"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 HIGHLIGHTSYour 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
(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
(moderate) optional
gradual elevation gain of 350m (1130 ft), 3-4 hours, 8.4 km (5.2 miles)
Skyline Trail
(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
(easy)
30-45 minutes, 1.7 km (1.1 miles)
Hike to Ocean Views
(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
(moderate)
short steep climb 150m (475 ft), 1 hour, 2.3 km (1.4 miles)
Headland Walk
(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
(moderate)
short steep climb 175m (575 ft), 1.5 hours, 2 km (1.2 miles)
First Nations Tour
(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
(easy)
2 hours, 4 km (2.5 miles)
Standard Price: $2,995 (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
**New** Self-Booked-Rooms Price: $2,295
Includes everything above EXCEPT accommodatons and breakfast. Guidelines will be provided to assist you in booking your accommodations. Single supplement does not apply. Find out More...
Small Group Rate: save $100 per person if you book for a group of 3 or more
June 11-16
July 16-21
Aug 13-18
Sep 10-15
Prefer different dates? Ask about booking a private tour for your group of 2 or more. Additional charges may apply.
Prices are per person; in Canadian dollars; and based on double occupancy. Taxes not included in price. Details may change without notice.