Guidebook to the Bras D'ors Cottage
Sightseeing
11 minute drive from the cottage
Cape Breton's best kept secret hiking spot! The Fairy Hole, also known as Kluscap’s Cave.
This hiking trail is accessed at the end of New Campbellton Road. It takes hikers through the wilderness before culminating at a short yet picturesque waterfall that leads into the Atlantic Ocean. The Mi’kmaq see it as a spiritual place; Kluscap is a spiritual and cultural hero in Mi’kmaq stories.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.7 km (out and back)
Suggested Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Signage: Sparse markers throughout
Facilities: Some parking
Fairy Hole
11 minute drive from the cottage
Cape Breton's best kept secret hiking spot! The Fairy Hole, also known as Kluscap’s Cave.
This hiking trail is accessed at the end of New Campbellton Road. It takes hikers through the wilderness before culminating at a short yet picturesque waterfall that leads into the Atlantic Ocean. The Mi’kmaq see it as a spiritual place; Kluscap is a spiritual and cultural hero in Mi’kmaq stories.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 2.7 km (out and back)
Suggested Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Signage: Sparse markers throughout
Facilities: Some parking
Cape Smokey is 1 hour and 11 minute drive from the cottage.
It is a ski resort in Ingonish, Nova Scotia.
Cape Smokey is the destination for skiing, snowboarding, snow showing and hiking.
Ride the gondola any time of year for spectacular views of the ocean and Cape Breton Highlands Park.
Cape Smokey
Cape Smokey is 1 hour and 11 minute drive from the cottage.
It is a ski resort in Ingonish, Nova Scotia.
Cape Smokey is the destination for skiing, snowboarding, snow showing and hiking.
Ride the gondola any time of year for spectacular views of the ocean and Cape Breton Highlands Park.
The national park is a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from the cottage.
Hiking, camping and fishing!
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Cape Breton Highlands
The national park is a 1 hour and 20 minute drive from the cottage.
Hiking, camping and fishing!
2 hour drive from the cottage.
1.5- 3 hour stunning hike in the Cape Breton Highlands. One of the more famous hikes in Cape Breton.
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Skyline Trail
2 hour drive from the cottage.
1.5- 3 hour stunning hike in the Cape Breton Highlands. One of the more famous hikes in Cape Breton.
The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s ultimate scenic highways.
It is a 298 km (185 miles) scenic drive through Cape Breton Highland’s National Park and the Atlantic Coast.
It is considered one of the best road trips in the world.
Many drive the Cabot Trail in a counter clockwise direction starting in Baddeck and ending in Cheticamp.
The Cabot Trail can be driven in a day. Some prefer up to four days to really explore everything there is to see and do.
Cabot Trail
Cabot TrailThe Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s ultimate scenic highways.
It is a 298 km (185 miles) scenic drive through Cape Breton Highland’s National Park and the Atlantic Coast.
It is considered one of the best road trips in the world.
Many drive the Cabot Trail in a counter clockwise direction starting in Baddeck and ending in Cheticamp.
The Cabot Trail can be driven in a day. Some prefer up to four days to really explore everything there is to see and do.
1 hour and 17 minute drive from the cottage.
A premier resort hotel in the village of Ingonish, Nova Scotia. Can walk around, dine here, listen to live local music even if you don't stay over night.
Hike the Middle Head trail located next to the resort.
Keltic Lodge
1 hour and 17 minute drive from the cottage.
A premier resort hotel in the village of Ingonish, Nova Scotia. Can walk around, dine here, listen to live local music even if you don't stay over night.
Hike the Middle Head trail located next to the resort.
1 hour and 19 minute drive from cottage.
Ranked 8th on Scoregolf’s top 100 golf courses!
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Cape Breton Highlands Links
247 Keltic in Rd1 hour and 19 minute drive from cottage.
Ranked 8th on Scoregolf’s top 100 golf courses!
captain zodiac whale cruise
15407 Cabot Trail RdSmall group whale watching on zodiac boats.
North River Kayak Tours- Cabot Trail
644 Murray RdThe Middle Head Trail follows a long, narrow peninsula separating two ocean bays, ending on headland cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Smokey and Ingonish Island. There are opportunities to see seabirds, seals, whales and eagles, as well as fishing boats in the early summer.
Trailhead: just beyond the Keltic Lodge (Civic Address: 383 Keltic Inn Road, Ingonish)
Significant Feature: Coastal headland and cultural history
Length: 3.8 km (2.4 mi) loop
Hiking Time: 1– 2 hours
Elevation: 5–45 m (15–150 ft.)
