Issues to do on Cape Breton Island

My mother and I become the French Mountain car parking zone in Cape Breton’s Highlands Nationwide Park. After pulling right into a parking area I walked over to the Skyline Path signal. I had been instructed climbing the Skyline path was top-of-the-line issues to do on Cape Breton. This was imagined to be the very best hike within the park for views. I had heard about it, seen photos, and examine it. I had drunk the Skyline Path Kool-Help, and I needed to do it.

Trying on the map we decided it didn’t look too exhausting, however it will take a few hours to finish. We checked out one another and realized we didn’t have time to do it; we needed to preserve going. 

If we stopped to hike the entire unimaginable trails within the park we’d by no means make it round the Cabot Path in a day and to our lodge! I reluctantly bought again within the automobile and we saved going with a sinking feeling.

Cape Breton Island in Canada is understood for outside actions and adventures, and I didn’t actually have time to do any of them. The one solace I might muster up was making a pact with myself I might come again once more so I might do the entire finest issues to do on Cape Breton.

Quick-forward 4 years and I’m again on Cape Breton Island to meet that plan. I spent per week on the island with mates Pete and Dalene of Hecktic Travels. We centered on getting exterior every day on a unique hike, journey, or expertise. This manner we have been in a position to see and expertise the number of actions the island supplied.

The Greatest Issues to do on Cape Breton

Skyline Path Hike

Issue: Simple – properly marked and there isn’t a lot elevation change. The path itself is well-groomed and simple to stroll. The loop part is a little more rugged, however nonetheless within the simple class. 

Distance: 4 miles return or 5.1-mile loop 

Location: Situated in Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park alongside the Cabot Path on the high of French Mountain. There are indicators for the car parking zone.

The terrain is pretty common for the primary two-thirds of the stroll as you wind by the forest and get teased by views of Cabot Path by the timber. However it’s the final third that may have you ever oohing and aahing.

You all of the sudden depart the forest space behind and are excessive on high of a headland cliff overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A boardwalk with stairs leads you all the way down to a viewpoint with benches. Maintain your eyes peeled for whales and benefit from the view. That is additionally an awesome place for a picnic lunch or sundown hike.

Mabou Western Coastal Hike

Issue: Simple to Reasonable – properly marked, however in spots, you’ll want to observe your footing as there are tree roots in some elements. Nonetheless, the brief distance of this path additionally makes it fairly simple.

Distance: 1.8 miles should you go all the way in which to the top and again

Location: Trailhead and map are close to the car parking zone earlier than you head all the way down to the seashore.

It is a brief little hike however I used to be slowed down by the seashore views. This generally is a easy out-and-back hike, or you may go alongside the bluffs on the way in which out and comply with the path all the way down to the seashore and stroll again alongside the seashore.

You’ll begin out in a dense space of Spruce timber and rolling inexperienced hills after which come out on high of the sand dunes the place it’s extra of an open area. We walked again alongside the seashore and loved the crashing waves and assembly locals alongside the seashore.

Stroll on the Inverness Boardwalk

Issue: It is a easy stroll anybody can do. 

Distance: Almost 1 mile to the top of the boardwalk 

Location: 158 Seaside No. 1 Highway, Inverness – head in the direction of the ocean till the street ends, and also you’ll be at first of the boardwalk. There’s parking by the seashore.

This actually isn’t a hike, it’s only a good little stroll the place you may absorb the ocean air and a stunning place for sundown. The boardwalk begins on the public seashore, runs above the seashore, and ends overlooking the Cabot Hyperlinks Golf Course.

In case you are uninterested in watching the ocean, you may watch golfers tee off on top-of-the-line programs on the earth. There have been lots of locals out strolling their canine alongside the seashore and swimming within the shallow waters.

Center Head Hike

Issue: Simple to reasonable. There’s some rolling up and down – however nothing steep. The path is well-marked and groomed. There are some locations the place that you must watch your footing. 

Distance: 2.4-mile loop 

Location: Parking is situated on the trailhead behind the Keltic Lodge in Ingonish.

Hike out the slim peninsula separating two ocean bays and finish on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll wind by the forest after which out a slight uphill to the top of the peninsula. Right here you may sit and watch the ocean birds soar overhead and soak up the fantastic thing about Cape Breton Island. There’s a loop path that may take you again a extra forested approach, or return the way in which you got here.

