and More Info
Accommodations and Meals
This is an all-hotel trip. No camping. Double occupancy rooms. A single supplement may be available if you prefer your own room (based on availability at the hotels).
Plenty of great snacks. Please see Day to Day Overview for meal inclusions – there is one dinner and one lunch on your own. Alcohol not included.
Renting a Bike
Hybrid, performance, and electric bikes are available to rent from our local guides and will be prepared for your for your arrival (additional cost).
Fundraising Beneficiaries
Cyclists can choose from the more than 100 incredible beneficiary organizations in our network! One of the things that make Climate Ride such an effective charitable event is that you can select the organization(s) you wish to fundraise for from our extensive list of beneficiary organizations. Our beneficiaries were selected for their work on the environment, conservation, sustainability, climate education, and active transportation advocacy. At the end of the year, Climate Ride grants the proceeds from our events to these hard-working organizations.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
Fundraising Deadlines:
| $500 to be raised by: | 12/18/2023 |
| $1,100 to be raised by: | 1/1/2024 |
| $2,200 to be raised by: | 2/1/2024 |
Transfer Deadline: TBD (Please read the policies for this event. If you must transfer, you may be able to transfer partial funds to another Climate Ride event.)
Note: If you’d like to register after or near a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!