The Cabot Trail is famous world wide as a cycling destination. What’s less well-known, however, is that the section of the Cabot Trail boasting the truly great riding is the section surrounding the “Top of the Island” region, that section from Margaree Harbour on the west to Cape Smokey, just south of Ingonish on the east. The remainder of the Trail outside these boundaries is largely out of sight of the ocean, and the roads these sections of the Trail are often narrow, heavily traveled and in less-than-ideal condition for cycling.
While riding the entire Cabot Trail is sometimes attractive, doing so requires a commitment to riding regardless of the weather and either carrying one’s own luggage or accessing some sort of support vehicle.
A popular alternative to round-the-Trail cycling is to base oneself at the Trail's northern tip, in the heart of the most scenic cycling, and to then plan day trips from that location, experiencing the region's most scenic rides. 
An additional advantage of this plan is that riders are able to take advantage of the three weather exposures, (west, north and east) of the northern region, thereby improving the chances of riding in good weather.
Our Gallery offers a glimpse into the cycling that's available in and surrounding the northern Cape Breton region.