Discover the Greatest Views in Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park

This is without doubt one of the crown jewels of Cape Breton Island. This Nationwide Park has a variety of fantastic climbing trails, eating places, small cities, and so many unimaginable coastal views!

Certainly one of my favourite and most intelligent makes use of of the Adirondack chair in Nova Scotia Canada was by the Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park of their “Pink Chair Problem”. The mission was to seek out and sit in ten purple chairs scattered round Cabot Path. At every chair, there’s a singular view of the panorama and seascape.

Take a Sea Kayak Journey

In case you are trying to give your legs a break and provides your higher physique a exercise, then attempt a kayak journey on Cape Breton. This isn’t only a paddling journey, additionally, you will be handled to connoisseur native meals and wine.

We truly went on a full moon tour and kayaked at evening. Because the solar went down we left the shore in Baddeck and did a golden hour paddle round Kidsten Island. Maintain your eyes peeled for seabirds across the island. Proper earlier than the solar disappears you’ll find yourself on the Kidsten Island lighthouse the place you may seashore your kayaks and get pictures of this idyllic setting.

We paddled as much as the shore the place there have been platters of meals being ready at our personal personal gazebo. The meals was ready by chef Brian Pickard of the favored native restaurant, the Chunk Home, and paired with Nova Scotia Canada wine and beer. Our information surprisingly bought out a guitar and we had stay leisure. I cherished the vibe of this entire night; it was like a connoisseur tenting evening.

They solely run this nighttime tour through the full moon so make sure you test the North River Kayak web site for the dates, and as of 2023, the tour might not be out there. However no concern – you may nonetheless have an unimaginable kayak journey throughout daytime hours. North River Kayak presents a variety of completely different excursions and paddling courses.

Play on a Prime Ranked Golf Course

The Cabot Cliffs Golf Course is ranked nineteenth on the earth’s high 100 golf programs, so why not cease and get in 9 holes? And should you can, do a complete 18 because the final 3 holes of the course are a few of essentially the most spectacular views on Cape Breton Island! And make sure you carry loads of further balls to exchange the entire ones you’ll lose off the cliffs!

For the primary time in 20 years, I stepped onto a golf course to observe Pete play this well-known course. Evidently – I felt slightly self-conscious. We weren’t even fully certain they’d let me stroll alongside on such a famend course, however they didn’t appear to have any subject with it.

Bear in mind, a caddie is required on this course. There aren’t any carts on the course, solely caddies.

I used to be having a lot enjoyable that after gap 3, I made a decision to remain just a few extra, after which just a few extra, and all of the sudden I used to be in for the entire thing! We bought beers, placed on sunscreen, and made a day of it. This wasn’t the stuffy sport of golf I used to be anticipating.

Be sure to savor the final 3 holes, that are the ‘well-known’ holes proper alongside the cliffs, and one way or the other Pete truly bought par gap 16!

And in case your pocketbook can afford it – get a room at The Lodge at Cabot Cape Breton resort too – it’s pure luxurious.

Whale watching on Cape Breton

The most effective occasions to go whale watching in Cape Breton is through the summer time months when these magnificent creatures migrate to the world searching for meals. The commonest whale species noticed right here embrace humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and sometimes even orcas. With their spectacular dimension and sleek actions, witnessing these majestic mammals up shut is an awe-inspiring sight.

A number of tour operators supply guided whale-watching excursions in Cape Breton, offering guests with educated guides who can share attention-grabbing details in regards to the completely different whale species encountered through the journey. These excursions sometimes happen aboard specifically designed boats that prioritize passenger security whereas minimizing disturbance to the marine atmosphere. So should you’re on the lookout for an unforgettable wildlife encounter in a shocking pure setting, don’t miss out on experiencing whale watching in Cape Breton!

Go to the port city of Sydney

Sydney, situated on the gorgeous island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, Canada, is a captivating port city that provides a singular mix of pure magnificence and wealthy cultural heritage. The downtown space is a bustling hub crammed with distinctive outlets, pleasant eating places, and historic landmarks. Discover Charlotte Road – lined with charming boutiques promoting native crafts and souvenirs – the place you’ll find all the things from hand-knit sweaters to conventional Celtic music CDs.

The world’s largest fiddle is situated in Sydney. Standing at a staggering top of 60 ft (18 meters), this colossal fiddle is tough to overlook. Erected in 2005, it holds the Guinness World File for being the biggest playable violin on Earth. It has turn out to be a notable landmark within the space, attracting each locals and vacationers alike.

