Nova Scotia’s 10,000-square-kilometre Cape Breton Island is packed full of surprises, ranging from an ice cream parlour hidden inside a seaside lighthouse to a non-profit Nordic ski trail system and an 80-year-old Scottish-style sheep crofter. Picturesque Cape Breton Island, which is currently transforming from autumn to winter, is the 77th largest isle on the globe. Thus, it boasts an eclectic mix of attractions, bistros, parks, beaches, and, of course, accommodations. And the perfect place to start and finish each day of adventure, exploration, and relaxation is, to no one’s surprise, Cabot Shores, Canada’s most beloved glamping destination, particularly for romantics. Today, we’ve decided to piece together a 25-part “Best of Cape Breton” bucket list.
A Nova Scotian Bucket list: The Best of Cape Breton Island
By now, it’s well-documented that the best of Cape Breton Island lies along the Cabot Trail, arguably the most scenic loop in North America. It takes approximately five hours to drive around Cabot Trail in one fell swoop. However, you’ll want to allow ample time for the island’s many sights, sounds, and savoury delights, as illustrated below. The very best of Cape Breton Island includes a little bit of everything, including puffin tours, secretive waterfalls, and beloved breweries. Remember to bookmark this article for further use.
- Pedal around the jaw-dropping, 298-kilometre Cabot Trail
- Embark on the culinary voyage of a lifetime at Cabot Shores’ Bistro
- Hike up the 4.5-mile Franey Trail
- Start and finish this comprehensive, 10-stop Cape Breton Island waterfall bucket list
- Go glamping like never before in an authentic Mongolian yurt (as pictured) or a geodesic dome
- Paddle through serene Church Pond
- Try qi gong, millennia-old meditation
- Soak (and stargaze) in an outdoor hot tub amid winter’s peak
- Indulge in a healing art, such as a therapeutic massage or a five-element acupuncture session
- Swim in the Atlantic Ocean (after a short jaunt on the unique Eagle Feather Ferry)
- Observe majestic migrating whales via Zodiac Adventures
- Nordic ski through the North Highlands
- Snowshoe through the snow-packed backcountry in the heart of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with on-site rentals starting at just $10
- Shop ‘til you drop in these Artisan boutiques, including Wildlife Pottery and Piper Pewter
- Devour an ice cream cone at Neil’s Harbour Lighthouse
- Savour a pint of craft beer at Big Spruce Brewing in Baddeck
- Visit the island’s most stunning lighthouses, such as Low Point or Louisbourg (as pictured)
- Hop aboard one of Donelda’s world-famous puffin-viewing boat tours
- Visit the always-absorbing Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
- Sail through Bras d’Or Lake on the historic Amoeba
- Skip rocks at Black Brook Beach
- Explore the greenery near the Lone Shieling
- Hook a giant bluefin tuna while deep at sea on the Dawn Treader
- Take a step back in history at the Miners Museum
- Brave the awe-inspiring, six-mile Skyline Trail
To book a winter getaway to one of the most unique wellness retreats in Canada, please check availability at your earliest convenience (or call us directly at 866-929-2584). As a reminder, Cabot Shores offers everything from gourmet dining to wilderness activities, moose sightings, and distinctive lodging types (such as a farmhouse and Mongolian yurts). Click the links below to learn more about our many offerings.
- Cabot Shores: Home to the Finest Cape Breton Chalets
- Plan a Much-Needed Digital Detox at Cabot Shores
- Wellness Retreats in Canada: Rejuvenate at Cabot Shores
Sandy Soule
February 21, 2023.
Stayed in the Blue Cabin -- cozy but adequate for our family. Dinner was surprisingly delicious, including tasty fresh salad with beets and whipped feta, perfect mussels, and delicious salmon and steak. Friendly staff and excellent guitar music (live). Tasty buffet breakfast included frittata, homemade yogurt and jam, home-baked bread and more. In short, the food and live music were outstanding, the accommodations just adequate.
Gabrielle Ventura
February 19, 2023.
If only I could rate them more than 5 starts, I really would.. This is our 2nd time in Cabot Trail and we will definitely be staying here again when we visit Cape Breton this fall! The Yurts we’ve stayed in were always so clean and beautiful. The owner, Paul, accommodated us so kindly with all our needs and more. It felt like we were just visiting a relatives home lol. The staff, most especially Katie, were so patient and helpful to us. Everyone here just goes above and beyond for their customers! I would recommend this to anyone who plans to visit Cape Breton.
BONUS: THEY’RE OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND!
ANOTHER BONUS: THEY HAVE THE BEST CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE (Made by Paul’s wife)!!!!
Lisa-Steven Sisson-Gledhill (HillSun)
December 31, 2022.
