Tour Overview
If you have ever wanted to see why Cape Breton Island has inspired musicians, artists, and inventors, spreading their good will around the world, this is a perfect way to do so without tackling the challenging terrain of the Cabot Trail. Starting with the charming Acadian Isle Madame on the south coast of Cape Breton, you will sea-kayak the waterways and islands between here and the entrance to Bras d’Or lakes at St. Peter’s Canal. You will then ride your bicycle, following lake shores and valleys across Cape Breton Island to the west coast at Mabou, a quiet village that at first glance belies the abundance of musical talent that was bred and is frequently enjoyed here.
An evening at The Shoe will give you some idea of the rich culture thriving in the surrounding hills. You will be able to enjoy one of our favourite rides around Lake Ainslie, and can visit the only single malt distillery outside Scotland, before a fantastic hike on your last day, along the path cut into the side of the coastal hills at Sight Point.
This is a full week of Cape Breton magic, but we guarantee you will leave wanting more!
Route Notes: This trip is a bit more challenging than the Lighthouse Kayak, Bike, & Hike. Kayaking is at moderate pace in waters matched to the group’s abilities. Cycling is on paved roads with some short gravel sections. Hiking is on steep terrain requiring good footwear.
Start: Halifax, day one, 13:00 pickup at your hotel, or 14:00 at Halifax airport.
Finish: Halifax, day seven, 19:00.
All details are subject to change without notice. 13% tax applies.
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
Prices
2008 Guided Cost: US$2445 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, seakayak equipment, luggage handling, van & guide support, maps & route notes, transfer from Halifax).
We require a minimum of four people to operate the guided trip at the advertised price. Try to give us as much advance notice as you can so that we can attract others to join you. If, a month before the trip starts, there are fewer than four registrants, you have the following choices:
1. Have a private guided trip at a 20% price premium (2-3 participants), or 140% for one participant (including single occupancy).
2. Switch to another trip in the same year without paying the usual change fee.
Self-Guided Cost: Not available until 2009.
Single Occupancy: US$530
Bicycle Rental: Hybrid: US$95; Racing: US$145
Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. They may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, equipment rental, single occupancy or transfers. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Trip Information
Reserving your adventure:
Reservations can be made with VISA or MasterCard by fax, mail, email, or phone, or with a cheque or money order by mail. A deposit of 30% is required to reserve your space, and the balance is due 30 days before the adventure begins. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you an information packet, including a checklist, map, and meeting details. Cancellations received in writing at least 60 days in advance of start date will receive a 50% refund of any deposit paid. Cancellations received between 60 and 30 days ahead will forfeit deposit. Cancellations within 30 days require full payment of the tour cost.
Insurance:
Travel accident insurance is mandatory, and cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. If you do not have accident insurance through your credit card or another source, ask us when you make your reservation. We can provide combined cancellation/emergency medical/travel accident/baggage & personal effects coverage, through RBC Travel Insurance, when you make your reservation, for approximately 6% of your total cost.
Single Occupancy:
All adventure prices are per person, and based on double occupancy. Single occupancy charges reflect the cost of having a room by yourself. If you prefer to share or to avoid the extra cost, give us as much notice as you can, and we will do our best to match you with a roommate of the same gender. In fact, if you give us at least 90 days, and are willing to share a room, we will reduce the single occupancy charge by 25% for you even if we are unable to match you up. Please note that where suitable shared occupancy is not available, a pro-rated single occupancy charge will apply.
Our Changes:
We reserve the right to change prices and itineraries without notice. If relevant currency exchange differs significantly between advertised print date and final balance due date, we reserve the right to apply fair adjustment to the final balance. We reserve the right to cancel trips when circumstances make it necessary, in which case a full refund will be made to any registrants. If there are fewer than six participants in your trip, three to four weeks prior to departure you may be given the choice of switching to self-guided, paying a premium to keep the trip guided, switching to another guided adventure, or postponing your trip. We reserve the right to deny participation to anyone endangering or disrupting the enjoyment of any other trip participants, in our estimation.
Your Changes:
If, after reserving your adventure, you want to switch to another adventure in the same calendar year, you must provide at least 60 days notice, and pay a change fee of $100 per person. All other changes will be treated as cancellations.
Tax:
Canadian adventures are subject to 5% sales tax (13% in NS and NF).
Discounts for Referrals:
If you have referred new customers to us since your last Freewheeling Adventure, you are entitled to a reduced cost. Each new guest who mentioned you as a referrer will allow you 5% off your next trip in the same season, in addition to the 5% discount you will receive as a returning guest.
Luggage Restrictions:
Luggage is restricted to two soft-sided duffel style pieces per person – one may be large, and the other must conform to airline carry-on rules – usually used as a day bag. Hard sided suitcases must be declared at booking. Fees for excess luggage and hard suitcases are lower with advance notice than when unexpected, are based on the cost of having an extra vehicle and driver, and are applied when final balance is due. We reserve the right to charge these fees at any time. Bike boxes cannot usually be transported.
Guided Adventures:
If you want to travel with van support and cheerful, caring guides, and have most of your meals included, a guided trip is a perfect choice for you. We carry your luggage for you, and on most days, the support vehicle will pass you several times to offer you snacks, drinks, and opportunities to catch a lift. The groups usually congregate for picnic lunches and special affairs, but otherwise tend to spread out along the route during the day, each rider choosing his or her own pace. Because you will be sharing your holiday with other adventurers likely to have a few things in common with you, your evening dinners become enriched by shared stories and entertainment, and you may make friends who will share your future adventure plans.
