Cycling the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton, Canada

Enjoy one of Canada’s – and the world’s – most beautiful bike rides, along the rugged and remote Cape Breton in Nova Scotia (New Scotland).

Named after the famous Italian explorer John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto), the winding paved trail, flanked with massive pink granite cliffs and capped with rugged taiga highlands, plunges from mountain heights to sea level over and over again.

Cycle along the beautiful Margaree Valley, beside the salmon-rich Margaree River to Cheticamp, Pleasant Bay and Ingonish. Head over the spine of the island at Cape Breton National Park, a striking, melancholy moor with stunted hardwood forests and tundra-like meadows.

Along the way, discover charming villages, play golf on the famous Highland Links course and watch pods of whales frolic just off the coast as bald eagles soar overhead.

Rating & distance – A moderate but challenging ride including two 400m climbs. Average 50 to 90km per day, with optional extra riding on and off-road. Requires intermediate fitness levels to cover the 330km.

Time frame – Allow between four and seven days

Accommodation – A range of comfortable country inns.

Best time – Best from spring (June) to autumn (September). Average temperature 15˚C, reaching 25˚C in summer (July/August).

Bicycles – Take your own bike, or rent one when you’re there. Hybrid or mountain-style bikes are recommended.

Other activities – Go whale watching, hike the highlands, play golf or just relax.

Attractions of cycling Cabot Trail
Spot moose, eagles, foxes, deer, coyotes, lynx and bobcats in Cape Breton Highland's National Park – almost 1000m² of breathtaking scenic beauty. Along the coast, watch bald eagles teach their young to fish and pods of whales and seals frolic just offshore.

Hike the highlands through beech woods to salmon pools, where salmon leap on their annual migration upstream. Swim in deep pools below clear waterfalls, tee off at the famous Highland Links golf course and explore quaint fishing villages and charming highland hamlets.