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

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

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)

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

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

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

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)