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!

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.