Celtic Traditions - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
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A
magnificent wilderness, alive with the ever-present scent of the sea. The haunting sound of a distant bagpipe
becomes the mystical song of a waterfall. Baddeck, a treasure of a town nestled on the shores of the Bras
d’Or Lakes. The Cabot Trail winds like a black ribbon among the cliffs, with breathtaking vistas at
every turn. Snow crabs fresh from the sea and fine whiskey from North America’s only single-malt distillery.
The ancient footpaths of some of Cape Breton’s first Scot settlers on Fair Alistairs Mountain. Cheticamp,
a vibrant community rich in Acadian culture. Eagles and moose on the Skyline Trail; whales play off the coast.
The ‘joyful noise’ of a ceilidh, the music of Acadian French and the Gaelic still spoken here.
A stunning, cliff-bound peninsula juts out into Ingonish Bay. The pristine waters of Warren Lake; the spectacular
view from atop Franey Mountain. A magical experience.6 Days, 5 Nights
| Departure Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 7/6/2008 | 7/20/2008 | 8/10/2008 | 9/7/2008 |
| 10/5/2008 | |||
| Click a Departure Date to request a quote! | |||
| Day 1 | We will pick you up at the Cambridge Suites Hotel, 380 Esplanade in Sydney at 10:00 am and whisk you away
to the beautiful town of Baddeck, the beginning of the world-famous Cabot Trail, ideally situated on the Bras
d’Or Lakes, where Alexander Graham Bell had his cherished summer home for 37 years and where many of
his inventions were inspired. After our picnic, we’ll follow the trail that explores Baddeck River and
the mystically beautiful Uisge Ban Falls (Gaelic for white water). We’ll arrive back in Baddeck in the
afternoon to allow free time to explore the town on your own before dinner. Tonight we stay and dine at the
beautiful historic Telegraph House Inn. (Hike up to 7 km or 4½ miles, drive up to 1 hour) |
| Day 2 | Today we will visit the west side of the island and hike the Fair Alistairs Mountain trail in the Cape Mabou
Highlands. These trails are ancient footpaths of the first Scottish settlers in Cape Breton. The green hills
and blue ocean inspired Conde Nast magazine to describe this Island as “the most beautiful in the world”.
We’ll picnic on the shore where McKinnon’s Brook meets the sea and walk a bluff overlooking the
Gulf of St. Lawrence where, on a clear day, you can see Prince Edward Island. An optional climb to the top
of Beinn Bhiorach rewards us with a breathtaking view of the coastline. Tonight we’ll dine and stay at
North America’s only single malt whiskey distillery, The Glenora Inn and Distillery, nestled in the hills
of Mabou. (Hike up to 13 km or 8 miles, drive up to 2 hours) |
| Day 3 | We’ll enter the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where the Cabot Trail is truly defined by its
winding road. We will hike L’Acadian Trail, gradually climbing Burnt Mountain which towers 1000 feet
over the Cheticamp River Valley. The breathtaking panoramic views from the summit will reward your efforts.
After a delightful picnic we’ll walk the Trous de Salmon Trail, on the Cheticamp Riverwith its languid
pools interspersed with rushing cascades. Tonight we’ll dine at a traditional Acadian restaurant in Cheticamp,
where Acadian culture is woven together to create a tremendously vibrant community. We may enjoy a Celtic performance
and admire the exquisite hooked rugs and crafts of this area. We’ll stay at the hospitable L’Auberge
Doucet Inn in the Acadian fishing village of Cheticamp. (Hike up to 21 km or 12½ miles, drive up to 1 hour) |
| Day 4 | This morning we’ll hike the famous Skyline Trail with spectacular views from a thousand feet above
sea level. From here you will see the Cabot Trail carve its way around the mountain sides and on a very clear
day, the archipelago of Les Iles de la Madeleine can be seen in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is not uncommon
to sight whales, moose and eagles along this trail. After a picnic lunch there will be an option of activities
that include an exciting whale watching boat tour or a hike that follows a river path to the Corney Brook Falls.
Humpback, Minke, Pilot and Fin Whales are common in this Gulf corridor called the Cape Breton Trough. Tonight,
we’ll relax again at the same inn. (Hike up to 15 km or 9 miles, whale watch up to 2 hours, drive up to 1 hour) |
| Day 5 | This morning we’ll wander through an old growth forest along the Lone Sheiling Trail. After, we’ll
hike along the White Point Trail which provides the most dramatic coastal scenery in Cape Breton. Overlooking
Aspy Bay at the end of this point is a cemetery that dates back to the origins of this area as a French fishing
village of the late 1700’s. We’ll continue to our day’s destination, the Keltic Lodge, stunningly
located on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic, with a backdrop view of Cape Smokey. There is an optional
hike on the Middle Head Trail that winds out on this cliff-bound peninsula that splits Ingonish Bay in two.
The Keltic Lodge offers fine dining, using the best local produce and fresh seafood. (Smart casual dinner attire
- please no jeans or shorts). (Hike up to 11 km or 7 miles, drive up to 1 hour) |
| Day 6 | Our last day there is a choice of one of two exciting hikes. One is around the exquisite, pristine Warren
Lake and the other hike is a more challenging climb to 1000 feet and the top of Franey Mountain, one of the
highest points in the area. We’ll enjoy a spectacular, almost, 360 degree view. We’ll arrive back
in Sydney and at the end of our adventure, at approximately 4PM. (Hike up to 8 km or 5 miles, drive up to 2 hours) |
This itinerary could change due to unforeseen circumstances |
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