Cape Breton

Culture, Colour and the Cabot Trail

October 8th – October 18th 2024
2386 USD Deluxe Twin Share
3430 USD Single

HOSTED BY: LOUISE ORPIN

On Her Own | But Not Alone

OVERVIEW

Escape is on the menu. A colour tour like no other. Artisan studios. Delicious local seafood. Whiskey tastings at a renown distillery. An afternoon ceilidh while enjoying scrumptious chowder.

Unhurried walks above the fabulous cliffs of the Cabot Trail. Panoramic views showcasing the blazing fall colours plus National Historic sites, First Nations culture and Acadian history.....

Beautiful single or deluxe twin accommodations including meals, activities and all tour transport on Cape Breton Island.

Join me for this special Cape Breton cultural adventure in the fall!

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - October 8th - Halifax to Iona

Pick up at your hotel in downtown Halifax after breakfast.

You and your fellow travellers will start your adventure in beautiful Iona on the Bras d'Or Lakes on Cape Breton Island.

We'll break up our journey with a stop in Antigonish for lunch at Tall and Small Cafe. Later we'll stretch our legs and see the colourful architecture and golden sand beaches at Cape George on this spectacular drive.

Afternoon check-in to the Iona Heights Inn overlooking the lake. You'll have a room with balcony to enjoy the lovely view.

Dinner at the The Frolic’n Folk Pub & Grill. Overnight Iona.

DAY 2 - October 9th - the Gaelic Culture in Iona

Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village is an outdoor living history museum and Gaelic folklife centre that illustrates the story, culture and identity of Nova Scotia Gaels. Located on a stunning 43-acre property overlooking the majestic Bras d’Or Lake behind our hotel, it will be our first stop after breakfast.

Following our visit we'll do some sightseeing around the lakes and stop into Baddeck for lunch and exploring the waterfront and galleries in town. This is also the home of the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site and museum.

Dinner at the The Frolic’n Folk Pub & Grill at the inn.

Overnight Iona Heights Inn.

DAY 3 - October 10th - Waterfalls and Whiskey tasting

Breakfast, then we will continue our exploring around the area and visit Uisge Ban Falls - a short, flat hike to a pretty waterfall outside Baddeck. This will be the day for our distillery visit to Glenora and lunch at the inn.

After lunch and a walk around the grounds we'll head back to the Iona Inn via the scenic route through Margaree River Valley. Light dinner and music at the pub. Overnight Iona Heights Inn.

DAY 4 - October 11th - the Gaelic Culture in Judique

Breakfast then we say goodbye to Iona and head to Judique for lunch and and afternoon music at the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre. There is an exhibit hall and of course great music and chowder! We'll take the slow coast route up to our overnight destination in Cheticamp. Following the cliffs, the road winds impressively up the coast offering stunning views along the way.

Tonight we'll stay at Maison Fiset House, this beautiful historic home was built in 1895 by Father Pierre Fiset for his brother Dr. Napoleon Fiset and his family. Dr. Fiset was the first doctor to practice in the Chéticamp area.

Maison Fiset House was restored in 2011 with multiple terraces featuring a beautiful panoramic view of Cheticamp's ocean, harbour and the majestic Cape Breton Highlands along the world famous Cabot Trail.

Special dinner tonight with music at The Doryman Pub and Grill

d909d9e6332d56e56f9176111abac64d_edited.

cascade-under-fall-foliage-near-uisge-ban-falls-on-cape-breton-island-in-nova-scotia-jetso

canada-nova-scotia-cape-smokey-coastline-cabot-trail-nstb.jpeg

DAY 7 - October 14th - Gypsum Mine Trail - to Ingonish

Breakfast and then a quick drive to our trails for the day. We are going to visit a former old quarry called Gypsum Mine. Now filled in with beautiful aqua water it's a short hike in to the lake through stunning forest. If you are up for it, you can climb up to the viewpoint above the lake and look off over the fall colours.

We'll visit a short trail on our way on to Ingonish called the Bog Trail. Flat and level in keeping with Parks Canada's mandate to protect the natural environment, a boardwalk keeps your feet dry as you walk while preventing you from trampling the fragile life in this highland plateau wetland. Interpretive panels guide you along the trail and explain life here - pitcher plants, delicate orchids, colourful dragonflies, green frogs and gigantic moose if you are lucky!

