Cape Breton Island Seawall Trail - Nova Scotia

Duration: 4 Days | 3 Nights
Dates: June - October (See below for scheduled tours for 2023)
Countries to be visited: Canada
Departure & Return Locations: Inverary Resort (Additional nights at Inverray Resort and transfers can be organised separately if required)

The Seawall trail is a 48km thru-hike over some of the most rugged yet breathtaking terrains that Cape Breton Island has to offer. This proposed trail has been slowly inching towards development however at this point it is still mostly bushwhacking and off-trail giving those who hike it a truly unique backcountry experience. This 4-day 3-night hike will take you through beautiful old-growth hardwood stands, up and over rocky coastal mountains, and to epic views that only a small number of hikers have ever seen.

Min Age: 18

Skill Level: Advanced
Total Distance: 44km +/- (9-11 km +/- per day)
Elevation Gain: 2860m
Elevation Loss: 2863m
Pace / Intensity: Moderate
Guide Ratio: 1:8
Accommodation Style: Inn, B&B and Glamping Tent.

This tour may be combined with other visits to Hallifax or Canada. Currently six tours are scheduled for 2023:

• June 8-11
• June 22-25
• July 13-16
• Aug 17-20
• September 7-10
• September 21-24

Day 1
Depart Inverary Resort for the Seawall Trail Head in Red River (Approximately 2hr Drive). We aim to be on the trail by 1000hrs. Most of day one’s hike will be on a highly used trail into Pollett’s Cove until we navigate off trail for an uphill push to the mountain range overlooking the cove. The final decent will find you crossing the river into camp among a large maple and birch hardwood stand.

Distance to hike: 11km / 6.93mi
Elevation Gain: 783m / 2602’
Elevation Loss: 821m / 2694’

Day 2
We will plan to depart camp no later than 0900 to make out push over and up Bald Mountain, down to Malcolm’s Brook and will set up camp just north in a location we call the ‘unknown valley’. This day a bit lighter so we can take our time and navigate loose scree on the ascent of Bald Mountain and take photo breaks while we are on the top!

Distance to hike: 9.6km / 6.83mi
Elevation Gain: 783m / 2569’
Elevation Loss: 808m / 2651’

Day 3
This day will be one of the more challenging days. Depart camp at 0900 and start the day off with a short hike to the base of the Seawall. You’ll get to fill up on water at the double waterfall and then start the (near) 1200’ ascent on mostly loose scree and rock ledges. The view from the top is well worth the work to get there! We will break at the top then proceed towards our camp at Sailor’s Brook. The last challenge will be descending sailor’s brook mountain.

Distance to hike: 11.63km / 7.22mi
Elevation Gain: 771m / 2530’
Elevation Loss: 707m / 2320’

Day 4
Leave Camp @ 0900 and depart to Meat Cove. Most of the elevation is within the first 2km as we climb out of Sailor’s Brook heading to Lowland Cove. Once in Lowland Cove we get back on a coastal trail that turns into a quad path that ends at the Meat Cove Campground. Depart back to Inverary Resort for team dinner and debrief.

Distance to hike: 11.07km / 6.88mi
Elevation Gain: 512m / 1683’
Elevation Loss: 526m / 1729’

Tour Price
• Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation.
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.
• Flexible booking terms and conditions are available. See below for details

Inclusions:
• Transfer to and from Inverary resort.
• Full team briefing, safety plan and orientation.
• All main meals and snacks during the trip. *We have a selection of freeze-dried camp meals to choose from.
• All necessary group equipment for the trip (stoves and fuel, GPS, med kits and water purification systems)
• Professional guide services for the entire trip.
• Safety and evacuation plan & support.
• Professional photos

Exclusions:
• Personal items and equipment. A full list of recommended and suggested items will be provided once the deposit has been paid. Rental options available for those who wish not to travel with their own camping and hiking gear
• International and domestic airfare
• Travel Insurance (required)
• Airport taxes and charges
• Any Private Expenses
• Meals not mentioned
• Personal Incidentals such as Telephone calls, Room Service, Laundry
• Tip to Guide/Driver, Porterage Fee and others which are personal in nature
• Other services not mentioned in the itinerary

Things to Know:
This trip will require a decent level of fitness since your backpacks will be weighted with food and equipment for the entire trip. It is recommended that you train with a weighted backpack before this trip just to become accustomed to your kit before departure.
No sherpa like services will be provided. There is a good chance that we will see moose, coyotes and other wildlife on this route as we will be in some of their prime habitats, but this is not guaranteed. We will provide you with a personal gear checklist and have a minimum requirement for some personal gear.

Booking Terms
Please refer to our standard booking conditions. For this particular booking the following terms apply relating to cancellations and rebooking

• 50% Deposit is required to confirm the booking.
• Remaining balance due 28 Days before departure.
• Free Cancellation up to 28 days before tour date with the option of:
• Full refund
• Postpone to a future date without penalty
• Cancelations within 28 are subject to the following penalties:
• Cancellation between 28 and 14 days – 50% of total cost.
• Cancellation between 14 and 7 days – 75% of cost.
• Cancellation between 7 and day of departure – 100% of cost.

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.