Road Scholar : Home
Cultural Adventures on Cape Breton

Program Number: 20535RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/11/2013 - 9/17/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Price starting at: $1,499.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture; Science & Nature
Meals: 17; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Go off-the-beaten path in one of Nova Scotia’s most beautiful coastal regions as you paddle through its unique waterways, hike along scenic trails and meet residents who share the region’s cultural traditions and history. Participate in outdoor adventures such as kayaking, canoeing, yoloboarding. Spot indigenous wildlife, and enjoy the Gaelic culture as you take in live performances.




Highlights

• Participate in expert-led interpretive walks on local fauna & flora.
• Immerse yourself in Gaelic language & culture.
• Participate in expert-led conversations about heritage, healthy, active aging and more.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles a day; optional hiking, canoeing or kayaking suited to ability levels.




Date Specific Information

9-11-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Halifax

Nova Scotia’s capital is a modern port city with 18th-century elegance. Once the prime fortress in British North America, this vibrant destination on Canada's east coast offers architectural and cultural reminders of Halifax’s early European days, and also boasts a gorgeous harbor, quaint jazz clubs, live theater and abundant fresh seafood.



Cape Breton

An island off the coast of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton is known for its majestic Highlands region — an extension of the Appalachian Mountains — and distinct blend of British, Irish, Acadian, Scottish and Mi’kmaq cultures. The island was once home to Alexander Graham Bell, whose experiments in hydrofoil technology enabled the first hydroplane flight for the British Empire.
Accommodations
Wilderness resort with views of the Atlantic Ocean. All 2013 dates include free shuttle for four-hour drive from Halifax airport to Cabot Shores.
Meals and Lodgings
   Cabot Shores
  Cape Breton Island 6 nights
 Cabot Shores
Type: Lodge
  Description: Cabot Shores, sitting on the edge of the Atlantic Indian Brook and the French River Wilderness. It has four star comforts by night and all kinds of adventures, from mild to wild, by day. Cabot Shores is becoming a “green” eco friendly Wilderness Resort. Add great local food, music and guides to friendly staff, and you have the makings of a great gathering place for life long learners enjoying adventure experiences. Outdoor and cultural--with great stories and memories guaranteed.
  Contact info: 30 Cuchanan Drive & Buchanan Dr
Indian Brook, NS B0C1H0 Canada
phone: 866-929-2585
web: www.cabotshores.com
  Room amenities: Depending on the number of enrollments, the group will be staying in either the lodge or chalets. Both of these accommodations are 4 stars and have private baths.
  Facility amenities: Cabot Shores is a 55-acre private Cape Breton Island sanctuary with breathtaking views, a 2000-foot ocean beachfront, a waterfall fed Indian Brook, and all modern conveniences. Services and amenities include: fire-pits, laundry service, high speed wireless internet access in lodge,
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: $125 for food and lodging Participants can register for pre and post nights at Cabot Shores. Cabot Shores offereing Road Scholar participants special rate of $125 per day all inclusive lodging and food for Road Scholar participants (not including alcohol, tax, optional gratuity). Please contact Cabot Shores directly at 866-929-2585 and let them know you are with the Road Scholar group.
  Additional nights after: $125 for food and lodging Participants can register for pre and post nights at Cabot Shores. Cabot Shores offereing Road Scholar participants special rate of $125 per day all inclusive lodging and food for Road Scholar participants (not including alcohol, tax, optional gratuity). Please contact Cabot Shores directly at 866-929-2585 and let them know you are with the Road Scholar group.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
2:00 pm at Halifax Int'l Airport if you are taking the complimentary shuttle OR 3 - 6 pm at Cabot Shores if you are arriving independently. You will be staying at Cabot Shores that night.
  End of Program:
9:00 am if you are taking the complimentary shuttle to Halifax Int'l Airport OR 11:00 am if you are departing independently. You will be staying at Cabot Shores the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
There is free parking available on site at Cabot Shores.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Cape Breton Island
  From End of Program
  Location: Cape Breton Island
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

From Halifax Airport to Cabot Shores

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Complimentary Shuttle
phone: 902-929-2584
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary with Program
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

4 Hours 
 

Distance:

 

375 km
   

The shuttle will depart from Halifax Int'l Airport at 2 pm on the first day of the program and will depart Cabot Shores for Halifax Int'l Airport at 9 am on the last day of the program. Please arrange your flights accordingly. Please call Cabot Shores at 902-929-2584 to reserve your spot on the shuttle and give your flight info if you have it. Please also complete and return the flight information form you will receive in your pre-program materials.
 

