ACTIVE JOURNEYS Tel: (416) 236-5011 or 1-800-597-5594 Fax: (416) 236-4790 E-mail: [email protected]

Guided Hiking Holiday

Cape Breton Highlands Hike,

The Cabot Trail on the island of Cape Breton has been dubbed one of the most impressive trails in North America, where "the mountains meet the sea". The best way to see this trail is on foot, as magnificent views abound from the coasts and the wooded mountains.

We'll pick you up in Sydney and whisk you away to the wilderness of Cape Breton and the Highlands National Park. Here, the scenic paths thread along cliffs with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the coast and islands.

Often we will see a variety of wildlife as we hike, including moose, bald eagles and whales. You can also join a whale-watching cruise along the way for a close-up look! At day's end, the van takes you to some of the best lodgings in the area, including the luxurious Celtic Lodge (or similar), perched on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean.

The hikes are moderate (from 5 to 14 miles per day) with more difficult options available for the hardy. You'll enjoy this trail; it has it the most varied scenery winding through idyllic farming land, dramatic coasts, cresting cliffs, coves, fabulous headlands and forests.

ITINERARY DAY 1: We'll meet at your hotel at 10:00 AM in Sydney, Cape Breton. We'll transfer to the charming town of on the Bra d'Or Lakes where lived for 37 summers. We will enjoy our picnic lunch, and then take a trail exploring the Baddeck River and the beautiful Uisage Ban Falls. There will be a little time to shop and explore the town of Baddeck before dinner. We'll stay at a beautiful historic inn. (Hike up to 7KM or 4.5 miles, drive up to 1 hour)

DAY 2: We'll transfer to the opposite side of Cape Breton and walk the remote Site Point Trail. It will give you a spectacular view of ’s western coast, so it is important to bring your camera on this walk. We'll picnic on a bluff overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence where Prince Edward Island can be spied on a clear day. We'll stay and eat at a comfortable inn with friendly Acadian hosts. A walk along the wharf after dinner sometimes provides the opportunity to talk to fishermen or listen to their music. (Hike up to 13 km or 8 miles, drive up to 2 hours).

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DAY 3: We’ll drive to the Highland National Park where we’ll hike l’Acadian Trail gradually climbing Burnt Mountain, which towers one thousand feet over the Cheticamp River Valley. Breathtaking panoramic views of the Acadian Coast from the top make the climb worthwhile. In the afternoon we'll walk up a salmon-fishing river with pools and cascades along the way. We'll stay in the same inn but enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant and walk along the wharf after dinner. (Hike up to 21 km or 12.5 miles, drive up to 1 hour).

DAY 4: We'll walk along a 4.5-mile Skyline trail for a stunning view back over the Cabot Trail. Sometimes whales, moose and bald eagles can be seen. We will hike up the river path to the Corney Brook Falls or take a coastal walk called Le Buttereau. On this day a whale watching boat trip is an option if desired. (Hike up to 15 km or 9 miles, whale watch up to 2 hours, drive up to 1 hour).

DAY 5: We’ll wander thought an old growth forest along the Lone Sheiling Trail. After, we’ll hike along the White Point Trail which has the most dramatic coastal scenery in Cape Breton. We then travel to Keltic Lodge for a walk on the cliff bound peninsula, which splits Bay in two. Then we will enjoy our gourmet dinner and overnight stay (no jeans or shorts at dinner) (Hike up to 11km or 7 miles, drive up to 1 hour).

DAY 6: Our last day will include options of two exciting and challenging hikes...one to pristine Warren Lake, or the other, up Franey Mountain for a spectacular view. We arrive back into Sydney by 3-4PM. (Hike 8 km or 5 miles, drive up to 2 hours).

TOUR DETAILS 2009 GUIDED DATES: July 5-10, 26-31, August 16-21, September 20-25 October 11 – 16 (International Festival)

COST: $2795 per person SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $500

GRADE: Moderate to Challenging LENGTH: 6 days/5 nights INCLUDES: Hotels, all meals, (5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners) guide & support STARTS/ENDS: Sydney, Nova Scotia

All Canadian trips are subject to a 5% sales tax. Non-residents can claim half back when completing the forms at borders and airports.

NOTE: Itinerary and price subject to change 12/4/2008 LD

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