Interpretive loop. Mostly level with some climbs. Some rocky, rugged sections with exposed tree roots.
Trail Rating: Moderate
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Middle Head Hiking Trail
Middle Head Hiking TrailThe Middle Head Trail follows a long, narrow peninsula separating two ocean bays, ending on headland cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Smokey and Ingonish Island. There are opportunities to see seabirds, seals, whales and eagles, as well as fishing boats in the early summer.
Trailhead: just beyond the Keltic Lodge (Civic Address: 383 Keltic Inn Road, Ingonish)
Significant Feature: Coastal headland and cultural history
Length: 3.8 km (2.4 mi) loop
Hiking Time: 1– 2 hours
Elevation: 5–45 m (15–150 ft.)
Interpretive loop. Mostly level with some climbs. Some rocky, rugged sections with exposed tree roots.
Trail Rating: Moderate
Around 30 minutes to the southeast of Sydney is town of Louisbourg and the world-renowned Fortress of Louisbourg. The French fortress was seized not once, but twice, which helped create today’s Canada.
The National Historic Site is made up of ruins together with a reconstruction of one quarter of the fortress as it was at the height in the 1740s. Wander around the fortress either on a guided or self-guided tour and learn about its history.
There are demonstrations that explain the weaponry at the time, in addition to puppet shows that are great for the kids. Walk along Main Street Louisbourg, visit the Fortress Chapel and take photos of the King’s Bastion Barracks.
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Fortress Of Louisbourg
Around 30 minutes to the southeast of Sydney is town of Louisbourg and the world-renowned Fortress of Louisbourg. The French fortress was seized not once, but twice, which helped create today’s Canada.
The National Historic Site is made up of ruins together with a reconstruction of one quarter of the fortress as it was at the height in the 1740s. Wander around the fortress either on a guided or self-guided tour and learn about its history.
There are demonstrations that explain the weaponry at the time, in addition to puppet shows that are great for the kids. Walk along Main Street Louisbourg, visit the Fortress Chapel and take photos of the King’s Bastion Barracks.
The Cape Breton Miners’ Museum sits along the coast of Glace Bay, just to the east of Sydney. It plays tribute to the region’s coal mining history, complete with a tour of the underground mines.
Tour the mine with a retired miner who is now a guide for the underground Ocean Deeps Colliery. Tour times vary, though if this is a must for you, you can book a tour of the mine online.
Exhibits in the museum itself focus on the geological development of the island’s coal field. This is done through tools, equipment and stories of the miners.
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Miner's Museum
17 Museum StThe Cape Breton Miners’ Museum sits along the coast of Glace Bay, just to the east of Sydney. It plays tribute to the region’s coal mining history, complete with a tour of the underground mines.
Tour the mine with a retired miner who is now a guide for the underground Ocean Deeps Colliery. Tour times vary, though if this is a must for you, you can book a tour of the mine online.
Exhibits in the museum itself focus on the geological development of the island’s coal field. This is done through tools, equipment and stories of the miners.
Cottage is situated directly on Bras D'or Lake.
It may be called a lake, but this is really Canada’s inland sea. A mecca for sailors and a true paddler’s paradise. Here, you’ll find saltwater fringed by deep forested hills and culture abound.
Explore this UNESCO designated Biosphere by boat, navigating this unique salt-water estuary, a blend of Arctic and warm subtropical oceans. Or, skirt the massive lake by car, popping into welcoming communities as you go.
Bras d'Or Lake
Cottage is situated directly on Bras D'or Lake.
It may be called a lake, but this is really Canada’s inland sea. A mecca for sailors and a true paddler’s paradise. Here, you’ll find saltwater fringed by deep forested hills and culture abound.
Explore this UNESCO designated Biosphere by boat, navigating this unique salt-water estuary, a blend of Arctic and warm subtropical oceans. Or, skirt the massive lake by car, popping into welcoming communities as you go.
Located in Cheticamp (1 hour 30 minute drive from cottage)
French-Canadian Neo-classical church architecture.
Built in 1893, it was designed by David Ouellet (1844-1915), a Quebec City architect.
Saint Peter's Church
15114 Cabot TrailLocated in Cheticamp (1 hour 30 minute drive from cottage)
French-Canadian Neo-classical church architecture.
Built in 1893, it was designed by David Ouellet (1844-1915), a Quebec City architect.
1 hour and 35 minute drive from the cottage.
Gypsum Mine Lake is a 2.6 kilometre out and back trail located near Cheticamp that is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.
At the top of the ridge, you go in between two small hills and into the secret swimming spot: an old gypsum quarry.
Gypsum Mines
1 hour and 35 minute drive from the cottage.