To Halifax Airport from Cabot Shores

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Complimentary Shuttle
phone: 902-929-2584
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary with Program
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

4 Hours 
 

Distance:

 

375 km
   

The shuttle will depart from Halifax Int'l Airport at 2 pm on the first day of the program and will depart Cabot Shores for Halifax Int'l Airport at 9 am on the last day of the program. Please arrange your flights accordingly. Please call Cabot Shores at 902-929-2584 to reserve your spot on the shuttle and give your flight info if you have it. Please also complete and return the flight information form you will receive in your pre-program materials.
 

From Halifax Airport to Cabot Shores

 

 
 

Service:

 

Car Rentals
Various Car Rental Companies at Airport

   

The Halifax airport has car rental companies. Please reserve in advance.
 
Driving Directions
  From Halifax to Cabot Shores 1. Take 102 north toward Truro 2. Take TransCanada east just before Truro toward Cape Breton/Canso Causeway 3. Once on Cape Breton, head towards Baddeck on TransCanada 105 east 4. Take left hand exit 12 (says Englishtown Ferry/Ingonish) 5. This car ferry takes 5 minutes, runs 7x24 and costs $5.25 per car or $12.50 for a book of 8 tickets 6. Once across ferry drive north on 312 towards Ingonish (only way to drive) and Cabot Shores is 10km (6 miles) on the right 7. Turn into Cabot Shores driveway (Buchanan Drive) and head for lodge (big green roof)
  From the Sydney Airport to Cabot Shores 1. Take the 125 west 2. Take the Transcanada 105 west to exit 12 (right hand exit saying Englishtown Ferry/Ingonish) 3. Take Englishtown ferry and then drive 10km (6 miles); Cabot Shores is right toward the ocean.
Equipment Requirements: All equipment for activities will be provided.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival at Cabot Shores and Welcome Activities
(Wednesday, September 11)

Note: The complimentary shuttle will leave the Halifax International Airport at 2 pm to make the 4 hour drive to Cabot Shores. Those travelling independently should plan to arrive at Cabot Shores between 3 pm and 6 pm.
   
 Arrive To: Registration and Welcome at Cabot Shores followed by a guided exploration of the Wilderness Resort
 Dinner: Dinner at Cabot Shores Bistro
 Evening: Welcome Ceremony, Introductions and Orientation in Great Room of Lodge
   
Accommodations: Cabot Shores
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Exploring the Indian Brook Wilderness
(Thursday, September 12)
   
 Breakfast: Group breakfast in Great Room of Whiff's Lodge.
 Morning: Prior to breakfast, enjoy optional Qi Gong stretching, meditation or morning group walk
 Morning: After breakfast Hike & explore the Indian Brook Wilderness Trail. See old moose hunting camps and cross creeks leading to three waterfalls. Follow path of eagles up from Church Pond to Indian Brook; look for eagles' nest beyond the 2nd falls. Explore vistas looking at Indian Brook and even St. Ann's Bay & the Atlantic.
 Lunch: Lunch on the trail.
 Afternoon: Continue on the trail and learn about the path of salmon, trout, moose and deer along the Trail. Also, learn about the native Mi'kmaq Trail from the Atlantic, into Church Pond up Indian Brook. And find out about the Celtic settlement just above Indian Brook Great Falls.
 Dinner: BBQ dinner on open fire just outside the Lodge
 Evening: After dinner enjoy hearing stories and Legends around the fire or in the tipi.
   
Accommodations: Cabot Shores
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Water & Beach Adventures
(Friday, September 13)
   
 Breakfast: Group breakfast in Great Room of Whiff's Lodge.
 Morning: Explore Indian Brook into Church Pond & along the Beach via ferry, walking, canoes, kayaks and yolo boards (there will be instructions for those needing it). Ride the gentle current along Indian Brook into Church Pond Observe a variety of ducks, geese, cormorans, gulls and the occasional bald eagle and explore inlets with oyster patches.
 Morning: Prior to breakfast, enjoy an optional Qi Gong stretching, meditation or morning group walk
 Lunch: Cook-out on the beach. Participants will help to build a fire site using beach rock and will collect drift wood for firewood.
 Afternoon: Walk along the beach to the Red Island Trail & Explore the Barachois River & Beach Participants will go on a 4km hike and a 1km walk along the beach to discover hidden lakes only accessible by hiking or by boat.
 Dinner: Nova Scotia Seafood dinner with a 5th generation Cape Breton fisherman.
 Evening: Presentation: Five Generations of Fraser family Fishermen
   
Accommodations: Cabot Shores
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: CELTIC Immersion - Experience the Local Celtic Culture
(Saturday, September 14)
   
 Breakfast: Group breakfast in Great Room of Whiff's Lodge.
 Morning: Experience Gaelic language Immersion, Story-telling Local Celtic History with a local writer and historian
 Morning: Prior to breakfast, enjoy an optional Qi Gong stretching, meditation or morning group walk
 Lunch: Enjoy a local Celtic specialty for lunch.
 Afternoon: Participate in a variety of activities focused on the local culture including, Sharing Circle: What’s your family history?; Step Dancing Demonstration with local musicians and a Quilting Demonstration.
 Dinner: Dinner of local specialties at Cabot Shores.
 Evening: Participate in a traditional Ceilidh - Celtic music and dancing. Don't worry, participatory instruction provided!
   
