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At least 5 nature hikes and walks in the vicinity of Cabot Shores and provide a nature connection for hikers of all ages and abilities. You can simply explore the property along Eagle Feather Beach or experience the natural beauty of the trail along the Cabot Shores loop trail along Indian Brook and Church Pond. The Indian Brook Falls trail just north of Indian Brook Bridge and the Red Island trail are a bit more challenging and it is possible even to walk along the beach from the Red Island Trail back to Cabot Shores.
1. Eagle Feather Beach at Cabot Shores
Walk along Eagle Feather Beach just opposite Cabot Shores, bordering the Atlantic and St. Ann’s Bay, with Kelly’s mountain and the Bird Islands in the distance. Better yet, take your dog! From Eagle Feather Beach you can cast out into the Atlantic for mackerel and the rare sea bass (no fishing license required for these saltwater fish)
2. The Cabot Shores’ Nature Trail Loop along Indian Brook and Church Pond
Walk down to Indian Brook, swing back along a cove bordering Church Pond, go through some moose habitat and return to the
dirt road leading back up towards Whiff’s lodge and the chalets. On your way along Indian Brook, you can throw a fishing line in for brook trout, provided you have a Nova Scotia Fishing license.It is marked clearly on the Cabot Shores map and it is about a 25 minute walk, much of it along flat terrain. You can return via the Apple Orchard and go out to the launching area for canoes and the Eagle Feather Ferry to the beach.
3. Red Island Trail:
The Red Island Trail is 3km south along the Cabot Trail from Cabot Shores. Go the parking lot of the St. Ann’s United Church. Walk through an aboretum featuring trees that used to grow on Cape Breton. To the right of the church as you face it, past the arboritum, is the Trail Head. This community trail is 4km loop that begins by following the Bearchois River with great views looking out at St. Ann’s Bay. Just befor beach you’ll see a map of the trail and along the way some nice, community built benches. Go left or north on the beach, facing Kelly’s Mountain all the way to some markers that will take you back into the woods. The photo above shows you the view from the woods toward Kelly’s mountain. You’ll then go back into the woods, bear right and follow MacDonald’s Pond almost to the end and the trail will lead you back up the hill to the original trail. Turn right and you will land back in the parking lot of the church. This trail is categorized as easy-moderate; there are benches in several locations to enjoy the view and a nice community built bridge at the beginning of the trail. Total time: 1-1.5 hours, good for hiking and for snowshoeing during winter.
4. Walking the Beach from Red Island Trail to Cabot Shores
Part of the Red Island Trail goes along MacDonald’s Pond. You’ll see little islands that you can swim to, so you can swim in the
salty, St. Ann’s Bay and rinse off in MacDonald’s Pond.
If your feet are tough and up to it, walk along the beach north toward Cabot Shores. You’ll eventually pass a small pond on your
left and then eventually you’ll come to the Eagle Feather Ferry where you can head back into the Apple Orchard and back to the
main campus of Cabot Shores (see the map above).
5. First Indian Brook Waterfall (called Widow Veiled Falls)
Heading out from Cabot Shores, this trail follows Indian Brook upstream on the North side of the brook. It offers lovely views of the brook as you follow it high above the water. After about 30-40 minutes, the trail descends the steep embankment down to the riverbed. You will find the waterfall across the brook (during warm months you can wade across the brook). This waterfall is classified as a bridal veil waterfall – several smaller waterfalls running parallel. The hike is classified as easy-moderate – the 5 min descent and 10 min ascent on the way back comprising the difficult aspect of the trail.Total time: 1.5-2 hours
Want to see other nature hikes and nature walks? Have a look at our activities and hiking adventures at Cabot Shores.
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
snehal shah
November 6, 2022.
Beautiful location. Have huts to stay here. it would be better and comfortable if size of Hut slightly bigger . No service. Even our garbage bin we have to carry out to empty... Otherwise good stay.
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 🙂
