Cape Breton Staycation Guide
From the Cabot Trail to the Bras d’Or Lakes, seafood dinners to whisky – Cape Breton has so much to do and explore! You don’t want to miss out on this adventure. We’ve mapped out the perfect trip to help you plan your next Cape Breton staycation.
Port Hawkesbury to Inverness
FOOD & DRINK EXPERIENCES
- Miller’s Seafood & Chophouse: Port Hawkesbury is a perfect base from which to start your Cape Breton vacation and Miller’s Seafood & Chophouse offers meals for every taste! Their menu features a variety of local flavours including homemade seafood chowder, lobster rolls, maple whisky salmon, blueberry grunt, and more. You can collect a Lobster Trail and Chowder Trail stamp here.
- Celtic Music Interpretive Centre: Experience the music and culture of Cape Breton Island at Nova Scotia’s official Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. Enjoy home-cooked Nova Scotia favourites using locally sourced ingredients, while you listen to lively and traditional Celtic music. The centre also offers an interactive exhibit room, musical walking tours, Gaelic lessons, year-round Ceilidhs and more! You can collect a Chowder Trail stamp here.
- Clove Hitch Bar & Bistro: Clove Hitch Bar & Bistro is a family friendly, full service restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine. Their menu has a variety of chef inspired Atlantic Canadian favourites, from upscale casual dishes to classic bistro fare. Stop by Clove Hitch to enjoy a satisfying meal from their modern dining room and stay tuned for upcoming musical events!
- Glenora Inn & Distillery : Cradled in the picturesque hills of the Mabou Highlands, you’ll find Glenora Distillery. Glenora uses traditional methods to produce their award-winning Glen Breton Rare, Canadian single malt whisky. Stop by for a guided tour and private tasting filled with Celtic music! You can collect a Good Cheer Trail and Chowder Trail stamp here.
CULINARY PRODUCTS
- Galloping Cows Fine Foods: Want to bring a taste of Cape Breton home with you? Galloping Cows is a 25-year-old family business that produces six flavors of jalapeno pepper jellies, fruit sauces, jams, chutneys, beverages, and gift sets in the seaside town of Port Hood. Their all-natural products are created using locally sourced spring water and field grown fruits and vegetables. Stop by their retail shop to meet the family behind Galloping Cows and check out their delicious preserves!
Baddeck & Margaree
FOOD & DRINK EXPERIENCES
- Inverary Resort: The newly renovated Lakeside Restaurant at Inverary Resort overlooks the stunning Bras D’or Lake. Their menu features fresh local ingredients, including lobster and an extensive list of Nova Scotia wines and craft beers. Stop by their restaurant for an exceptional and memorable food and beverage experience! You can collect a Lobster Trail and Chowder Trail stamp here.
- Restaurant 100KM: Located at Chanterelle Country Inn, Restaurant 1ooKM serves a cuisine created mainly from ingredients sourced within 100 kms. Their award-winning chef prepares a menu featuring vegetarian, seafood, house-made soups, salads, and desserts, along with artisan bread. Take in the beauty and bounty of Cape Breton while you experience the fine dining at Restaurant 100KM.
- The Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery: The bustling roadside café, Dancing Goat Café and Bakery, is a favourite stop along the Cabot Trail for locals and visitors alike. With delicious sweet treats, fresh breads, artisanal sandwiches and soups, and lattes that would rival any top coffee house, the Dancing Goat is a culinary gem tucked in the hills of the Margaree Valley.
Sydney/Membertou
FOOD & DRINK EXPERIENCES
- Governor’s Pub & Eatery: Governors Pub & Eatery is a local family-owned restaurant that has been serving up distinct east coast appetizers and mains for more than two generations. They serve fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, year-round Atlantic lobster, hand-cut steaks and more. Governor’s Pub & Eatery is a hot spot for locals, and features local musicians just about every night of the week.
- Kiju’s Restaurant: Located in the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre, Kiju’s Restaurant is committed to fresh ingredients, local offerings, and friendly service. Their menu offers something for everyone – from finer fare to pub-style classics, and kids meals. You can collect a Lobster Trail and Chowder Trail stamp here.
Neil’s Harbour & Ingonish
FOOD & DRINK EXPERIENCES
- Restaurant Avalon: Located at Castle Rock Country Inn, Restaurant Avalon overlooks the Middle Head Peninsula, Atlantic Ocean and Cape Breton Highlands from their dining room. Their menu is a fusion of east and west, using locally sourced produce, lobster, mussels, free range poultry, beef, and lamb. Join Restaurant Avalon for a scenic dining experience, mixed with friendly, East Coast hospitality.
- The Chowder House: The Chowder House is a hidden gem located in Neil’s Harbour alongside a beautiful lighthouse overlooking the ocean. It’s a place where visitors and locals alike can dine on the freshest of seafood while enjoying the spectacular scenery. From the freshly caught local lobster, crab, and mussels, to steamy bowls of creamy chowder – The Chowder House offers a treat for all! You can collect a Lobster Trail and Chowder Trail stamp here.
CULINARY PRODUCTS
- Victoria Co-operative Fisheries Ltd: Victoria Co-operative Fisheries harvests and processes much of the east coast’s seafood. They purchase fish from over 125 fishing vessels in the local area and have a processing facility specializing in cooked and frozen lobster, as well as snow crab. Stop by their retail shop for a selection of fresh and frozen seafood!
Arichat
- La Goélette à Pépé Café: Stop by La Goélette à Pépé Café – where history & culture meet local! Treat yourself to artisanal sandwiches, locally roasted coffee, chef inspired pastries and more. While you’re enjoying their offerings, relax in their cozy indoor seating and learn about the rich Acadian culture.
Additional Recommendations
- The Cabot Trail: Known as one of Cape Breton’s most popular destinations – the Cabot Trail begins in Baddeck and loops its way around the Cape Breton Coastline showcasing the breathtaking scenery of our province. In order to enjoy everything The Cabot Trail has to offer, it’s recommended to spend five to seven days exploring the trail. From local seafood to hiking trails, and seafaring adventures – you don’t want to miss out!
- The Big Fiddle: Located on the Sydney waterfront, is the world’s largest fiddle! The Big Fiddle reaches a height of 60 feet, and is a tribute to the folk music and traditions of the province’s Celtic community. It’s a must-see attraction when visiting Sydney!
- Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site: Located on the Eastern side of Cape Breton, is the Fortress of Louisbourg. Travel back in time to the 1700’s and immerse yourself in the French culture. Take a guided tour of the historic fortress, learn about the lives of 18th century residents, and partake in a rum tasting. You can collect a Good Cheer Trail stamp here.
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