Cape Breton Island Cabot Trail Hiking Tour | Guided

"We loved our Bootprints hiking tour...Vern is an excellent guide - always patient and of good cheer and she knows every inch of the trails."
- M.E.T., USA

The owner of Bootprints was born and raised on Cape Breton Island and understands how the island can touch one's heart. The Cabot Trail is world famous for its beauty and the welcoming nature of its residents. The views in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park are amazing and you will see why tourists flock here every year just to drive around the Cabot Trail.

But for all the beauty that you can see on the drive, it is even more stunning to experience the island on foot. On this trip your boots will take you to places that are well worth the effort. You will climb to some of the most beautiful views in Nova Scotia. Your adventure will bring you to waterfalls, rivers, coves and plenty of lookoffs. You will see cliffs, fishing communities and rugged oceanside. You will visit the world famous Skyline trail and hike by the sea. If you are lucky you may even see moose, eagles or whales!

You'll participate in a First Nation hands-on tour that includes dancing and a smudge ceremony. In Baddeck you will have the opportunity to learn about Alexander Graham Bell who invented the telephone, developed the Silver Dart flying machine and did important work with the deaf.

Let Bootprints show you why visitors fall in love with Cape Breton every year. This holiday gives you six days with hikes included in each day's schedule.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

World-famous Cabot Trail
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Well known Skyline Trail
First Nation culture
Alexander Graham Bell Museum
Oceanside hikes
Waterfalls

DAY 1

Your vacation begins this morning with transport to Cape Breton where you'll trek along a river canyon to a waterfall. For the next 2 nights your home base will be the small French Acadian village of Cheticamp.

Waterfall Hike hikinghikinghiking (easy)
2 hours, 6.5 km (4 miles)

Accommodations The Silver Lining Inn, Cheticamp

DAY 2

Climb almost 350 metres (1130 feet) to panoramic views of the ocean, the Cheticamp River valley and the village of Cheticamp. After a well-deserved lunch we'll finish off the day with a hike on the famous Skyline trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park - home to moose and bald eagles. This trail is fairly level and takes you to a lookoff on the top of French Mountain where you can see the winding Cabot Trail below. You'll get a breathtaking view of the rugged Gulf of St. Lawrence where there are often whale sightings.

Hike to Viewpoints hikinghikinghiking (moderate) optional
gradual elevation gain of 350m (1130 ft), 3-4 hours, 8.4 km (5.2 miles)

Skyline Trail hikinghikinghiking (easy)
1.5 -2.5 hours, 6.5 km (4 miles)

DAY 3

Today you'll stretch your legs on a short waterfall walk and hike another trail with great views of the highlands rising up from the sea. On the drive to Ingonish you'll see more of the spectacular Cabot Trail with views of the ocean, Highlands Plateau, and the Aspy Fault.

Walk to a Waterfall hikinghikinghiking (easy)
30-45 minutes, 1.7 km (1.1 miles)

Hike to Ocean Views hikinghikinghiking (moderate)
gradual climb 150m (500 ft), 3 - 3.5 hours, 8 km (5 miles)

Accommodations Keltic Lodge, Ingonish

DAY 4

A short but steep climb will take you to views of Ingonish and the ocean. You'll also explore a headland where the waves crash against the rugged coast. Another scenic drive along a different stretch of the Cabot Trail will take you to your destination tonight in Baddeck. This town is situated on the salt water Bras d’Or Lake, a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve.

Short Climb hikinghikinghiking (moderate)
short steep climb 150m (475 ft), 1 hour, 2.3 km (1.4 miles)

Headland Walk hikinghikinghiking (moderate)
1 - 1.5 hours, 3.8 km (2.4 miles)

Accommodations Telegraph House

DAY 5

The morning hike takes you to the top of a mountain with views of the vast Bras d'Or Lake. In the afternoon take a walking tour led by Eskasoni First Nation and learn about the Mi'kmaq culture. Stroll along the trails of an island in the Bras D'Or Lake and meet interpretive guides along the way who will teach you about their customs and history. You may take part in a smudge, make a traditional bread over a fire, and be invited to dance.

Climb to Lake View hikinghikinghiking (moderate)
short steep climb 175m (575 ft), 1.5 hours, 2 km (1.2 miles)

First Nations Tour hikinghikinghiking (easy)
2.5 hours, 2.4 km (1.5 miles) easy walking

DAY 6

Start your day with a short hike to a 15 m (50 ft) waterfall along the North Branch River. You'll have the opportunity to visit the Alexander Graham Bell museum and explore the town of Baddeck before being transferred back to Halifax by 6:30pm.

Waterfall Hike hikinghikinghiking (easy)
2 hours, 4 km (2.5 miles)

DATES

We are currently only offering private guided tours for groups of 2-10 people. The itinerary can be customized for your group. We also offer custom tours that can be designed to meet your needs.

PRICING

2 people: $3,795 per person
3 people: $2,895 per person
4-10 people: $2,495 per person

Single supplement: $745

Includes 5 nights' accommodation, guided hikes, ground transportation from downtown Halifax (or Halifax airport), 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, snacks, park fees, museum fees, cultural tour fee

SELF-BOOKED ROOMS

Save $750 per person when you take care of your own accommodations. There is no single supplement.

Includes guided hikes, ground transportation from downtown Halifax (or Halifax airport), 6 lunches, snacks, park fees, museum fees, cultural tour fee. Does not include accommodations and breakfast. Guidelines will be provided to assist you in booking your accommodations. Find out More...

Prices are per person; in Canadian dollars; and based on double occupancy. Taxes not included in price. Details may change without notice.