Gypsum Mine Lake is a 2.6 kilometre out and back trail located near Cheticamp that is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.
At the top of the ridge, you go in between two small hills and into the secret swimming spot: an old gypsum quarry.
Inverness
1 hour 25 minutes from the cottage
Inverness Beach
Ingonish Beach
1 hour and 17 minutes from the cottage.
Awesome beach!
1 hour and 17 minutes from the cottage.
Whale Cove Summer Village, located in Margaree Harbour on beautiful Cape Breton Island, has provided vacation cottages to families from all over the world. Dreamy but down to earth, Whale Cove's cottages feel miles away, but are located just minutes from the world-famous Cabot Trail. Protected by coastal forests, you can enjoy our picturesque summer playground in a park-like setting which gently falls away to meet the fine sand of our crescent beach, and the sparkling clear waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Whale cove beach
1 hour and 17 minutes from the cottage.
Whale Cove Summer Village, located in Margaree Harbour on beautiful Cape Breton Island, has provided vacation cottages to families from all over the world. Dreamy but down to earth, Whale Cove's cottages feel miles away, but are located just minutes from the world-famous Cabot Trail. Protected by coastal forests, you can enjoy our picturesque summer playground in a park-like setting which gently falls away to meet the fine sand of our crescent beach, and the sparkling clear waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Egypt Falls Trailhead
150 Pipers Glen RoadStunning water fall trail. 1 hour and 23 minutes from the cottage.
2 hours and 35 minutes from cottage.
World famous Buddhist monastery set up by Spiritual leader, author Pema Chodron.
Gampo Abbey
1533 Pleasant Bay Loop2 hours and 35 minutes from cottage.
World famous Buddhist monastery set up by Spiritual leader, author Pema Chodron.
30 minutes from cottage.
Inventor of telephone among other things!
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Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
559 Chebucto St30 minutes from cottage.
Inventor of telephone among other things!
1 hour and 8 minutes from the cottage
Open May to mid October
A living history museum and folklife centre that celebrates the story, language and living culture of Nova Scotia Gaels.
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Highland Village Museum
4119 Highway 2231 hour and 8 minutes from the cottage
Open May to mid October
A living history museum and folklife centre that celebrates the story, language and living culture of Nova Scotia Gaels.
1 hour and 19 minutes from cottage. TNT adventure tours also does winter and summer tours by atv and snow mobile
Cape Clear
1 hour and 19 minutes from cottage. TNT adventure tours also does winter and summer tours by atv and snow mobile
West Mabou Beach
1757 Little Mabou Road1 hour 18 minutes from cottage
Dingwall Beach
2 hours from the cottage. See South Harbour Beach at the same time :)
2 hours and 22 minutes from the cottage. The Beulach Ban Falls, located about 20 minutes past Pleasant Bay along the Cabot Trail. You can almost drive right up to these falls as they are located just a 1 minute walk from the Aspy Trailhead parking lot. A gorgeous waterfall that you shouldn’t miss when driving the Cabot Trail.
Beulach Ban Falls, Victoria County, NS B0C 1G0, Canada
2 hours and 22 minutes from the cottage. The Beulach Ban Falls, located about 20 minutes past Pleasant Bay along the Cabot Trail. You can almost drive right up to these falls as they are located just a 1 minute walk from the Aspy Trailhead parking lot. A gorgeous waterfall that you shouldn’t miss when driving the Cabot Trail.
City/town information
1 hour and 30 minute drive from the cottage.
Why go?
-Ingonish Beach
-Ski Cape Smokey
-Atlantic Canada's 1st Gondola
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Ingonish
1 hour and 30 minute drive from the cottage.
Why go?
-Ingonish Beach
-Ski Cape Smokey
-Atlantic Canada's 1st Gondola
28 minute drive from the cottage.
It is considered to be the start and end of the world famous Cabot Trail. This quaint and friendly community stretches along the shore of the Bras d'Or Lakes.
Things to do:
-Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (inventor of the telephone among other things)
-Amoeba sailing or Catamaran tours (Sailing CBI)
-Bell Bay Gold Club or Baddeck Forks Golf Club
-Hikes:1 ) Usige Ban Galls Provincial Park (1.5 hour hike to a waterfall in a granite gorge); 2) Gairloch Mountain Falls: 1 hour to a waterfall.
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Baddeck
28 minute drive from the cottage.
It is considered to be the start and end of the world famous Cabot Trail. This quaint and friendly community stretches along the shore of the Bras d'Or Lakes.
