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Cape Breton

We are planning a trip to Novia Scotia (first time visit), after having to cancel last year. We will be going 10/7-10/14/26.
Day 1 &2- Arriving late to Halifax, staying 2 nights with one full day to explore Halifax.

Day 3- Leave early for Peggy's Cove & Mahone's Bay, then on to Lunenburg, staying at Ashlei House B&B.
Day 4- Leave for Auld Farm B&B in Baddeck, will see the AG Bell Museum and the Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs that evening.

Day 5- Early start to drive Cabot Trail. Will spend time in Ingonish (local places, possible hike or Smokey Gondola ride), then on to the Markland Cottages for dinner & to stay the night. Would like to see Meat Cove if time, although I am not sure if the hike is too much for us, or is it worth going if we don't do the hike.
Day 6- Drive to White point & then on to spend time in Cheticamp. Looking into Captain Zodiac Whale Watching. Will want to do Skyline trail in the evening.

Day 7- Not sure if we need this day.
Day 8- We need to be at the airport at 12:30 for a 3:30 flight. So I am guessing leaving super early from wherever we stay the night before.
It is myself and my husband (we are early active 60's). We previously did a road trip in Ireland and loved driving the countryside- our favorite memory I think is just having dinner in a local pub with music, chatting with a couple of the locals. Would love a similar experience in Novia Scotia. Would like to do probably just one or maybe 2 hikes. We are from Louisiana, so Cajun history is of interest. Love going to the small towns/fishing villages. Any suggestions on this itinerary?

Thanks for your help!

Posted by
1167 posts

My suggestion is that you reconsider your decision to spend a night at the Markland Cottages. Our stay there last year was horrid.

Screen door was off its tracks; broken and missing lighting fixtures; heat did not reach the bathroom which was in a state of disrepair.
Basic amenities, such as body wash in the shower are non-existent. Housekeepers are not attentive to detail; cleanliness is lacking. Absentee owners who leave their dining room staff to deal with issues in the overpriced cottages. It was one of the absolute worst places we have stayed in all of our travels.

As for Lunenburg, there are wonderful local art galleries to explore. Leatherworks by Jolene is local shop south of Ingonish with beautiful items and a more than fair price point. It was definitely worth a stop if those types of things are of interest to you. The Middle Head Trail on Cape Breton's east coast was gorgeous and worth our time.

Posted by
142 posts

I’m not sure if the drive to Meat Cove is worth it. We did but there are so many other easier stops along the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton. Inverness is worth a stop and more time in Baddeck. You mentioned an evening hike on the Skyline Trail, check sunset is but there are lots of people around.

Posted by
860 posts

While in Chéticamp, visit the Les Trois Pignons museum, especially the Hooked Rug exhibit. It's fascinating! See if you can get someone to give you a guided tour.

Posted by
270 posts

If your schedule allows, the Fortress at Louisbourg is interesting. At least it was several years ago when we last visited. We spent the better part of a day there. You will be there during shoulder season, so it could be a shorter visit.