Wish we could give more stars 🌟 Service was top notch! Everyone was friendly, accommodating and informed about local interests. Food was mouth watering- recommend the seafood and homemade yogurt. Waves each morning were breath taking...highly recommend asking to do local hikes. Kids enjoyed games, sauna, hot tub and rooms felt very spacious. Will definitely return!
Clare Waque
December 16, 2022.
I attended a wilderness healing retreat and that experience completely changed my life. The low reviews are not a far representation of the authentic and high value experience being offered.
Annshani Fernando
December 15, 2022.
We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful resort and would recommend it to nature lovers. Big shoutout to Paul and his family for going the extra mile to make us feel comfortable.
Varuna Indraratne
December 12, 2022.
We spent three nights attending a relative’s wedding in early September at this wonderful resort conveniently located right on the world-famous Cabot Trail. We stayed in one of the main lodge rooms which had spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean from the window.
The resort has a vast property overlooking beach that also includes an apple orchard and organic vegetable garden leading to the shores of the Atlantic. The amazing staff led by the owners Paul and Barbara are very hospitable, friendly and helpful.
The food at the wedding reception prepared by the in-house team was so delicious. There are also plenty of options for breakfast and lunch nearby serving a variety of cuisines with Cape Breton flair and friendliness.
We highly recommend the Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort for anyone planning a visit to Cape Breton Island!!!
Uthpala M
December 11, 2022.
We had our wedding at this beautiful venue in September, 2022. Our experience was amazing. Paul, Barbara, and the crew was super helpful from the planning stage all the way until we checked out after the event. The location of this property is unbeatable. We had our wedding ceremony in between two chalets - Red and Blue - overseeing the Atlantic Ocean. We booked three chalets and rooms at the main lodge for our guests and some of the guests rented yurts. The crew at Cabot Shores organized a bon-fire on the night before the wedding and organized a cookout with brick-oven pizzas that was out of this world! The food for the wedding was prepared by the chef of Cabot Shores - Ron - and it was superb. Paul and Barbara also organized local musicians for the event and Flo and her group was fantastic! We have nothing bad to say and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of the staff and the natural beauty of the location. We highly recommend this lovely place to anyone planning their wedding or vacation.
Ruwanthika Premalal
December 11, 2022.
We stayed for 3 days at this amazing resort during the end of summer 2022. A great resort with many activities and you can easily access the Cabot shore trail. There are many close by boutique restaurants too for breakfast, brunch or lunch. But you definitely need to try resort's food too which might come from there organic garden to your plate. Their wood fired pizza is so good.
During the last day at our stay, we had a wedding of one of our close friends, at the resort. The food was so delicious. The staff was really helpful. I love their compost bin, vegetable beds and mushroom garden too.
They have so many isolated yurts which is really great for star gazing and to see the milky way.
The little ferry at the river is such a great way to reach the private beach of the Atlantic ocean.
We are visiting again, hopefully next year!
Jangchub Zangmo
November 29, 2022.
a wonderful place to get out into nature and meet like minded people
Lukas
September 21, 2022.
Very nice people and a place full of joy !
Stayed 2 nights in the „Eagle dome“ which was really comfy and clean!
Had really delicous dinner at the main lodge where paul played some music just for us and had nice conversations whith him and the other staffmembers.
Also booked the hot tub at our dome for our last night from where we had a great view on the campfire.
Lovely place where you see how much effort they put in every detail.
Nicole
August 22, 2022.
Amazing adventure! Lots of fun sleeping underneath the stars!
Ryan
August 14, 2022.
Relaxing
Nigel
July 25, 2022.
Beautiful place and very friendly staff. Perfect location if you’re travelling along the Cabot Trail, I highly recommend checking this place out! Would definitely stay here again. Thanks for a fantastic experience.
Anooj
October 25, 2021.
This was our first time staying in the Eagle Dome and we absolutely fell in love with this beautiful place. Super clean place to stay!
Redwan
October 17, 2021.
Very nice place to spend a couple of nights in the nature! My wife and I enjoyed our stay.
It might be a good idea to install a heater in the dome as it can get chilly at night.
Brooke
October 1, 2021.
Beautiful, quaint place to stay! So unique and off grid. We loved staying at the dome!
Madison
September 9, 2021.
We had a great stay in the Eagle Dome! We loved watching the sunset and sunrise, and being able to hear the waves from the ocean. Next time we would stay a few more days and prepare a bit better - we weren’t packed for off grid but we made it work. Outhouse was a few steps away, shower and toilet a short walk. We didn’t get the hot tub or use the sauna/other amenities but would certainly consider it next time.
Micayla
August 16, 2021.
This place is absolutely beautiful! We loved our stay here. I highly recommend it. All the staff are very friendly. The dome was such a unique experience looking at the stars and watching the sun rise. The beach is beautiful and there’s a little swimming spot 2 minutes down the road that we really enjoyed 🙂