Drive the Cabot Path on Cape Breton Island

Nova Scotia is understood for its spectacular driving routes, however the queen of all of them is the Cabot Path. This scenic drive is usually affected by superlatives corresponding to finest, and best. It actually deserves reward because it gives a complete completely different really feel of Nova Scotia than the opposite routes. The street hugs the cliffs and winds round forests on the Northwest facet, and the Japanese facet gives a rocky coast dotted with fishing villages and sandy seashores.

There are many scenic lookouts alongside the world-famous Cabot Path supplying you with many photograph alternatives or only a place to sit down and take within the magnificent views and eat lunch.

I recommend you drive the path in a counter clockwise route. This lets you see the sundown since you’ll end the drive on the west facet of the island. This additionally means for the elements of the drive that go proper alongside the coast, you’ll be on the skin lane of the street with the very best views!

For those who solely have at some point to finish the drive, then use this drive the Cabot Path one-day itinerary I did just a few years later.

Strive Fishcakes for Breakfast at Charlene’s

Charlene’s Bayside restaurant in Whycocomagh is understood for serving up the very best chowder on Cape Breton they usually serve it up for breakfast together with a fish cake and a selfmade biscuit. A fish cake and chowder for breakfast….what??? Belief me on this – it’s unimaginable! Plus, the environment at Charlene’s is like having breakfast in your grandmother’s home, and who doesn’t love that?

Go to the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Web site

The location consists of two fundamental points of interest – the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and the close by Beinn situated close to the city of Baddeck. These locations showcase varied displays devoted to Bell’s innovations and experiments.

Guests can discover a variety of artifacts associated to Bell’s life and work on the museum. From early telephones and experimental plane fashions to medical gadgets invented by Bell himself, there’s lots to see and study his groundbreaking improvements.

Along with exploring the displays indoors, guests can wander by the fantastically landscaped grounds surrounding the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. The gardens supply breathtaking views of the Bras d’Or Lake and supply a tranquil setting for leisurely strolls.

Go to the Fishing Village of White Level Harbor

On the north finish of Cape Breton Island simply barely off the Cabot Path, you’ll discover White Level Harbor. This outdated fishing village is iconic and price a cease.

This isn’t a vacationer city…this can be a fishing village of days passed by. You’ll discover just a few native fishermen there and piles of lobster traps, however this sleepy little city has just about no tourism and that’s what makes it so nice. It’s only a good cease with stunning views of a bygone period; an actual have a look at native life on this distant a part of Cape Breton.

Park by the docks and take slightly stroll across the city. You’ll discover just a few stone foundations and some locals strolling canine. The small dock is crammed with small fishing boats, just a few native fishermen, and piles of lobster traps. That is all that’s left of a booming fishing village in 1922. There was a lobster manufacturing facility, church, and faculty there at one level however they’re lengthy gone now.

Study Celtic Tradition at The Gaelic School

This non-profit academic establishment presents programming within the tradition, customs, language, crafts, and traditions of the Highlands of Scotland. Tucked away within the coronary heart of St. Ann’s, The Gaelic School is sort of a time machine that transports you straight into the colourful world of Gaelic tradition and stay music.

Image this: you may leap into full of life ceilidh dances that’ll have your ft tapping and your coronary heart racing. And should you’ve at all times needed to strum a fiddle or give bagpipes a go, they’ve bought workshops that’ll flip you right into a musical maestro (or not less than an honest participant)!

However wait, there’s extra! How about diving into the Gaelic language itself? They’ve bought language programs that’ll have you ever throwing round “slàinte” (that’s cheers!) and “tapadh leat” (thanks!) like a neighborhood very quickly. And for the artful ones, you may watch and study as expert artisans reveal conventional Gaelic crafts which were handed down by generations. Verify the schedule right here.

Plus, the situation is jaw-droppingly beautiful, nestled on the Cabot Path, so that you’ll be surrounded by spectacular surroundings when you’re dancing, taking part in, and immersing your self in all issues Gaelic. So whether or not you’re a historical past buff, a Celtic music lover, or simply interested by completely different cultures, the Gaelic School is a must-visit spot that’ll depart you with unforgettable recollections and perhaps a jig or two up your sleeve!

