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Enjoy Your Yurt in Fall & Winter: What you should know

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As fall sets in we are reminded by the crisp mornings and chilly evenings to have extra clothing, blankets or quilts, and extra hot tea when heading outdoors. Many people are surprised that Cabot Shores is open 4 seasons, and even more so that we encourage our guests to stay in Mongolian and cedar style yurts during these cold months! Here are some frequently asked questions about us and our yurts during the colder seasons.

What is there to do in Fall and Winter?

The outdoors awaits you no matter what the season is! Many people come to Cape Breton Island in the fall to see the spectacular colours of the leaves along the sprawling mountainous coastline, as well as hiking, sight-seeing, fishing, and events like the Celtic Colours Festival. Fall is a great time of year to visit and many people prefer the more moderate temperatures while enjoying the outdoors. However, as the temperatures drop further and we approach Winter, transportation and weather play a huge role in whether or not guests visit Cape Breton Island.

It is hard to imagine a more beautiful and pristine landscape than that of our winter months, when cross country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and general fun in the snow is happening all around the island. Staying in a yurt during these frosty months can be a very comfortable, cozy and worthwhile adventure if you are prepared.

What are the differences between a Mongolian and Cedar Yurt?

Mongolian Yurts were used by nomadic peoples for thousands of years and were originally made of felt and furs. Also known as a ger (which means Home in Mongolian), modern yurts like the 7 we have at Cabot Shores are insulated with felt and canvas and bound by horsehair ropes. Their insulated walls allow the environment of the yurt to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A tono is the screened skylight at the top of your yurt which allows air circulation and extra light to shine through in the summer; it is covered by an insulated canvas flap that must be closed tightly during winter. These yurts are hand painted with beautiful, ornate designs and offer a unique experience through any season. Expect the roof to be lower than what you are used to in this style yurt. Each yurt is equipped with its own deck and are near a Cedar soaking tub which you can book upon availability.

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The tono of a Mongolian style yurt

Cedar Yurts are a more modern approach to the same round structure. Made completely from Cedar with an insulated roof that features a large dome skylight, this yurt is built to keep in heat – but only to an extent. Equipped with a wood stove as the main source of heat, guests will need to tend to the fire to keep the environment toasty and warm. Wood, kindling and matches are provided to our guests. During very cold weather, the fire is lit and the yurt is warmed prior to your arrival. A Cedar soaking tub is also located outside of this yurt.

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The dome skylight of a cedar style yurt

Is there electricity in a yurt?

Most of our yurts have electricity. In the summer, the Little Red Yurt, Sky Yurt, Big Orange Yurt and Wilderness Yurt have no electricity. They are outfitted with solar lamps, lanterns and flashlights. If needing to charge devices, we invite guests to use our main lodge.

How are yurts heated?

Our Cedar and some of the Mongolian yurts (Big Red and Forest) have electricity available but they are heated with a wood stove. To best enjoy this experience, it is essential that you are willing to keep your wood stove stocked with wood while you are in the yurt. This may mean getting up through the night to do so. When arriving during the winter, we will have your fire lit before check in; there is nothing more inviting than a warm, cozy yurt!

Our other Mongolian style yurts are heated with portable electric heaters that create a truly comfortable space to relax. The insulation of our yurts provides a cool environment in the summer and a warm environment in the winter.

Are bedding and towels provided?

Yes. Each bed is fitted with double comforters and warm blankets and sheets. Extra blankets are available if needed. Towels and face cloth sets are provided to each guest, as is fresh water, cups, flashlights, and a source of heat.

How far are the bathrooms from my yurt?

They are a short walk away and are located inside the main lodge during winter months. Staff ensure there is a clear, packed down path to each yurt by snowshoeing a trail each day (sometimes multiple times a day). It may be difficult to walk with boots only during certain weather; snowshoes are available on site and are included in our winter package.

How can I be sure that I will be comfortable in a yurt during fall and winter?

Besides evaluating which style of yurt best suits your preferences, preparedness will be the key to a cozy getaway in a yurt during the colder months. Packing sufficient clothing (including head wear or a hoodie to protect you ears and neck), bringing comfortable and warm, waterproof boots, and organizing snacks ahead of time will greatly improve your stay. Our GoBistro offers a nutritional breakfast and dinner, but you will not likely be travelling the long distances required to access grocery stores, so snacks or preferred foods are important to have on hand. If you are choosing to eat on your own and cooking outdoors, we recommend packing the essentials such as propane/stove, cookware, and food. We invite our guests to ask us what we recommend bringing with them ahead of time.

We also have an infrared sauna which helps your muscles relax and warm up after long hikes and/or cold days. Also, ask about our Cedar hot tubs which are available year round.

During winter, it is occasionally necessary during icey conditions to switch to a yurt closer to the lodge.

Is there a refrigerator where I can keep food cold?

Yes. It is located in our common room and can be accessed 24/7. We do however suggest bringing your own cooler as there is limited space.

What if the weather is too stormy to be outdoors?

Sometimes the wind, rain and sleet make it hard to spend time enjoying the outdoors. If you would like a break from hanging out in your yurt, you are welcome to sit by our stone hearth in the lodge and enjoy complimentary tea, books, board games, wifi and a game of ping pong or pool. We have also found that our guests enjoy the company of one another and often those interested in music end up jamming with the variety of instruments and noise makers we have available.

Is there cell service and wifi at your resort?

There is no cell service in Indian Brook where Cabot Shores is located. In either direction, cell service can be found in a few kilometers. We have a landline available for calls for a small donation. Wifi is available in the entire lodge building, but in no other accommodations.

Are dogs allowed in yurts?

Yes, with the exception of 2 that remain dog free in case a guest with allergies needs a pet free space. We recommend bringing your dog’s bed or a blanket for them to lay on as the floors can be cold. We ask that guests do not allow their dogs on beds or furniture. More information on our pet friendly accommodations here.

What if I don’t want to stay in a yurt – are there other accommodations?

Yes. We have more standard rooms in our lodge as well as chalets.

Here is a link to a great blog featuring ten facts about yurts.



Good
Based on 248 reviews
Sandy Soule
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
Jangchub Zangmo
November 29, 2022.
a wonderful place to get out into nature and meet like minded people

Excellent
Based on 50 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.
Micayla
Micayla
August 16, 2021.
Verified
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 🙂

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