Celtic Colours Multisport & Music Adventure

We are excited to welcome you to Sydney, NS, where you will be transported to Baddeck, NS for an unforgettable adventure. We will pick you up today at the Sydney Airport at 5 pm. You’re also welcome to check-in at the Silver Dart Lodge anytime after 3 PM. 

The group will rendezvous at 6 pm in the McCurdy’s Dining Room and enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation session while we chat and get to know one another. 

We can't wait to show you all that Baddeck has to offer.

• MEALS: D
• OVERNIGHT: Silver Dart Hotel (or similar)

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel prior to lacing up our hiking boots and dining our day packs. We drive about an hour into the Marargee Wilderness area to explore an off-the-beaten-path area. This Old Growth and Waterfalls Hike is not your average hike – you’ll be bushwhacking, climbing over wet rocks and crossing the river to get to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. But trust us, it’s well worth it! So come prepared for a day filled with excitement and stunning natural beauty.

• Distance: 16km Round Trip
• Total Hike Time: 5-6 Hours
• Elevation Gain: 266ft / 81.25m
• Terrain: Medium-Advanced Difficulty. Mostly In A Wooded Forest With Technical Footwork On The Bank Of The River With One River Crossing.
• Landscape: Old Growth Hardwood Forest In A Deep Mountainous Valley.
• Features: 60ft Slider Falls W/ Swimming Hole

We return to the hotel to freshen up before our dinner and first night out at the Celtic Colours Music Festival!

• MEALS: B, L, D
• OVERNIGHT: Silver Dart Lodge

*The itinerary of the day is subject to change depending on the weather and the schedule of the Celtic Colours Festival program.

A chill start sees us enjoying breakfast a local spot like the High Wheeler before getting into our paddling gear. 

This is the perfect activity for those looking to explore the beautiful Nova Scotia coastline from a new perspective. Your experienced guide, Pam, will provide you with all the necessary instruction and equipment to get started. You'll learn the basics of paddling and balance, before venturing out onto the calm waters of the bay.

This is a great way to soak up the stunning Cape Breton coastal scenery. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, you're sure to enjoy this unique experience!

We return to the hotel to freshen up before our late lunch and open mic at Bras d’Or Yacht Club. Stay and soak up the tunes or head out to explore the Baddeck waterfront, shops or Alexander Graham bell museum.

What could be better than spending a fall evening dining outdoors with a talented chef like Bryan Picard? He's been impressing foodies from coast to coast for years with his innovative Bite House menu, and now he's bringing his skills to the backyard! Join us for an exclusive outdoor tasting menu at his farmhouse – you won't regret it!

• MEALS: B, -, D
• OVERNIGHT: Silver Dart Lodge

Today our SUP Adventure takes us to Margaree Forks, where we will paddle the Margaree River - the perfect way to spend a day surrounded by natural beauty. You'll paddle your way through the picturesque river winding through hills of stunning fall colours. The 3-4 hour tour is perfect for all levels, with experienced guides from local outfitters Live Life Intents and Blue Jellyfish SUP Adventures leading the way. No experience is required, just a sense of adventure and willingness to have some fun! This is the perfect opportunity to get outside and explore all that nature has to offer. So come on, let's SUP!

Apres paddle, we'll stop at The Dancing Goat, a Margaree locals favourite, to grab warm drinks and Cape Breton treats before returning to the Silver Dart to rest, rejuvenate and prepare for the evening's entertainment.

Dinner tonight will be near a music venue as tonight will be our first foray to the exciting Festival Club. The fun begins when you hop on the shuttle filled with singing locals that will take you to the Gaelic College in St. Anne’s. Musicians from around the island will gather after the day’s performances and put on a show together that will have you tapping your feet and perhaps even dancing a jig or reel. If you’re still there at 3am, breakfast is served. You may be seated next to a famous local or international musician or their cousin, or grandmother and it is here stories are shared and connections are made. Be sure not to miss that final shuttle home!

• MEALS: B, -, D
• OVERNIGHT: Silver Dart Lodge

Sleep in! After the fun of our late night, you have the opportunity to sleep as long as you like. You will be left to your own devices for the morning; explore Baddeck’s quaint shops for some final souvenirs, visit the fascinating Alexander Graham Bell museum, take a short bike ride or simply soak in some sun on the lawn at the lodge. 

Lunch will be at one of Baddeck’s restaurants and after that, we will take a leisurely hike through a hardwood forest to spectacular Uisge Bahn Falls. 

We will return to the hotel in time to relax and get ready for the drive into Port Hawkesbury for dinner and the not to be missed Festival Grand Finale at 7:30pm.

For those who love to take it all in, another night at the Festival Club is on the table. 

• MEALS: -, L, D
• OVERNIGHT: Silver Dart Lodge

After a busy 5 days of hiking, paddling, dancing and connecting with Cape Breton’s colourful locals, we spend today slowing down to explore the world-renowned Cabot Trail. 

Starting with an early breakfast at McCurdy’s before we set off for our day’s driving and hiking adventure. We will have time to take it easy and stop at scenic viewpoints along the way to photograph the magnificent fall colours, windswept beaches and Gulf of St. Lawrence panoramas.

We will stretch our legs on a short ocean promontory hike after a gourmet lunch at the Keltic Lodge in Cape Breton Highlands National Park near Ingonish. This will be a day to fully absorb the magic of what is considered one of the world’s best drives. 

Our full-day circling the trail will end with a quiet evening and our final group dinner back in Baddeck. 

• MEALS: B, L, D
• OVERNIGHT: Silver Dart Lodge

Photo by: https://www.cbisland.com/vacation-ideas/fall/ 

The time has come for you to say goodbye and leave this beautiful place. You have made some wonderful friends here, and it has begun to feel like home, but now the day of departure has arrived.

Our final breakfast with the group will be enjoyed at McCurdy’s Dining Room conveniently located at the Silver Dart Lodge overlooking the magnificent Bras d’Or Lakes.

Your shuttle ride back to Sydney will be filled with memories as well as emotions. But don't worry there is always next year! We arrive at the Sydney Airport at around 10-10:30 for 11:55 am flights via Toronto and 5pm flights via Montreal. 

• MEALS: B