Accommodations: Cabot Shores
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Demonstrations by Local Artisans
(Sunday, September 15)
   
 Breakfast: Group breakfast in Great Room of Whiff's Lodge.
 Morning: Demonstrations by local Artisans including Photography and Stringed Instruments specialists. Walk to local Jewelry and Leather shops to view demonstrations. Make your own: Medicine Pouches, Beading with instruction provided by a local jewelry maker.
 Morning: Prior to breakfast, enjoy an optional Qi Gong stretching, meditation or morning group walk
 Lunch: Lunch at Cabot Shores.
 Afternoon: Participate in a Medicine Walk and learn about local flora.
 Dinner: Dinner at Cabot Shores.
 Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening and take in a film at Cabot Shores.
   
Accommodations: Cabot Shores
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Excursion to the Bird Islands and Glooscap Cave
(Monday, September 16)
   
 Breakfast: Group breakfast in Great Room of Whiff's Lodge.
 Morning: Prior to breakfast, enjoy optional Qi Gong stretching, meditation or morning group walk
 Morning: Depart to Englishtown, transfer to Puffin Tour boat - field trip with an expert on local histrory and wildlife. Go through St.Ann's Bay past Glooscap Cave to the Bird Island to view Puffins, Eagles and Seals.
 Lunch: Trail lunch
 Afternoon: Free time to enjoy Cabot Shores
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at Cabot Shores.
 Evening: Closing Ceremony.
   
Accommodations: Cabot Shores
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Departure
(Tuesday, September 17)
   
 Breakfast: Group breakfast in Great Room of Whiff's Lodge. For those who wish to take the complimentary shuttle to Halifax Int'l Airport, it departs at 9 am.
 Morning: Prior to breakfast, enjoy optional Qi Gong stretching, meditation or morning group walk.
 Morning: Recap of the group's adventures and departure.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Waterfalls: Nova Scotia's Masterpieces


Author: Allan Billard


Description: Waterfalls have long been prized for their beauty and awesome power, and Nova Scotia holds some of the most charming falls in the country. Hidden away in the province’s forest and rocky land, they are small but dazzling natural treasures. In Waterfalls, forty-two of Nova Scotia’s loveliest falls are profiled. Breathtaking images by acclaimed photographer Donna Barnett are paired with lyrical descriptions of the waterfalls by Allan Billard, transporting the reader to places they may not otherwise be able to go. Included in the book are driving directions to the sites, as well as detailed descriptions of the access points and surrounding trails, so the adventurous reader can explore each waterfall in person. But these wild waters can be full enjoyed with Waterfalls.



Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia


Author: Michael Haynes


Description: Michael Haynes is Mr. Hiking in Nova Scotia. The 7th edition of his Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia sold 15,000 copies, and his eight-year series of CBC Radio spots has been so popular that people he meets on the trails recognize him by his voice. Eager to supply the best information about the delights (and possible hazards) of self-propelled excursions into the woods and mountains and along the shores of his province, he has now prepared Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia, 8th edition. The 8th edition of Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia is completely revised and updated. More than 30 of the 50 trails are new, and 25 of these new trails did not exist when the 7th edition was published. Haynes re-hiked and updated the descriptions of about 20 trails, and he charted the current condition of 7th-edition trails. Users will find the new 8th edition of Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia as trustworthy a guide as ever to hikes long and short, challenging and easy, in all corners of the province. As well as instructions for finding each trail and descriptions of the trails themselves, Hiking Trails of Nova Scotia, 8th edition, includes maps and synoptic information on length, time, difficulty, other uses, facilities, and the correct topographical map to use. New to this edition are trailhead GPS listings for all hikes, and, for those who carry cellphones as safety devices, information about the often-uncertain reception in Nova Scotia's mountains and woodlands. Also new to this edition are sidebars on plants, animals, historic sites, and other interesting features of the trails.



Down North : The Book of Cape Breton's Magazine


Author: Ron Caplan


We Are the Dreamers: Recent & Early Poetry


Author: Rita Joe


Description: Order of Canada recipient, Rita Joe, creates poems that speak of quiet determination and gentle heart.These poems try to bring us to understand and share her native spirituality and her Christianity. 80 new poems





You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768