Issues to do on Cape Breton Island

My mother and I became 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 mountaineering the Skyline path was top-of-the-line issues to do on Cape Breton. This was purported to be one of the 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.

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

If we stopped to hike all the unbelievable 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 automotive 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 all the greatest issues to do on Cape Breton.

Quick-forward 4 years and I’m again on Cape Breton Island to meet that plan. I spent every week on the island with buddies Pete and Dalene of Hecktic Travels. We centered on getting outdoors every day on a unique hike, journey, or expertise. This fashion 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 straightforward to stroll. The loop part is a little more rugged, however nonetheless within the straightforward 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 via the forest and get teased by views of Cabot Path via the bushes. However it’s the final third that can have you ever oohing and aahing.

You immediately 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 right down to a viewpoint with benches. Hold your eyes peeled for whales and benefit from the view. That is additionally an excellent place for a picnic lunch or sundown hike.

Mabou Western Coastal Hike

Issue: Simple to Average – properly marked, however in spots, you’ll want to look at your footing as there are tree roots in some components. Nevertheless, the quick distance of this path additionally makes it fairly straightforward.

Distance: 1.8 miles if you happen to go all the best way to the tip and again

Location: Trailhead and map are close to the car parking zone earlier than you head right down to the seaside.

This can be a quick little hike however I used to be slowed down by the seaside views. This is usually a easy out-and-back hike, or you may go alongside the bluffs on the best way out and observe the path right down to the seaside and stroll again alongside the seaside.

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

Stroll on the Inverness Boardwalk

Issue: This can be a easy stroll anybody can do. 

Distance: Practically 1 mile to the tip of the boardwalk 

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

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

If you’re uninterested in watching the ocean, you may watch golfers tee off on top-of-the-line programs on the planet. There have been a number of locals out strolling their canine alongside the seaside and swimming within the shallow waters.

Center Head Hike

Issue: Simple to reasonable. There may be some rolling up and down – however nothing steep. The path is well-marked and groomed. There are some locations the place you want to 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 via the forest after which out a slight uphill to the tip of the peninsula. Right here you may sit and watch the ocean birds soar overhead and soak up the great thing about Cape Breton Island. There’s a loop path that can take you again a extra forested manner, or return the best way 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 mountaineering trails, eating places, small cities, and so many unbelievable coastal views!

Considered 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 “Crimson Chair Problem”. The mission was to seek out and sit in ten purple chairs scattered round Cabot Path. At every chair, there’s a novel view of the panorama and seascape.

Take a Sea Kayak Journey

If you’re seeking to give your legs a break and provides your higher physique a exercise, then strive 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 really 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. Hold 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 seaside your kayaks and get images of this idyllic setting.

We paddled as much as the shore the place there have been platters of meals being ready at our personal non-public 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 reside leisure. I liked the vibe of this entire night; it was like a connoisseur tenting evening.

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

Play on a High Ranked Golf Course

The Cabot Cliffs Golf Course is ranked nineteenth on the planet’s high 100 golf programs, so why not cease and get in 9 holes? And if you happen to 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 be sure you carry loads of further balls to exchange all the ones you’ll lose off the cliffs!

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

Bear in mind, a caddie is required on this course. There are not 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 immediately 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 recreation of golf I used to be anticipating.

Ensure you savor the final 3 holes, that are the ‘well-known’ holes proper alongside the cliffs, and someway Pete really 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

Probably the greatest instances to go whale watching in Cape Breton is throughout the summer time months when these magnificent creatures migrate to the realm in the hunt for meals. The commonest whale species noticed right here embrace humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and sometimes even orcas. With their spectacular measurement and sleek actions, witnessing these majestic mammals up shut is an awe-inspiring sight.

A number of tour operators provide guided whale-watching excursions in Cape Breton, offering guests with educated guides who can share fascinating info concerning the completely different whale species encountered throughout the journey. These excursions sometimes happen aboard specifically designed boats that prioritize passenger security whereas minimizing disturbance to the marine surroundings. So if you happen to’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 novel mix of pure magnificence and wealthy cultural heritage. The downtown space is a bustling hub stuffed with distinctive retailers, pleasant eating places, and historic landmarks. Discover Charlotte Road – lined with charming boutiques promoting native crafts and souvenirs – the place you will discover every part 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 toes (18 meters), this colossal fiddle is difficult to overlook. Erected in 2005, it holds the Guinness World File for being the biggest playable violin on Earth. It has grow 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 often suffering from superlatives akin to greatest, and biggest. It definitely deserves reward because it supplies an entire 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 supplies a rocky coast dotted with fishing villages and sandy seashores.

