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