The Cabot Trail's Best Cycling

For this reason we encourage visitors to consider basing themselves in the Cape North area for a number of days and doing day trips from there, rather than cycling the entire Trail.

Sea Spray Outdoor Adventures is located on the northern tip of the Cabot Trail, outside the village of Cape North. We can, if you wish to cycle the entire Trail:

You can save the pick up and drop off costs by driving to us and picking up the bikes, then beginning your round-the-Trail trip from our location. Of course, you 'd still have to:

So, for example, if it's raining on the day you depart Cheticamp and head north over the mountains, you're locked into your itinerary and MUST cycle in the rain and fog, seeing none of the spectacular scenery during your trip over the mountains except the white line on the side of the highway, and worrying about traffic approaching from behind.

Now think about this:

The truly spectacular scenery visible from the Cabot Trail begins just south of Cheticamp and ends just south of Ingonish. From Baddeck to Margaree Harbour, on the western side, the scenery is pretty mundane, compared to the rest of the Trail. On the east, from Cape Smokey, just south of Ingonish, on to Baddeck, about a four hour ride, the Cabot Trail is offset from the ocean just enough so that the ocean is seldom visible. Further, the road is narrow, cracked and heavily traveled.

On the other hand, from Cheticamp north to Cape North and then south to Ingonish, the road is better, being primarily in the national park. Additionally, there's less traffic and much more scenery. In fact, the majority of the photographs you've seen of the Trail are taken on the top half...and then northÉ of the Cabot Trail to Bay St. Lawrence, and east, through Smelt Brook to NeilÕs Harbour.

We suggest that, rather than cycling the entire Trail, you drive directly here, to Cape North, at the Top of the Island, and pick up the bikes. Book a multi- night stay at one of our local B&B's, housekeeping cabins, or resort, and do cycling day trips from here. That way you take advantage of the three somewhat distinct weather conditions that exist here at the Top of the Island (ie: westerly, easterly and northerly exposures) and can then use the long-range forecast to schedule day trips that allow you to see:

a) Cheticamp to Cape North, either as an out-and-back, or one way by using our shuttle service
b) Cape North to Ingonish as a day-long out-and-back loop, perhaps combined with some coastal hiking
c) Cape North to Bay St. Lawrence, combined with a half-day whale watch.

In this way, if rain is forecast for the Cheticamp side, you can plan to ride the Ingonish side and will have a decent chance of avoiding the rain. (This is not 100% guaranteed, but it certainly beats cycling up the mountains in a downpour or in the fog with traffic coming up on you constantly.) Similarly, if it's rainy on the eastern side, ride the Cheticamp side that day.

Most importantly, however, you'll have a car available for evenings and/or days when you choose not to ride, and you'll be able to take advantage of other outdoor activities here, such as guided kayak touring, hiking, beach walking or off-road cycle-hiking.

You'll also be in the same bed for a number of nights, unpacking and repacking only
once and you'll probably come away having spent less money.

Give this a lot of thought. It comes with a world of experience behind it.

Our rental rate, for Trek 21 speed mountain bikes with cross tires, rear rack, rack bag, water bottle, lock, helmet and map consult, is $35 per 24 hour day, or $135.00 per week. We also can provide an auto rack so you can rack the bikes and drive to the various starting points we indicate on your map. We can reserve bikes for you upon receiving a Visa or MC number and your heights and dates of usage. We also offer weekly rates.

Touring Cape Breton by bike is an experience you'll remember for a lifetime, regardless of how you do it. What memories you have, however, good or not so good, will certainly depend upon how you do it!