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3-Day Celtic Shores Coastal Trail Biking Itinerary

The 92-km Celtic Shores Coastal Trail stretches from Port Hastings to Inverness on the west coast of beautiful Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Explore the best of Canada’s seacoast as you journey along the trail where awe-inspiring natural beauty is matched by the vibrant Celtic culture of our region. This exceptional trail system meanders along the coast providing first-class trail experiences for bikers, hikers, runners, quad bikes, skiers, snowmobilers, and horseback riders. Don’t have a bike? No problem, stop in at Mike’s E Bikes for an unforgettable experience along the Mabou River!

Day 1 – Troy to Port Hood – 40.2km 

Your Celtic Shores Coastal Trail journey begins on the Ceilidh Coastal Trail section just after crossing the Canso Causeway bridge. Cyclists are recommended to start the trail at The Troy Station trailhead to bypass a 2-km rough hiking section over tidal washed cobblestones.

long sandy beach on Cape Breton Island
  • Park your car at the Troy Trailhead parking lot and begin your biking journey!
  • Stop for a short break once you reach Christy’s Look-off, sit on a bench and take in the view of St. George’s Bay.
  • Watch for pilot whales, bald eagles, and seabirds as you travel alongside the ocean.
  • Jump back on the trail towards the Judique Flyer Trail section.
  • Take The Alexander Trail towards Judique and the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, where you can for a quick lunch or walk through the impressive exhibit room-take a journey through the history of Cape Breton music.
  • After lunch hop back on the Judique Flyer Trail and take a short pit stop at Michael’s Landing to take a look around for both the Scottish and Mi’kmaq interpretive signage. Check out the xylophone at Michael’s landing as well, here you can play your own tune!
  • Be sure to check both ways as you cross the causeway at Little Judique Harbour, this will take you to the Chestico Trail section.
  • Once you arrive at the Port Hood Station Look-Off, turn right onto Hwy 19 and head towards a local accommodation, such as Haus Treuberg Country Inn & Cottages or Hillcrest Hall Country Inn.

Day 2 – Port Hood to Mabou – 20kms

Today is about rest and adventure with a little music in there too. Start off your morning beachside at one of Port Hood’s many sandy beaches along the Port Hood Station Provincial Park. Feeling adventurous? Join some local fishermen on a lobster or tuna tour with It’s Now or Never tours.

five riders bike along the coast
  • Head back towards the Port Hood Look-off and trailhead, follow the signage until you reach the Mabou Rivers Trail Section.
  • Have a breather once you reach the trailhead on West Mabou Road and take in the beauty of the Cape Mabou Highlands and harbour.
  • From there the trail will lead you directly into the village of Mabou.
  • Be sure to check out the shops, galleries, and restaurants.
  • Check-in for the evening at Mabou River Inn and grab supper and take in the Celtic experience at The Red Shoe Pub (owned by the famous Rankin family).

Day 3 – Mabou to Inverness – 22kms

On your way to Inverness stop in for a taste test at the beautiful Glenora Inn & Distillery, home of North America’s first Single Malt Whiskey, or set up a picnic by the stunning shores of Lake Ainslie.

person bikes along the coast
  • Leaving Mabou, continue along to the Blackstone trail crossing, where just 2kms off the trail will take you to Glenora Inn & Distillery. Here you can enjoy breakfast get refreshed for the day.
  • Hop back on the trail, known as the Inverness Shean section, as you pedal towards the calming shoreline of Lake Ainslie.
  • Soon you will come across The Deepdale Trestle (standing at 100ft high and 300ft long).
  • Bike into town and check into one of the many lodges, cabins, and Airbnbs.
  • Relax after your 3-day adventure at Route 19 Brewing Tap and Grill while sipping on the Celtic Shores Trail Ale. The next morning you can complete your biking journey with a round of golf at Cabot Links or Cabot Cliffs, or perhaps enjoy the warm waters of the Inverness beach and just explore the town.

Please note that this 3-Day Celtic Shores Coastal Trail Biking Itinerary can start in Inverness and end in Troy, it can be extended or shortened based on the amount of distance you wish to cover each day. 

This summer season the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail will have a ride car program that will take visitors to their vehicles (for more information please check out the following website, https://www.satbus.ca/).

Businesses and Activities from Itinerary

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Cabot Cape Breton

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 150 Reviews

Region: Canada’s Musical Coast

Community: Inverness

Located on over a mile of sandy beach along the coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia—and nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesq...


46.2365 -61.3022

Glenora Inn & Distillery

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 449 Reviews

Region: Canada’s Musical Coast

Community: Inverness

The Glenora Inn and Distillery Resort is situated on a 200 acre site in Glenville, rich in the heritage of its Scottish culture and onl...


46.1513 -61.3183

Cabot Cliffs

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 100 Reviews

Region: Canada’s Musical Coast

Community: Inverness

Exquisitely carved out of the breathtaking Cape Breton landscape, with postcard worthy panoramas vying for your attention and rich, rolling ...


46.2365 -61.3022

Eagle Eye Outfitters

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 42 Reviews

Region: Canada’s Musical Coast

Community: Inverness

Welcome to beautiful Cape Breton Island! At Eagle Eye Outfitters, we offer everything you need to explore our scenic surroundings. Located ...


46.2322 -61.3038

Inverness Beach

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 187 Reviews

Region: Canada’s Musical Coast

Community: Inverness

A municipal beach site in town of Inverness, Inverness Beach is the perfect family beach with warm and shallow waters and beautiful, soft sa...


46.2302 -61.3124
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