We'll have a packed lunch for the road so we can stop and look at the scenery and waterfalls along the way.

Tonight we stay at the Island Inn at Ingonish Beach and explore the other side of the park.

Lots of art galleries and art installations along with amazing food in Ingonish. We'll try the famous Coastal Pub for dinner tonight!

DAY 8 - October 15th - Ingonish

Breakfast at the inn and then a leisurely day. We'll have a walk on the beach and in the afternoon visit Cape Smokey via gondola. If the weather is right we'll have fantastic views over the mountains and coast. Packed lunch.

Dinner at the Main Street Grill. Overnight The Island Inn.

DAY 9 - October 16th - Louisbourg

Breakfast at the inn then we are on our way to Fortress Louisbourg

and North Star Beach Suites - a recently renovated property owned by designers Colin and Justin of HGTV fame.

Transplanted from Toronto, they love Cape Breton and have made this stunning resort their home. We'll relax and have a visit to the fort, beach walk and a trip to the lighthouse. We'll pick up a packed lunch from the bakery to have during the day.

I am looking forward to dinner at the Foggy Hermit Restaurant tonight!

DAY 5 - October 12th - Cheticamp - Skyline Trail

Breakfast and now we'll head up to the Cape Breton Highlands and the park trails. Certainly the Skyline Trail is the best known with its spectacular views in the mountains. It's an undemanding hike in and out which will be about 2 - 2.5 hours.

We'll go to the Rusty Anchor in Pleasant Bay for a well earned seafood meal afterwards!

After our late lunch we can explore the Pleasant Bay area, Pilot Whale Museum and take photos. Light dinner on the deck. Overnight Maison Fiset House.

DAY 10 - October 17th - Membertou Heritage Site

Today is our last full day sadly and after breakfast and a beach walk we'll travel to the First Nation community of Membertou in Sydney.

Membertou is an urban and progressive Mi’kmaq community located on Unama’ki – Cape Breton Island.

With a strong focus on community growth through economic development, the spirit of Membertou is driven by its close-knit and vibrant people.

DAY 6 - October 13th - Trois Pignons /Acadian Culture

Breakfast and then we'll learn about the Acadian history and lifestyle in Cheticamp. Built by the Société Saint-Pierre in 1978 at the entrance to the port of Chéticamp to serve as a cultural and information centre, Les Trois Pignons plays a key role in the social, cultural and economic development of this Acadian community.

Les Trois Pignons houses the Museum of the Hooked Rug and Home Life, an Acadian, cultural, genealogical and visitor information centre. On the world famous Cabot Trail, the museum joins the story of the area's settlement with that of the evolution of hooked rugs. The gallery features traditional antiques and contemporary hooked rugs created by local craftspeople as well as masterpieces by world renowned wool artist Elizabeth LeFort. Visitors are also invited to watch rug hooking demonstrations and are encouraged to ask questions about the tools and techniques used by the talented Chéticamp artisans.

9-great-experiences-in-the-membertou-heritage-park-3-e1564766292942.webp

After our visit we'll visit Cheticamp Island for a walk and view of the lighthouse then stop for lunch at the famous Wabo Pizza restaurant. Great view from their deck over the water!

Tonight we'll sample the lovely food at L'abri. A beautiful, locally owned restaurant known for their innovative menu. Overnight Maison Fiset House.

150611240_842179786346909_41952378454702

59619429_363662121161014_4222681765471458105_n_edited.jpg

119608460_2762800770658823_3557347470659501669_n_edited.jpg

Membertou, named after Grand Chief Membertou (1510-1611), is one of five Mi’kmaq communities in Cape Breton and one of thirteen Mi’kmaq communities within the province of Nova Scotia. Membertou is an ever-expanding community, and its current population is 1,695, which includes both on and off-reserve members.

The Membertou Heritage Park consists of a five-acre site that offers a living history of the people of Membertou. A large indoor exhibit and program area offers the visitor full immersion to an ancient culture.

We'll stop for a light lunch at Kiju as we have our farewell dinner tonight at North Star!

Dinner at the resort . Overnight North Star, Louisbourg