Mountain Biking the Cabot Trail

Mountain Biking the Cabot Trail, A cycling adventure in Cape Breton - Laurie March

Rating ****

Cycling gets you around faster than hiking, and you can still be right in the middle of nature - while still being active and seeing amazing views. Although it may seem intimidating to inexperienced cyclists, there are many trails with different degrees of difficulty - and the only way an inexperienced mountain biker will become more experienced is by, well, EXPERIENCE!

The Cabot Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands offers 298 kilometers of trails, and amazing views of the ocean. The trip begins in Baddeck, a small historical town with interesting museums to visit. The first cycle up Cape Smokey may be a challenge, but what goes up must come down, and there is a great downhill ride with breathtaking views! The first stop is in Ingonish where you can have a relaxing break and go swimming or golfing and then attend a delicious lobster supper. On the second day of your journey you will ride over North and McKenzie Mountains and through Pleasant Bay to Cheticamp. Here you can enjoy the local Acadian culture by experiencing the town’s fishing, tourism and crafts. On the final leg of your trip, you will cycle over Hunter's Mountain, back to your starting point in Baddeck. The hard work is well worth the amazing experience that you will have in Cape Breton. “Its stunning vistas, friendly people, quaint fishing villages and amazing sunsets”  will draw you back again soon for more adventure!

This article has not only attracted me to try more challenging mountain biking, but also to visiting Cape Breton in Nova Scotia! When (not if) I go out to Eastern Canada, I would love to try mountain biking on the Cabot Trail! Being out in a new environment and experiencing the local culture sounds amazing.

March, Laurie. "Adventure Cycling - Mountain Biking the Cabot Trail." Outdoor Adventure Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 June 2014. <http://www.outdooradventurecanada.com/biking-cabot-trail.htm>.