Starting a New Group:
If you want to join a guided group, but the advertised dates are not convenient for your agenda, you can add a new departure to our schedule. Here’s how: Reserve your dates with us, with confidence that we will guarantee the trip for you, on the following conditions: We will confirm quickly, and start advertising the trip through our website, mailings, and network. Of course, the more lead time you give us, the better the chances of growing an enthusiastic group to travel with you.
Here is how we guarantee the trip for you:
We require a minimum of four people to operate the trip at the advertised price. Try to give us as much advance notice as you can so that we can attract others to join you. If, a month before the trip starts, there are fewer than four registrants, you have the following choices:
1. Switch to self-guided. We can switch back to guided if anyone else joins in time.
2. Have a private guided trip at a 20% price premium (2-3 participants), or 140% for one participant (including single occupancy).
3. Switch to another trip in the same year without paying the usual change fee.
Self-Guided Adventures:
If you want greater independence to cover the routes at your own pace, without having to carry your luggage, this is a good way to enjoy these itineraries with the privacy and intimacy of traveling by yourselves. You will have a driver to move your luggage for you, who will be on call and can provide “boosts” when you request it ahead of time. Otherwise, you will normally be expected to ride the route each day, and to be more independent than on a guided trip. Lodging and breakfasts are provided, and we inform you about your best options for lunches and dinners. You will be expected to have the knowledge to make routine bike repairs, including repairing flat tires, fixing chain derailments, and tightening loosened bolts. If you are using one of our rental bikes, you can expect a well-maintained bike in good condition, and our attention to make sure it stays so. If you bring your own bike, you will be responsible for all repairs, and we strongly recommend a thorough, professional tune-up before you commence your trip.
One last note: You can choose your own travel dates, and request easily-customized plans. We like to have some advance notice to work on your holiday, but can often put it together even if your departure is imminent.
What are extra services and what do they cost? Extra services include:
• Driving requests beyond the originally prescribed route
• Bicycle repair assistance for routine breakdowns (flat tires, chains off, broken chains, etc)
• Bicycle repair assistance for guest’s own bike
Basic extra cost is $50 per day, in addition to the following:
Cost per kilometer =$0.95 + Any associated costs
Note: If you expect to request many extra services, we recommend you consider a private, guided trip. Most adventures are available privately on dates of your choice, at the advertised guided group full price for four people or more.
Custom and Special Interest Adventures:
You can request something specific or different for you, your family, or your group. First, have a look at our website to see the adventures we already have waiting for you. We can establish a new date, and can make changes to suit you. If you want something else, tell us. We will explore new places and possibilities for you. Whatever you choose, we are enthusiastic about working for you. Call us to discuss the options; you will find us very flexible!
Families:
We welcome families of one, two, or three generations, and we are frequently able to match families with similar ages. You can join or start a new family trip at any time, and we encourage you to reserve well in advance to improve our opportunities to grow your trip. Some plans are specifically designed for travel with younger children, and there are discounts available when three or more people share a room.
Burley trailers are available for hauling one or two toddlers up to 100 lbs. Trailer bikes turn any bike into a tandem for children up to 4’10" tall, and full tandem bikes are also available in some locations.
• Nova Scotia - Lighthouse Family Frolic
• Nova Scotia - Annapolis Valley Family Frolic
• PEI - Family Frolic
• or to customize something special for you and your family.
Mixed-Ability Groups:
Some itineraries have been designed to offer activity choices each day. Even non-cyclists can enjoy these adventures. If your group includes, for example, cyclists, golfers, walkers, and shoppers, we suggest you consider the following itineraries:
• Nova Scotia: Lighthouse Route Kayak Bike, and Hike
• Prince Edward Island: Hike, Bike, & Kayak
• PEI & Magdalen Islands
• Italy: Venice to Florence
Multisport Adventures:
Most of our multisport trips are based on cycling as a main mode of transport (Mexico’s Yucatan also includes plenty of swimming in salt and fresh water swimming holes, and Nova Scotian Pedal and paddle trips are balanced with extraordinary paddling to rarely seen places). The other activities contribute to a thoroughly active experience, based on what the area has to offer. The trips are flexible, so that if you prefer more time on your bike, or more time with other activities – hiking, kayaking, rafting, whale-watching, or relaxing, it is usually easy to adapt to your wishes.
Solo Travelers:
Several adventures each year become dedicated to solo travelers. Those not specifically advertised as such are usually comprised of a combination of couples and singles. If one of the designated trips does not suit your preferences, call us. We can tell you about how the groups are shaping up, and suggest the best options for you. Once you choose to join a trip, it can raise the enthusiasm for others joining the same trip, especially if you make plans well ahead of time.
Lodging:
We love to find inns whose comfort and excellence are reflected in the warmth and charm of their owners. The discoveries include Portuguese Pousadas, French chateaux, Japanese ryokan, and small, family-run inns with distinctive ambience and special locations. Many of these places have few rooms, and are unable to accommodate large groups. We love this! Keeping our groups small allows us to explore out-of-the-way places we might otherwise not be able to show you.
Usually, if a child 12 or under 12 shares with two adults, and will accept a temporary style of bed, a discount will apply. With few exceptions, rooms have private bathrooms, and either one queen-sized or two twin beds.
