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The Vikings: First Europeans on Cape Breton?

At Cabot Shores, we consider ourselves and other visitors as  “guests” on Cape Breton–with exception of the native Mi’kmaq who, by accounts, were here first.

Talk to Mi’kmaq elders like Albert or Merdena Marshall or our friend John Henry Lafford and you’ll hear that the Mi’kmaq have been here some 10,000 years, way before the Italian–Giovanni Caboto came sailing under the English Flag in the 15th century.  Whether Cabot landed on northern Cape Breton (near what’s called “Cabot’s Landing”) is not certain.

The Canadian Park system believes he did because there is a wonderful park and beach and bust of John Cabot at Cabot’s Landing

 

Cabot's Landing
Cabot’s Landing in North Cape Breton near village of Sugarloaf

 

So, although it’s far from certain, we go on assumption that Cabot landed here:  we celebrate the Cabot Trail being on it and have named our place “Cabot Shores”.

Vikings in Newfoundland

Vikings in fact  landed in Newfoundland and in 1960 physical evidence was discovered by the Norwegian archeologist, Helge Instad.

The site had Norse artifacts similar to those found earlier in Greenland and Island, dating back some 500 years before Cabot andother Europeans landed in North America.  The name of the site in northern Newfoundland is l’Anse aux Meadows” or “Jellfish Cove”.

What About Vikings on Cape Breton

 

No such physical evidence is there now for the Vikings landing on Cape Breton Island, but there is a theory that the Norse sailboats, like the one of the “Knarr” above, actually a reconstruction of a Viking  vessel. The theory is based on oral tradition–of the saga of the “Greenlanders” and the saga of “Eric the Red”.  Ken Macleod writes in the September 28th, 2012 edition of the Cape Breton Post of this theory proposed by Steve Voluckis.  Voluckis points out that the Vikings traveled beyond the l”Anse…” site in

Newfoundland and landed on Cape Breton.  There they may have explored the western part of Cape Breton along the Bay of St. Lawrence and even made their way inland, along the Margaree River.

A Cape Breton University  history Professor,  Scott Moir, agrees with the theory about Viking landfall on Cape Breton:

“One of the factors (that leads me to believe that) is the descriptions you get from the sagas,” he said. “In the sagas, you read about a headland with two fjords on either side, which is a description of where (the Vikings) buried somebody. From the descriptions in the sagas, that has been variously identified as anywhere from Kelly’s Point to Point Aconi and even Point Edward.

All of which brings us back to the question posed by Ken Macleod in his  Cape Breton Post Article…

… “Did Vikings Spend a Winter or Two in Cape Breton” ? …

Meteorologist  Bill Danielson who sees a weather pattern confirming the theory.  As quoted in Macleod’s article:

“They certainly must have come right past Cape Breton, because L’Anse aux Meadows is not that far away from here,” he said.    “Depending on how you read the sagas, it seems quite likely they were in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

“So they must have passed Cape Breton along the way and I think they would have landed and checked it out, as they would have done in many other places as well.”

 



Good
Based on 298 reviews
MacKenzie Cutcliffe
MacKenzie Cutcliffe
February 17, 2024.
We had an excellent stay! We stayed in the tiny house and got the hot tub as an addition - the house was an adorable little cabin, very clean and had everything we needed (mini fridge, microwave and more!). The hot tub was worth the addition! Paul and the staff were so considerate, he even called me before we arrived and let me know how the roads were and to make sure I knew how to get to the tiny house since we were probably arriving after dark. I can’t say enough good things! We will definitely be back!
Alexis Helena
Alexis Helena
February 16, 2024.
It was a great space, the manager was very helpful and answered all our questions. Will definitely be coming back
Katie Crossley
Katie Crossley
January 25, 2024.
My husband and I got married at Cabot Shores last October, after staying there multiple times in the past and falling in love with the scenery and food!! Paul was amazing to deal with leading up to the wedding! I was definitely a needy bride lol and he was always so patient and helpful with everything. The whole thing went off without any issues at all and my guests had a great time and raved on and on about the food! We are huge out door people and loved the whole vibe ! We can’t wait to go back again soon and make more wonderful memories at this slice of heaven in our favourite place in the world, Cape Breton !!
‍하준수(교원-영상디자인학과)
‍하준수(교원-영상디자인학과)
January 10, 2024.
An unforgettable experience for a family trip. A yurt experience is more than just lodging, especially if you have young children. What is most impressive of all is the owner and his wife, who are so kind and affectionate.
Karleigh Johnstone
Karleigh Johnstone
January 8, 2024.
Stayed in the Phoenix Dome for 2 nights and had the most wonderful experience. The dome was lovely and stayed warm through the night. The highlight of our stay was the food. My husband has been a chef for 20+ years and was blown away by the quality of the food. We had dinner one evening and the salmon was absolute perfection. We were lucky enough to be the only guests for breakfast so they cooked us a few items instead of the buffet and we enjoyed every bite. Hands down the best scrambled eggs I have ever eaten! The staff were so wonderful, kind and accommodating. We would love to return and spend more time here exploring the trails and relaxing on the beach. Thank you to everyone at Cabot Trail for such a wonderful experience!
Bobbi Zahra
Bobbi Zahra
January 1, 2024.
Hot tubs were great, overlooking the gorgeous water view. Yurt was super comfortable, very spacious, and even when the fire died while we were sleeping, we stayed cozy and warm - the bedding was superb. Recommendation for Red River Trail was great, and we enjoyed the hike very much.
Sandy Mackley
Sandy Mackley
November 27, 2023.
The staff at Cabot Shores actively took opportunities to make our stay relaxing and enjoyable. Our Mongolian Yurt was comfortable with the wood stove and outside hot tub. Would strongly recommend calling these fine folks and discussing your stay with them.

Good
Based on 51 reviews
Lukas
Lukas
September 21, 2022.
Verified
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
Nicole
August 22, 2022.
Verified
Amazing adventure! Lots of fun sleeping underneath the stars!
Ryan
Ryan
August 14, 2022.
Verified
Relaxing
Nigel
Nigel
July 25, 2022.
Verified
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
Anooj
October 25, 2021.
Verified
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
Redwan
October 17, 2021.
Verified
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
Brooke
October 1, 2021.
Verified
Beautiful, quaint place to stay! So unique and off grid. We loved staying at the dome!
Madison
Madison
September 9, 2021.
Verified
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.

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