Things to do:
-Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site (inventor of the telephone among other things)
-Amoeba sailing or Catamaran tours (Sailing CBI)
-Bell Bay Gold Club or Baddeck Forks Golf Club
-Hikes:1 ) Usige Ban Galls Provincial Park (1.5 hour hike to a waterfall in a granite gorge); 2) Gairloch Mountain Falls: 1 hour to a waterfall.
1 hour and 36 minute drive from the cottage.
Scenic French Acadian fishing village, incredible sunsets, whale watching tours.
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Chéticamp
1 hour and 36 minute drive from the cottage.
Scenic French Acadian fishing village, incredible sunsets, whale watching tours.
42 minute drive from the cottage
The largest city on Cape Breton Island, Sydney is home to the island’s main port, making it the hub of the entire island.
Sitting in front of the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion on the Sydney waterfront is the largest fiddle in the world! The fiddle stands tall at 18-metres and is hard to miss.
Stroll downtown shops and eat at the local restaurants.
Hit up the casino!
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Sydney
42 minute drive from the cottage
The largest city on Cape Breton Island, Sydney is home to the island’s main port, making it the hub of the entire island.
Sitting in front of the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion on the Sydney waterfront is the largest fiddle in the world! The fiddle stands tall at 18-metres and is hard to miss.
Stroll downtown shops and eat at the local restaurants.
Hit up the casino!
1 hour 18 minutes from the city
Mabou is a small rural community located on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Well known for its living history, Mabou is the place to be if you wish to listen and dance to Celtic Music, immerse yourself in Gaelic Culture, hike one of our many picturesque trails or relax and take in our beachscape.
Best known for the Rankin Family musicians.
Be sure to check out west mabou beach, Glendora whiskey distillery and the red shoe pub.
Nova Scotia Trunk 19, Inverness County, NS B0E, Canada
1 hour 18 minutes from the city
Mabou is a small rural community located on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Well known for its living history, Mabou is the place to be if you wish to listen and dance to Celtic Music, immerse yourself in Gaelic Culture, hike one of our many picturesque trails or relax and take in our beachscape.
Best known for the Rankin Family musicians.
Be sure to check out west mabou beach, Glendora whiskey distillery and the red shoe pub.
Food scene
37 minute drive from the cottage.
Atlantic Canada's only organic, on -farm craft brewery and hop yard. They brew only unfiltered, unpasteurized, unbelievably good beer and selzters.
They have an outdoor patio and taproom for flights and pints. From May to October there is a seasonal food truck with local beer inspired cuisine and live music.
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Big Spruce Brewing
64 Yankee Line Rd37 minute drive from the cottage.
Atlantic Canada's only organic, on -farm craft brewery and hop yard. They brew only unfiltered, unpasteurized, unbelievably good beer and selzters.
They have an outdoor patio and taproom for flights and pints. From May to October there is a seasonal food truck with local beer inspired cuisine and live music.
The Freight Shed: Waterside Bistro & Market
2 Jones St30 minute drive from the cottage
Cedar House Bakery and Restaurant
899 NS-10512 minute drive from the cottage.
1 hour and 20 minute drive from cottage
Glenora is the first single malt whisky distillery in North America.
Tours occur daily to see how the whisky is made and there are tastings as well.
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Glenora Inn and Distillery
13727 Highway 191 hour and 20 minute drive from cottage
Glenora is the first single malt whisky distillery in North America.
Tours occur daily to see how the whisky is made and there are tastings as well.
Flavor on the Water
60 Esplanade40 minute drive from the cottage
Breton Brewing Co
364 Keltic Dr37 minutes from cottage
Growlers, live music, trivia
40 minute drive from the cottage
The go to place for drinks and a meal on the Sydney waterfront in the summer. Watch the cruise ships come in.
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Portside Beer Garden
144 Esplanade40 minute drive from the cottage
The go to place for drinks and a meal on the Sydney waterfront in the summer. Watch the cruise ships come in.
Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery
6289 Cabot Trail Rd1 hour away from the cottage
Salty Rose's and the Periwinkle Cafe
36056 Cabot Trail Rd1 hour and 28 minutes from the cottage.
Marguerite boutique et provisions
15347 Cabot Trail1 hour 37 minutes from cottage in cheticamp area.
L'abri
15559 Cabot Trail Rd1 hour and 38 minutes from the cottage in cheticamp
Sunset Art Gallery
15856 Cabot Trail Rd1 hour 38 minutes from the cottage in cheticamp
The Red Shoe
11573 Nova Scotia Trunk 191 hour 18 minutes from cottage
The Annex
1 hour 28 minute drive from cottage. In Inverness. Good food sometimes live music.