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

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

In case you solely have sooner or later 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 one of the best chowder on Cape Breton they usually serve it up for breakfast together with a fish cake and a home made biscuit. A fish cake and chowder for breakfast….what??? Belief me on this – it’s unbelievable! 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 Website

The positioning consists of two primary sights – 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 units invented by Bell himself, there’s a lot to see and find out about his groundbreaking improvements.

Along with exploring the displays indoors, guests can wander via the fantastically landscaped grounds surrounding the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. The gardens provide 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…it is a fishing village of days passed by. You will 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 lovely views of a bygone period; an actual take a look at native life on this distant a part of Cape Breton.

Park by the docks and take just a little stroll across the city. You’ll discover just a few stone foundations and some locals strolling canine. The small dock is stuffed 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 college there at one level however they’re lengthy gone now.

Study Celtic Tradition at The Gaelic Faculty

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 Faculty is sort of a time machine that transports you straight into the colourful world of Gaelic tradition and reside music.

Image this: you may bounce into vigorous ceilidh dances that’ll have your toes tapping and your coronary heart racing. And if you happen to’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 no less than a good 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 be taught as expert artisans show conventional Gaelic crafts which were handed down via generations. Examine the schedule right here.

Plus, the placement is jaw-droppingly beautiful, nestled on the Cabot Path, so that you’ll be surrounded by spectacular surroundings when you’re dancing, enjoying, 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 Faculty is a must-visit spot that’ll depart you with unforgettable reminiscences and perhaps a jig or two up your sleeve!

Cape Breton Miners Museum

In case you’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’ll be able to 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 quite a bit more durable than it sounds!

However that’s not all – they’ve bought some real-deal underground excursions that’ll make your coronary heart race and provide you with a style of what it was wish to work deep throughout the Earth. You’ll get to really feel the chilliness, 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, stuffed with tales that’ll have you ever laughing, gasping, and perhaps even shedding a tear. So if you happen to’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 indicate you a facet of historical past you gained’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 difficult to overlook. Simply search for the enormous fisherman statue outdoors. Sit down on the outside patio and do some whale watching as you wait in your lobster feast.

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

The place to Keep in Cape Breton

Normaway Inn and The Barn Music Middle

You’ll depart the Nationwide Park after sundown and proceed alongside the Cabot Path via 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 place to remain for the evening. The solar might be down as you pull in and prepare to relaxation your weary head after a protracted day!

Cabot Path Tiny Properties

Keep in a tiny home with an enormous view! Cabot Path Tiny Properties have a few of the greatest views on the Cabot Path. On one facet you’ve gotten the breathtaking view of Margaree Harbour and the gorgeous Cape Breton Highlands on the opposite.

Every tiny home is supplied with a deck from which to see the beautiful sunsets over the water. There may be 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 really stayed in a cute little cabin on the Keltic Lodge and loved this elegant historic lodge with its reside music and unbelievable restaurant. After a dinner match for royalty on the Purple Thistle, we loved Celtic music on the lodge. Learn evaluations of Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa

In search of someplace to remain on Cape Breton? Examine costs and availability for lodges on Cape Breton Island

Extra lodging on Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia

The luxurious Lodge at Cabot Cape Breton resort

Inverary Resort – Learn evaluations of Inverary Resort

Mid Path Inn – Learn evaluations of MidTrail Inn

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

In contrast to my journey 4 years in the past, this week on Cape Breton was a whole take a look at the island. We didn’t must rush, we might get outdoors 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 puzzled what was left for me to discover once I got here again a 3rd time! The one factor I’m sure of is that this island won’t ever be achieved, there’s at all times extra to see and do.

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

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

It’s straightforward to get to Cape Breton with day by day direct service from the NYC space to Halifax! There are a number of flights a day by way of Air Canada/United direct to Newark and by way of 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 residence contemporary lobster from the Halifax airport!

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Disclosure:

I used to be a visitor of Nova Scotia Tourism nevertheless my want 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.