Day 1: Meet Halifax at 13:00 or airport at 14:00, for 3½ hours transfer from Halifax to Isle Madame. Good nightlife and music are available in Arichat, one of the oldest communities in Nova Scotia, and whose growth prospered on the boatbuilding and fishing trades. A once bustling seaport full of tall ships in the 1700’s, it now boasts about Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral - an excellent example of the wooden churches built by the Acadians in all their communities, a restored 1793 shipbuilder’s blacksmith shop, and an interpretive display at Cannon Lookoff. D
Lodging: Acadienne Inn, Arichat.
Day 2: Cycling on Isle Madame. 40-110km (25-68 mi.). From Arichat, you will cycle along some of the island’s most scenic roads, visiting picturesque fishing villages in which Basque and Portuguese fishermen found refuge from fierce Atlantic storms as early as 1500, and take in Acadian life and culture at the Acadian Culture Centre in La Picasse. Petite Anse is one of the most picturesque villages in the province, with colourful marine architecture nestled along rocky coast and connected with a winding roadway. B
Lodging: same as last night
Day 3: 4-6 hours paddling. Paddle the delightful coast of Isle Madame, and the beaches and islands surrounding Janvrin Island. Transfer at end of day to your inn at St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site. It is pleasant to ride your bike along the canal to make sure it functions perfectly for tomorrow’s long ride. BLD
Lodging: Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s.
Day 4: approximately 60 miles/100 km. A beautifully long and quiet ride today, starting at St. Peter’s canal, skirting the southern end of Bras d’Or Lakes’ West Bay, and passing through the native village of Whycocomagh enroute to the hilly hotbed of music and culture in Mabou. BLD
Lodging: Duncreigan Country Inn, Mabou.
Day 5: 4-6 hours paddling from Mabou Harbour. This is a beautiful inlet, leading to coastal scenery rivalling Scotland’s, with gorgeous hillside meadows tumbling down hillsides toward the sea. We look forward to showing you the beauty. BL
Lodging: same as last night.
Day 6: approximately 50 miles/80 km. This is one of our favourite rides. For simple, idyllic beauty, and quiet rural roads with beautiful views, this is superb. Near the end of the day, you will be able to stop for a visit at what we believe is the only single, malt distillery outside Scotland. Even if you eschew the opportunity to taste, you will enjoy the setting at the foot of the Mabou hills, straddling a stream whose waters become, with the distillers’ arts, the golden liquid that puts this place on the map. You will be able to enjoy some Cape Breton music this evening after a final dinner together. BLD
Lodging: same as last night
Day 7: 15km hike. Just wait ‘til you see this hike! Cut into the edge of a hill that tumbles all the way to the sea, the path along Sight Point will leave you giddy with excitement, and maybe vertigo. This is the part of Nova Scotia that most reminds us of its namesake: Scotland. You may even see some sheep illustrating the area’s heritage. In any case, you will be amazed at the expansive sea views as you explore this and other trails on a good day of hiking. Transfer back to Halifax at day’s end; 3½ hours. Arrive by 19:00. BL
