Adventure Collective
null - Sydney, Nova Scotia

Cabot Trail, Ingonish, and Keltic Lodge Van Tour

Big Pondeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

4–6 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; comfortable walking is required at stops

Overview

Discover the stunning landscapes and delicious flavors of Nova Scotia on this private van food tour. Experience scenic sights, local cuisine, and cultural stories all in one memorable day with Blackwood Tours Ltd.

Food Tour
Guided Tour
History Tour
Lodging
Private
Big Pond, Nova Scotia

Cabot Trail, Ingonish, and Keltic Lodge Van Tour

Shared Van or Private Tours Available | See views of the North Shore

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Adventure Photos

Cabot Trail, Ingonish, and Keltic Lodge Van Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Curvy roads, gorgeous lookout points, and bits of history make this a great tour!


Rates

Shared Tour Tickets: $130/person

Private Tour: $650/1-5 people Private Tour: $1000/6-8 people Private Tour: $ 1500/9-13 people Private Tour: $2700/14-24 People__________________________________

Duration

4-6 hours


Meeting Location

Your Guide Will Meet You At The Dock As Soon As You Pass Through The Security Gate on The Dock, Just Go To Your Left, They Will Be Wearing A Red Shirt And Holding A Red & White Blackwood Tours Sign. You will Have 1/2 Hour To Find Your Guide. We Ask That You Exit The Ship As Soon As You Can So Nobody Is Waiting Too Long To Start Their Tour


About

Upon leaving the Sydney metropolitan area, we’ll travel to the peaceful Cape Breton countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of city traffic. Along the way, we’ll cross the little Bras d’ Or, where you'll see many small pleasure boats on the glistening lake.

At Kelly’s Mountain, we’ll stop at two stunning look-outs--the Bras d ‘Or and Saint Ann’s Bay. From the spectacular Saint Ann's look-out, enjoy scenic views of Saint Ann's Bay before we proceed to a 5 minute cross Saint Ann's Bay via the Englishtown Cable Ferry and tour through the beautiful Cape Breton Highlands along the Cabot Trail.

We'll pass through sparsely populated communities where the residents make a living from the sea as fishermen or in the forest as loggers and pulp-cutters. Touring through communities with names such as South Gut Saint Ann's, North Gut Saint Ann's, North River Bridge, Tarbotvale, Breton Cove, Skir Dhu, French River, and Wreck Cove, named for the tremendous amount of ships that went aground in the area.

Explore the magnificent Cape Smokey (it is very, very steep, but the scenery is unsurpassed) before arriving in the Ingonish area, home to the upscale Keltic Lodge at Middlehead and Highland Links Golf Course, which has been ranked many times over as the number one golf course in Canada.


Special Instructions:

  • Please disembark your ship as soon as possible after docking. Your guide will be waiting for you.
  • Please bring money/credit card for lunch and beverages. We will incorporate a stop, but the cost of food and beverages is not included in the price of the tour.
  • You may also want to have cash/credit cards for souvenirs. Some of the museums have gift shops.
  • The order of this itinerary may change.
  • Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

What to Bring

  • Please bring water for the trip

Adventure Tips

Arrive early for scenic viewpoints

Make sure to get to viewpoints early to avoid crowds and capture the best photos of the breathtaking landscape.

Bring layers for variable weather

Weather can change quickly on the coast, so pack layers to stay comfortable during your tour.

Stay hydrated and snack ready

Keep water and light snacks handy for the day, especially if you plan to explore or hike around stops.

Respect local wildlife and environment

Observe wildlife from a distance and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the area's beauty.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • bald eagles
  • white-tailed deer

History

The Cabot Trail is named after explorer John Cabot, who is believed to have sailed along Nova Scotia's coast in 1497, shaping the region's history.

Conservation

Blackwood Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices by minimizing waste and promoting respectful wildlife viewing to preserve Nova Scotia's natural beauty.

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Adventure Hotspots in Sydney, Nova Scotia

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Good footwear is key for exploring scenic viewpoints and local sites comfortably.

Light Jacket or Sweater

Essential

Layer up to stay warm during outdoor stops regardless of the season.

spring|summer|fall|winter specific

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Capture the stunning scenery and delicious moments along the tour.

Reusable Water Bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated while exploring and enjoying the scenic stops.