Goats Do Roam: The 2nd Most Beautiful Island in the World!

Welcome to

Cape Breton Island!

Rated time and time again, as one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the entire world!

And rated 2nd Most Beautiful Island in the World by National Geographic!

The island is surrounded by the

Gulf of Saint Lawrence
Northumberland Strait
Cabot Strait
Atlantic ocean

Talk about relaxing!

The interior of the island also is no stranger to large bodies of water to catch the eye and calm the mind. Dominated by one of the world’s largest salt water lake “Bras d’Or” (Arm of Gold – in English), the interior holds one of the most unique aquatic ecosystems. (1) If you are seeking a place of natural beauty, and harmonious seclusion, this is it! i did!

If you go in the Fall you can attend one of the largest Celtic Music Festivals in all of Canada!

The island is really special and unique place because all of the areas disclose different geological details, as well as a variety of heritages from Scottish, to Miq'mak, Acadian, Irish, and English.

The cultural influences permeate the language, the food, the villages and hamlets, the music, the people- as is primarily recognized for its Scottish Gaelic heritage.(6) It is not uncommon to hear Celtic music at festivals or in the bars! You definetly dont have to go far to be part of an authentic cultural experience and to see some of the most stunning and unspoiled seaside ecosystems in the world. In fact, this island was rated the 2nd most beautiful island in world by The National Geographic in 2002/03, and rated 3rd by others travel organizations(4)

Here is Baddeck, Cape Breton- at the beginning point of the Cabot Trail. It is right off of the main Lake, The Bra's D'ors.Home to a Yacht Club (with a wonderful and friendly barmaid), The Big Hill Retreat, Baddeck is the ultimate pit stop for Cape Breton villages- especially in the summer!

Above is a great map of Cape Breton Island, actually one of the same maps I had with my while working and travelling there. The yellow line shows the Cabot Trail, and the French flags show where the Acadian communities still exist, even after their expulsion by the English over 200 years ago. Many of the places mentioned in this blog can be seen here.

Some great spots I stopped a long the way:

Myself with Terry-owner at Big Hill Retreat, and 2 woofers from France, Vincent and Vivien.
Usiban Ban Falls, Fall 2009.

Usiban Falls( pronounced Ush-ka-ban): A beautiful waterfall to see, great hike in the Fall! There are 2 trails provided, one a bit longer than the other. This is close to Baddeck, at the beginning and end of the Cabot Trail- Very nice for a day trip and close to Big Hill Retreat.

Check out this video I foundon youtube of a hike to this waterfall!

Meat Cove: If youre looking for an adventure, try going off the beaten path a few kilometers north of Lone Shieling. To get there we found our GPS telling us we were on "Unnamed Road"! which then went from paved.. to gravel.. to dirt... to potholes in dirt.. to..well, a huge rocky cliff in the most Northern community of Nova Scotia overlooking NOTHING but the Atlantic Ocean!

Apparently the road used to be used for moose hunting, and you will see this by all the moose antlers along the roadside. I guess it has lost it's popularity and when the road deteriorated about 50 years ago, noone replaced it! Makes it feel really rustic, and raw. And you can see that mother nature is reclaiming the land. VICTORY! But, you have to be a particular kind of person to enjoy your stay there. Don't expect a tropical beach with fry carts and motels. This is off the beaten path completely. I have to say, I quite enjoyed myself- but be careful! The roads are high on the mountains and close to the water. It can be very dangerous- and stunning!

If you want to see what I mean about this road along the coast, up to Meat Cove,

check out this video!

St. Anns Bay: The East Coast of the East Coast! Great for fishing.
Ingonish: My favourite beach on the island!! Absolutely beautiful, Big round pink rocks, turn to the softest sand youve ever touched with bare feet! <3 I LOVE THIS PLACE!
Lone Shieling: A great place for a long interwoven hike through a 400 year old forest. Be prepared to possibly encounter mountain lions, and coyotes, and from what Ive heard from the locals - Black Pathers! Apparently years ago Cape Breton had a really high population of coyotes, so two black panthers were set free to..."hunt them out"..Years later, rumour has it that the locals have spotted pathers on the island still! Also, I should mention there is a definite lack of people in this area after the peak season, so its not a good place to lock your keys in the car!(I learned this the hard way!) Don't get me wrong- I would still highly recommend and urge you to visit this spectacular place, as long as you are responsible and prepared.
Pleasant Bay: Yet another breathtaking beach, the difference? A small harbour is nestled onto Pleasant Bay where you will see whales spouting water off the shore! You will also find 3 huge concrete cubes, which have been creatively spray painted to resemble 3 matching dice. We had our fun taking pictures with these dice- the simple pleasures of life! The island life!