Cape Breton Miners Museum

For those who’re able to dig into Cape Breton Island’s mining historical past, the Cape Breton Miners Museum is the place the motion is! This place is sort of a time capsule that takes you again to the coal mining days when this area was buzzing with miners and their tales. You possibly can roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with the instruments of the commerce, exploring the lifetime of a miner from sunup to sunset. And belief me, it’s rather a lot harder than it sounds!

However that’s not all – they’ve bought some real-deal underground excursions that’ll make your coronary heart race and offer you a style of what it was wish to work deep inside the Earth. You’ll get to really feel the nippiness, hear the echoes, and expertise the entire “Are you able to imagine individuals did this for a dwelling?” vibe.

Plus, the guides are like dwelling encyclopedias, filled with tales that’ll have you ever laughing, gasping, and perhaps even shedding a tear. So should you’re up for a journey into the gritty, hardworking previous of Cape Breton Island, seize your hat and headlamp – the Cape Breton Miners Museum is ready to point out you a facet of historical past you received’t discover in any textbook!

Eat Lobster at Rusty Anchor Restaurant

Nice Bay is a cute little picturesque city on the tip of Cape Breton, and it’s an ideal place to cease to eat some scrumptious Nova Scotia Lobster.

The family-owned Rusty Anchor Restaurant in Nice Bay is tough to overlook. Simply search for the enormous fisherman statue exterior. Sit down on the outside patio and do some whale watching as you wait in your lobster feast.

Sitting exterior gazing out on the ocean consuming Nova Scotia lobster and ingesting beer – it actually doesn’t get any higher than this. The wait employees is tremendous pleasant and the entire place has a relaxed environment.

The place to Keep in Cape Breton

Normaway Inn and The Barn Music Heart

You’ll depart the Nationwide Park after sundown and proceed alongside the Cabot Path by just a few little cities. As you get to Margaree Forks proceed following the Cabot Path inland to the Normaway Inn; it’s a excellent spot to remain for the evening. The solar will probably be down as you pull in and prepare to relaxation your weary head after an extended day!

Cabot Path Tiny Properties

Keep in a tiny home with a giant view! Cabot Path Tiny Properties have a few of the finest views on the Cabot Path. On one facet you will have the breathtaking view of Margaree Harbour and the gorgeous Cape Breton Highlands on the opposite.

Every tiny home is provided with a deck from which to see the beautiful sunsets over the water. There’s additionally a shared outside campfire and a beachfront for swimming or launching kayaks or canoes.

Keltic Lodge and Purple Thistle Eating Room

My mother and I truly stayed in a cute little cabin on the Keltic Lodge and loved this elegant historic lodge with its stay music and unimaginable restaurant. After a dinner match for royalty on the Purple Thistle, we loved Celtic music on the lodge. Learn critiques of Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa

In search of someplace to remain on Cape Breton? Verify costs and availability for resorts on Cape Breton Island

Extra lodging on Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia

The luxurious Lodge at Cabot Cape Breton resort

Inverary Resort – Learn critiques of Inverary Resort

Mid Path Inn – Learn critiques of MidTrail Inn

Keltic Quay Bayfront Lodge & Cottages – ‘picture-perfectly’ situated on the Whycocomagh Bay searching on Indian Island. Learn critiques of Keltic Quay Lodge

Not like my journey 4 years in the past, this week on Cape Breton was an entire have a look at the island. We didn’t need to rush, we might get exterior and benefit from the views, nature, and tradition of each a part of the island. Along with these adventures, we additionally spent a day at Cabot Cliffs golf course, and a day on the CabotPath.

On the finish of my second Cape Breton Island journey, I questioned what was left for me to discover after I got here again a 3rd time! The one factor I’m sure of is that this island won’t ever be completed, there’s at all times extra to see and do.

In search of someplace to remain in Cape Breton Highlands? Verify costs and availability for resorts in Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park

How do you get to Cape Breton? It’s simple!

It’s simple to get to Cape Breton with every day direct service from the NYC space to Halifax! There are a number of flights a day through Air Canada/United direct to Newark and through Delta direct to LGA. It’s only a 2-hour flight and you’ve got US Customs pre-clearance on the Halifax Stanfield Worldwide Airport for the return journey! PLUS…you may stick with it and carry dwelling contemporary lobster from the Halifax airport!

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Disclosure:

I used to be a visitor of Nova Scotia Tourism nevertheless my need to return to Cape Breton for a second time was all mine in order that I might have extra time on this beautiful place.  All opinions expressed listed here are mine.